Florida is home to some of the quirkiest roadside attractions in the country, blending natural wonders, offbeat history, and creative kitsch. Here are ten of the strangest that are absolutely worth taking a break for on your next road trip:
1. Coral Castle — Built by a lovelorn Latvian immigrant, Edward Leedskalnin, in Homestead, this hand-sculpted “castle” is made entirely from coral rock and features massive stone furniture and mysterious astronomical alignments, all constructed using unknown methods.
2. Weeki Wachee Springs — Famous for its live mermaid shows, this attraction lets you watch performers in elaborate costumes swim gracefully in an underwater theater, a tradition dating back to 1947.
3. Solomon’s Castle — In Ona, artist Howard Solomon built a shining castle from recycled materials, complete with a moat, a boat-themed restaurant, and whimsical galleries filled with his eccentric art.
4. Spook Hill — Located in Lake Wales, this gravity-defying optical illusion makes cars appear to roll uphill in neutral, sparking legends of ghosts and supernatural forces.
5. The World’s Smallest Police Station — Carrabelle’s tiny police station is actually a repurposed phone booth, installed in 1963 to keep officers dry in the rain and now a quirky photo op for visitors.
6. The Possum Monument — In Wausau, this monument honors the opossum’s role in feeding early settlers and is the centerpiece of an annual festival celebrating the marsupial.
7. Skunk Ape Headquarters — Located in Ochopee, this roadside stop is dedicated to Florida’s answer to Bigfoot, featuring exhibits, memorabilia, and a campground where you might just spot the elusive Skunk Ape.
8. Gatorland — Near Orlando, this classic roadside attraction is packed with alligators and crocodiles, a giant gator-mouth entrance, and even offers ziplining over gator-filled pits.
9. Dinosaur World — In Plant City, this park features over 200 life-sized dinosaur statues, fossil digs, and educational displays for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages.
10. The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park — In St. Augustine, you can drink from a spring believed by some to be the legendary Fountain of Youth sought by Ponce de León, surrounded by historic re-enactments and roaming peacocks.
These attractions capture the spirit of Florida’s oddball charm and are perfect for adding a little whimsy to any road trip.
Sources:
- https://floricuanews.com/2022/08/23/floridas-weirdest-roadside-attractions/
- https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/attractions-florida-retro-theme-parks/
- https://thesunshinerepublic.com/2024/08/29/floridas-quirky-roadside-attractions/
- https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/quirky-roadside-attractions-florida/