You realize the saying, “It is concerning the journey, not the vacation spot.” We consider that saying might be so true, particularly on street journeys. In case your subsequent street journey takes you thru Florida, we have some wacky roadside sights you merely should make time to see. We’re not promising Disney-World-level manufacturing worth, however why not have fun and a hilarious photo-op when you can?
Take the Scenic Route for These Roadside Sights
The world’s largest alligator. The fountain of youth. A large Pepto-Bismol-colored dinosaur. We’re simply getting began with the roadside sights you will discover all through the Sunshine State. The cornier, the higher. Will you remorse spending cash on the doorway charge? Perhaps, however you will have some nice images to point out for it.
1. Gatorland, Kissimmee
Whereas this attraction has a price ticket that may add up, it is a well-rounded alligator tour if you wish to get within the Florida spirit. At $34.99 per grownup and $24.99 per youngster (ages 3-12), you will get to witness large alligators do their factor in thrilling reveals, which is fairly cool in and of itself. You will get nearer to them and even meet a capybara for an additional charge. The brightly-colored alligator head on the entrance makes for a candy photo-op.
Location: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Path, Orlando, FL 32837
2. Mermaids of Weeki Wachee
How typically are you able to say you have visited a Netflix-famous mermaid operation? Within the present, Merpeople, former mermaids from Weeki Wachee Springs reminisce on their performances that started in 1947. To at the present time, you possibly can expertise breathtaking underwater mermaid reveals included in admission to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. If it is heat sufficient outdoors, pack your swimsuits to dive into the springs your self. USA Right this moment named it the finest roadside attraction in Florida.
Location: 6131 Business Approach, Spring Hill, FL 34606
3. Dinosaur World, Plant Metropolis
When you drive previous a large T-Rex determine on the interstate between Tampa and Orlando, you will know you are near Dinosaur World. Regardless of the identify’s implications, this no-frills attraction is quaint, particularly in comparison with different theme parks within the state. Nonetheless, you will get to walk via a whole bunch of life-sized dinosaur replicas immersed in nature for an admission charge. It’s going to really feel like a mini Jurassic Park.
Location: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant Metropolis, FL 33565
4. Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine
We might argue that an opportunity at everlasting youth is definitely worth the pit cease. Simply accessible from fashionable Florida interstates and highways is Ponce de Leon’s legendary Fountain of Youth, and you may truly take a sip from its springs. Nestled in St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest metropolis, you will uncover a lot about its wealthy historical past whereas stretching your legs.
Location: 11 Magnolia Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
5. Oldest Surviving Goofy Golf, Fort Walton Seaside
Decked-out mini golf programs are among the most entertaining sights to drive previous (and play at) in seaside cities. Established in 1958, Goofy Golf in Fort Walton is certainly one of America’s first quirky putt-putt programs. It has a large cement dinosaur on the entrance in addition to windmills, sharks, and snakes to golf via alongside the programs. This cease brings nostalgia worth and enjoyable for all ages at only a few bucks per individual.
Location: 401 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Seaside, FL 32547
6. Tootsie Statue, Bradenton
Drive via outdated 301 in Bradenton and wave hey to Tootsie, one of many nation’s few remaining “Uniroyal gals,” in response to Roadside America. This patriotic California-made determine dons a crimson, white, and blue swimsuit and stands tall earlier than Edmunds Metalworks. Regardless of her youthful appears, she dates again to the Sixties. You are welcome to snap a photograph together with her to recollect the journey.
Location: 6111 fifteenth St. E., Bradenton, FL 34203
7. Betsy the Lobster, Islamorada
Put together to stand up shut and private with what’s believed to be the world’s largest lobster sculpture. Betsy is 30 toes excessive, 40 toes lengthy, and extremely detailed. Sitting conveniently alongside the Abroad Freeway, it is simple to drag over and marvel on the 12-legged crustacean. Although, it might make you second guess the following time you dig right into a lobster roll. Locals know her as probably the most photographed landmarks within the Florida Keys.
