With the Atlantic Ocean to its east and the Gulf of Mexico to its west, Florida is the state with the most southeasterly location in the US. As a result, it has miles and miles of sandy beaches, wildlife refuges, and sunny, energetic cities that are brimming with Latin American and Caribbean cultures. And this means there are a few hidden gems in Florida to explore.

 

When it comes to hidden gems in Florida, the ‘Sunshine State’ has several lovely, less well-known remote beaches, natural attractions, and parks outside of the cities, despite the fact that many tourists come for the state’s traditional attractions like Miami or Disney World.

 

Check out our list of some of Florida’s best hidden gems, grab your sunscreen and camera, pack your backs and start making the plans for your next vacation so you can experience everything the Sunshine State has to offer. There are so many incredible places in Florida that you’ll never run out of options.

Hidden Gems in Florida Pin

Hidden Gems In Florida You Must Explore

South Walton

First on our list of hidden gems in Florida is South Walton. According to folklore, paddleboarding is to Florida what snow skiing is to Colorado.

 

Florida is a paddler’s paradise, much like the Rockies are for skiers, with one important exception: you can paddle anywhere in Florida all year. For any beginner, South Walton’s beaches, Seaside, Miramar, and Grayton, offer an unrivaled variety of standup paddleboarding experiences.

 

The Gulf of Mexico should come first. The emerald Gulf is level and a bump-free ride on balmy mornings along the Northwest Florida coast before the southerly winds rise. A paddle here offers a panoramic view of the horizon-spanning, snow-white beaches.

 

The experience could also provide close encounters with wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles.

 

The coastal dune lakes are a rare natural occurrence that only occurs in a few locations worldwide. The lakes are frequently wind-sheltered for paddlers, especially beginners, making them excellent locations to develop confidence.

 

When paddlers reach that point of comfort, they might traverse an outfall where the brown water of the dune lake meets the emerald Gulf of Mexico.