Wild n' Weird Florida roadtrip ideas?

[Anonymous]

I want to do a roadtrip with my kids this summer through "weird" Florida. You know, gatorland and such. Basically tour a bunch of the the old-timey Florida-weird attractions. Nothing polished and fancy like Disney, Universal, etc.

What are some must-see, sideshow-y, super Florida places (that are also safe for kids)? Motels, attractions, dining, I'm all ears. Kids are 8 and 10.

[Anonymous]

Definitely this:

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park/mermaid-shows

[Anonymous]

Be sure to check some interior springs. They’re truly beautiful. Look at Juniper Springs or Alexander or Silver Glen Springs. There are many.

On your way, stop by a statue shop! http://www.barbervilleroadside.com/

And the Fairchild Oak, a huge old tree! https://maps.app.goo.gl/CBe2GYR7JeZbWdZx7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/florida/recreation

[Anonymous]

Not quite weird so much as just old Florida: Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. And head out to St. Pete Beach for some seriously old putt putt at Polynesian Putter (if it survived Helene and Milton).

[Anonymous]

Where are you going? Florida is huge!

[Anonymous]

Everywhere in Florida is “weird” if you’re female or gay. I personally would not give one cent to that state.

[Anonymous]

You should definitely go to that place in the Keys where you feed the tarpons.

[Anonymous]

Weeki Wachee mermaid show, Silver Springs State Park, Tarpon Springs

[Anonymous]

Airboat ride in Everglades.
Smoked mackerel or mullet at Ted Peters in South Pasadena Fl. Cash only closed T.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Weeki Wachee mermaid show, Silver Springs State Park, Tarpon Springs

PP, also just thought of Cracker Country and Heritage Village

[Anonymous]

Tubing the Ichetucknee River.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely this:

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park/mermaid-shows

I live in Florida and was just going to suggest Weeki Wachee - it's a lot of fun

Def go kayaking in one of the springs - you can do it at Weeki Wachee, but there are a whole load of beautiful parks with gorgeous springs throughout the state

Coral Castle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Castle

Solomon's Castle: http://solomonscastle.com/

This historic make your own pancake restaurant in one of the Florida state parks (we're taking a trip there in a couple of weeks!): https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/de-leon-springs-state-park/old-sugar-mill-pancake-house

[Anonymous]

Canoeing the Ocklawaha River.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Definitely this:

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/weeki-wachee-springs-state-park/mermaid-shows

I live in Florida and was just going to suggest Weeki Wachee - it's a lot of fun

Def go kayaking in one of the springs - you can do it at Weeki Wachee, but there are a whole load of beautiful parks with gorgeous springs throughout the state

Coral Castle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Castle

Solomon's Castle: http://solomonscastle.com/

This historic make your own pancake restaurant in one of the Florida state parks (we're taking a trip there in a couple of weeks!): https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/de-leon-springs-state-park/old-sugar-mill-pancake-house

^ me again

Check out more listings on Roadside America: https://www.roadsideamerica.com/location/fl, and Atlas Obscura: https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/florida

It'll be a fun trip even though it is boiling hot in the summer!

[Anonymous]

Drive to Apalachicola on Highway 98. We saw a Florida Black Bear cross the road.