Florida is renowned for its quirky roadside attractions, offering a mix of bizarre, fascinating, and nostalgic stops that add a unique twist to any road trip. Here are 11 of the weirdest Florida roadside attractions worth stopping for:
- The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters, Ochopee
- Dedicated to the legendary Skunk Ape, Florida’s version of Bigfoot, this attraction features exhibits, memorabilia, and even a campground for overnight stays.
- Solomon’s Castle, Ona
- Built by artist Howard Solomon using recycled materials, this whimsical castle offers tours, an art gallery, and a quirky restaurant.
- Coral Castle, Homestead
- A mysterious limestone structure built by Edward Leedskalnin, Coral Castle is famous for its engineering marvels and romantic legends.
- Spook Hill, Lake Wales
- Legend has it that cars will roll up this hill due to supernatural forces, making it a fun and spooky stop.
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
- Famous for its live mermaid shows, this park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and kitsch entertainment.
- Gatorland, Orlando
- Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, along with live shows and a zip line.
- Dinosaur World, Plant City
- A theme park filled with life-sized dinosaur sculptures, offering a fun and educational experience for families.
- The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine
- This park commemorates Ponce de León’s search for eternal youth and features historical reenactments and a spring believed by some to be the mythical fountain.
- The World’s Largest Alligator, Christmas
- Part of Jungle Adventures, this massive alligator sculpture welcomes visitors to a park filled with real gators and other exotic animals.
- Betsy the Lobster, Islamorada
- A giant lobster sculpture located at the Rain Barrel Artisan Village, perfect for quirky photos.
- The Possum Monument, Wausau
- A unique tribute to the opossum, recognizing its role in providing food and fur for early settlers.
These attractions showcase Florida’s eccentric side, blending natural wonders with kitschy entertainment and historical oddities.
SOURCES
- https://www.thesunshinerepublic.com/p/floridas-quirky-roadside-attractions
- https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/attractions-florida-retro-theme-parks/
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/florida/bizarre-roadside-attractions-fl
- https://www.orlandoweekly.com/orlando/more-than-20-central-florida-roadside-attractions-everyone-should-visit-at-least-once/Slideshow/33870558