Location: 86700 Abroad Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
8. Swampy: World’s Largest Alligator, Christmas
Fearful of getting chomped by a gator in Florida? Don’t be concerned; this one would not chunk. Swampy is nothing wanting a formidable roadside attraction. He spans 200 toes lengthy and encapsulates a ticket counter and reward store for Jungle Adventures Animal Park. In line with the World File Academy, it is the biggest alligator-shaped constructing on the earth.
Location: 26205 E. Colonial Drive, Christmas, FL 32709
9. World’s Smallest Police Station, Carrabelle
You do not have to get tousled with the legislation to make a cease at this station. There’s solely sufficient room for one individual to slot in there at a time. Whereas it is now not operational, this phone-booth-turned-police-station used to assist the small city of Carrabelle mitigate a excessive quantity of long-distance calls hogging the police cellphone. Now, it makes for an ideal memento photo-op.
Location: 102 Ave A N, Carrabelle, FL 32322
10. Reptile World Serpentarium, St. Cloud
When you’re getting drowsy in your street journey, attempt coming face-to-face with among the world’s most venomous snakes for a jolt. Positioned proper outdoors of Orlando, Reptile World is the place you possibly can maintain a snake or child alligator and watch a venom extraction present that appears as fascinating because it sounds. You possibly can watch iguanas sunbathe or feed the turtles on the tamer aspect.
Location: 5705 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, St Cloud, FL 34771
11. Skunk Ape Analysis Headquarters, Ochopee
When you’ve by no means heard of a skunk ape, enable us to introduce you to Florida’s model of Bigfoot. Allegedly dwelling among the many Everglades marsh, discovering these elusive creatures has been the life aim of native Dave Shealy. He opened the official Skunk Ape Analysis Headquarters to deal with investigations and share his findings with road-trippers such as you. Earlier than you notice one, you may odor one, as they earned their identify for a motive.
Location: 40904 Tamiami Path East, Ochopee, Florida, 34141
12. The Possum Monument, Wausau, FL
This cease is not flashy, however how typically are you able to say you have visited a monument devoted to possums? In-built 1982, this tribute stands in honor of the furry creatures that helped the tiny city of Wausau as a vital meals supply through the Nice Despair. In line with Atlas Obscura, there are extra possums within the city than individuals.
Location: Intersection of 2nd Ave and Washington St, Wausau, Florida 32463
13. Spongeorama, Tarpon Springs
Spongebob may be the place your sponge data begins and ends. Because it seems, there’s loads to study concerning the naturally occurring organism. About 90% of the world’s sea sponges come from Tarpon Springs, and you should buy one for your self at Spongeorama. Cease by to turn into a “sponge professional” and discover ways to look after them in order that they final for years.
Location: 510 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
14. Half ‘n’ Half the Two-Headed Calf, St. Petersburg
You’ll have heard Laura Gilpin’s poem a few two-headed calf who noticed twice as many stars as normal. Now, you possibly can see one for your self. Half ‘n’ Half, born in 1925, has two heads, two tails, and 6 legs. It is immortalized within the St. Petersburg Museum of Historical past, amongst many different oddities, like a 3,000-year-old mummy and the world’s most intensive assortment of autographed baseballs.
Location: 335 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
15. Pepto-Bismol Pink Dinosaur, Spring Hill
We cannot attempt to sugarcoat it. This spot is simply a chance to take a hilarious image with a goofy-looking, very pink dinosaur. Standing 22 toes excessive and periodically restored with a contemporary coat of pink paint, it is a must-see. You possibly can kill time attempting to guess precisely which dinosaur species this statue belongs to. There are not any incorrect solutions.
Location: 3273 Business Approach, Spring Hill, FL 34606
16. World’s Largest Miniature Circus, Sarasota
Although its identify is a little bit of an oxymoron, this circus mannequin is a sight to behold. With 42,000 items spanning 3,800 sq. toes, the nearer you look, the extra spectacular particulars you see. Every part from hovering acrobats to elephant rides is within the Howard Bros. Circus. You may discover it throughout the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, celebrating every little thing circus-related.
