Legend suggests these six haunted places in Florida are visited by ghosts. We’re skeptical but one thing we’re sure of: These are beautiful, evocative spots worth discovering at Halloween or any time of year.
Historic
Florida Rambler is always on the lookout for places that capture the Florida that is being lost to expressways and development. We include historic destinations, Florida landmarks and places where the past lives on in big and small ways. Here’s a scene from Micanopy, located right off I-75 near Gainesville.
Old Florida scenic drive: Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach to Stuart
The west side of the Indian River Lagoon has an Old Florida flavor — especially the scenic 20-mile drive between Stuart and Fort Pierce. The region has enough places to explore to make a great getaway.
Mount Dora: 12 things I love about this delightful town
Mount Dora has a lively downtown and a well-preserved historic district on a pretty lake. It’s a walkable small town with good dining and shopping. We love the great kayaking and biking nearby.
Braden River: Kayak from Jiggs Landing to Linger Lodge for Old Florida feel
Kayaking the Braden River, with time at Jiggs Landing and Linger Lodge in Bradenton, is a delightful trip back into Old Florida along the Gulf Coast. Both outposts date to the 1940s and the scenic river that connects them preserves much of its natural beauty.
Old Seven Mile Bridge: One of a kind; worth seeing on drive down the Keys
The Old Seven Mile Bridge in Marathon is a must-stop on the Overseas Highway. Its history and scenic beauty make it a great place to walk or bike. The bridge ends at Pigeon Key, which you can tour to learn its fascinating story.
Wakulla Springs State Park: Chill in a spring at an Old Florida lodge
Wakulla Springs State Park has a historic lodge, spectacular spring/swimming hole, scenic boat rides and many spots to hike, bike and kayak nearby. The Big Bend region of Florida is often overlooked by visitors, who are missing out on a rustic, rural area.
7 things to do in St. Petersburg for an Old Florida flavor
St. Petersburg is full of Old Florida treasures, from a beautiful brick 1927 comfort station next to the new bayfront pier to the Sunken Gardens, a cherished roadside attraction complete with a flock of flamingoes. St. Pete has grown younger and livelier, but it retains much of its original charm.
Historic Key West cemetery: A scenic stop that is full of stories
The cemetery in Key West is a lot like the city itself: quirky, crowded, colorful and full of history. The site has a forlorn almost spooky air. Take a walking tour and discover fascinating stories of Key West and its people.
Wind-swept Huguenot Park: Pristine beach with camping on a Jacksonville sandbar
This sandy campground near Jacksonville is a beach lover’s dream.
11 ways to enjoy Palm Beach island history, beauty & recreation
The island of Palm Beach is the exclusive winter home of billionaires. For the rest of us, it’s a fun place to gawk at mansions and their ficus hedges sculpted into works of art. The town is full of history, too, from Henry Flagler to JFK to Donald Trump.