Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Florida, United States

Situated on 50 acres of previous wastewater utility property, Wakodahatchee is a constructed wetlands that is free to the public. The site features a three-quarter mile boardwalk that crosses between open water pond areas and islands. A part of the South section of the Great Florida Birding Trail, Wakodahatchee is home to an abundance of wildlife as more than 178 bird species have been identified along with turtles, alligators, rabbits, fish, frogs and raccooons.

Tucked away in a corner of Northwest Florida, far from crowded theme parks and packed beaches, you will find a piece of the old Florida offering solitude and simplicity for sun seekers, families, outdoor adventurers, nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! : Eight lush acres of endangered wildlife surrounded by a botanical garden situated in the palmetto and pine forest of West Palm Beach! Over 200 animals from White Tigers to African Lions, Black Leopards, Ligers, Lynx and Amur Leopards seen from just four feet away. You can't get any closer than this by law! Hands on experiences with alligators, snakes, tarantulas, and who knows what else. You will have to come by and experience it for yourself! We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit wildlife rescue facility that take in injured native wildlife, orphaned babies, and unwanted exotic pets! Your experience here helps us with the tremendous expense of caring for our animals. Price is $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children (ages 5yrs.-15yrs).

**The Butterfly Rainforest exhibit is open to the public. To ensure a safe environment for all visitors, the exhibit has limited entry, a mask requirement and follows a one-way path. Daily Butterfly Spotlights are temporarily paused. For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/museum-blog/covid-19-update.** The Butterfly Rainforest is a 6,400-square-foot screened exhibit exposed to typical Florida weather conditions, resulting in a more natural environment for the butterflies and plants. This living exhibit features hundreds of free-flying butterflies, typically more than 50 species at any given time, birds from around the world and an assortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand. The lush landscape is planted in tropical trees and colorful flowering plants amid waterfalls and a walking path. Skilled interpretive staff are available to help answer questions and provide visitors with a personal and highly engaging experience.

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving, forever home for endangered big cats, and to educate the public about their plight in the wild and in captivity. We do not breed, sell, or trade any of our animals. Our current residents include tigers, lions, leopards, pumas, servals, bobcats, foxes, and coatimundis. Check our website for the most accurate information; generally, we are open every day in the afternoon with admittance between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. You can also watch our Facebook Live tours on Tuesday and Thursday at 4:00 PM, and watch our Facebook Live night feeding fundraisers on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 PM.

Our founders, the Thompsons, connected over a mutual love of animals, and thereafter discovered an unknown breed of horse, developed by British Gypsies, while traveling through the English countryside. After a four-year journey to understand these horses and the culture that created them, they took part in naming them, the Gypsy Vanner horse. The Gypsy Gold Farm is home to the first 16 registered horses of a breed that's now 6,000 animals strong with registries . Their 40-acre farm is a Central Florida Trip Advisor favorite, education and cultural oasis, where visitors learn about one of the most colorful and least understood societies on earth and the magical Vanner Horses they envisioned. Farm tours are available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:00 am and last for two hours. Tickets may be purchased on our website.

St. Augustine Distillery is a locally owned and operated, artisanal spirits distillery in historic, downtown St. Augustine. Located within a beautifully restored ice plant from the turn-of-the-century, our mission is simple: Educate and inspire our guests about our handcrafted, award-winning rum, bourbon whiskey, gin, and vodka. All of our spirits are made from local and regional agricultural products. The result is undeniable; world-class spirits that create the best local cocktails imaginable. Come taste for yourself. St. Augustine Distillery offers free tours and tastings seven days a week.

Online reservations only. No walk-ins allowed. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 13,000 acre Preserve. The Sanctuary is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00am-3:00pm with last admission at 1:00 pm. Timed tickets are available for 8am-10am, 10:30am-12:30pm, 1pm-3pm. Visitors will find a gentle, pristine wilderness that dates back more than 500 years. A 2.25 mile boardwalk meanders through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh and finally into the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. These impressive trees, relatives of the redwood, tower 130 feet into the sky and have a girth of 25 feet. Their massive branches are draped with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and ferns. The forest is also home to alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, raptors and the fabulous Painted Bunting can be seen throughout the year. Photo opportunities are available at every turn of the boardwalk trail.