Location: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
17. Chocolate Mount Rushmore, Orlando
Opening a spot devoted to chocolate sculptures appears dangerous in a sweltering state like Florida, however this museum makes it work. After a guided tour via a mini-chocolate manufacturing unit, you get to the true deal with: strong chocolate sculptures of the world’s most well-known landmarks. Take a gander at scrumptious, meltable variations of Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, Massive Ben, and extra. Roadside America says there’s additionally a life-sized chocolate Andy Warhol head.
Location: 11701 Worldwide Dr #400, Orlando, FL 32821
18. Whimzeyland, Security Harbor
So far as roadside sights go, it would not get rather more colourful and zany than Whimzeyland. This brightly painted home has garnered artsy decorations from sculptures to work and several other hundred bowling balls for over 20 years. You may discover one thing new at each flip as you discover the property, owned by native artists Todd and Kiaralinda.
Location: 1206 third St. N., Security Harbor, FL 34695
19. Coral Fort, Homestead
As the doorway signal says, you will see an uncommon accomplishment at Coral Fort. At first look, it might look atypical, however this fortress is exclusive. It was constructed solely by one man, Ed Leedskalnin, over 28 years. No one is aware of why he did it, however the fantastical stone-carved fortress he left behind will depart you mystified.
Location: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, FL 33033
20. Smallest Publish Workplace within the US, Ochopee
After you have seen the world’s smallest police station, it is solely becoming that you just’d make your strategy to the smallest publish workplace, too. It is totally purposeful as each a publish workplace and ticket station, so you possibly can really feel actually cool writing house to your people the old style method. In line with the USPS, vacationers and stamp collectors go to every day to snag an Ochopee postmark.
Location: 38000 Tamiami Path E, Ochopee, FL 34141
21. Nibbles the Hungry Shark, Marathon
Proper outdoors of Shady Palm Artwork Gallery, a store that includes items from native Florida Keys artists, is a splendidly kitschy roadside photo-op. You and your crew can snap a photograph that screams “Florida trip” from contained in the mouth of Nibbles the Hungry Shark.
Location: 2888 Abroad Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
22. Massive Gorilla, Crystal River
Not every single day you get to sit down within the arms of a 12-foot-tall gorilla. This towering primate appears nearly as good as new, and you will have a humorous pic to publish when the street journey ends. What extra can we are saying? This spot is what cheesy roadside sights are all about.
Location: 2021 US-19, Crystal River, FL 34428
23. Pirate and Treasure Museum, St. Augustine
Ahoy, mateys. Get this. St. Augustine is house to certainly one of two surviving cranium and crossbones flags and the world’s solely verified pirate treasure chest. With 800+ pirate artifacts, interactive reveals, scavenger hunts, and memorabilia (like Captain Hook’s hook from Hook)—it is a fairly superior place to drag over for a spell.
Location: 12 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084
24. Stroll Throughout Tiny Bridges, Jacksonville
For some motive, Jacksonville has a cluster of 5 to-scale replicas of town’s bridges in certainly one of its parks. It is an ideal spot to take the time and stretch your legs as you stroll via the small constructions. When you’ve acquired additional time afterward, you possibly can spot the full-sized variations round city.
Location: 101 W. State St., Jacksonville, FL 32202
25. Inspiration for Evil Chucky Doll, Key West
Whether or not you are a horror fan or not, this evil doll is a frightfully enjoyable sight. At over 100 years outdated, Robert the Doll has wasted no time haunting individuals in his lifetime. Now, he is confined to a glass show case, supposedly created to maintain his evil contained. It is speculated that he impressed the creation of Chucky from the 1988 cult-classic Kid’s Play. Take a pic with him at your personal danger.
Location: Fort East Mortello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040
