Blog / Palm Coast Ford OUt Dorrs Activities

5 Unusual Places to Go to in Florida

May 24, 2019 · 3 min read

There's no better way to get up close and personal with a place than exploring the stranger attractions it offers. Florida has plenty — visiting all of them would take quite a long time. But we recommend these five great places to visit if you're looking for something unusual and unforgettable.

1. Bok Tower Gardens

This attraction is more beautiful than it is unusual. In Lake Wales, you'll find the Bok Tower Gardens, with is home to a 60-foot carillon tower that sits on one of the highest mountains in Florida. A carillon consists of bells in a tower that are often played using mechanism, or in this case, a kind of keyboard by a musician. Think of church bell towers that play intricate songs — those are carillons. Around the impressive tower, you'll find beautifully maintained gardens that offer great photo opportunities.

2. Salvador Dali Museum

If you find yourself in St. Petersburg, you need to make a stop at the Salvador Dali Museum. If you're a fan of art, you'll love the fantastic exhibits that feature this world-renowned artist's work. In their permanent collection, you'll find 96 oil painting, as well as other works by Dali. Their collection is made up of over 2,000 works by the artist and provides visitors with an inside look to the eccentric man's life.

3. Monkey Island of Homosassa

In the west-coast town of Homosassa, you'll find Monkey Island, a small island that sounds like what it is. It's full of monkeys. It's in the middle of the Homosassa River and is home to a family of monkeys that have been living there for decades. They're best viewed with a pair of binoculars, as you can't visit the island, but you can easily spend an hour or two watching their antics.

4. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

You don't have to be spiritualist to enjoy they Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp. The camp was established in the 1800s and is one of the continuously operated religious communities in the country. It was created as a safe haven for Spiritualists and is now a community made up mostly of mediums and healers. Attend one of their seminars and classes to learn more about the spirit world, sign up for a spiritual healing session, or attend a church service at Cassadaga.

5. Neptune Memorial Reef

In Key Biscayne, you'll find an underwater memorial that's eerily beautiful. The Neptune Memorial Reef is an artificial reef off of Florida's coast that was made to look like Atlantis, the sunken lost city of lore. It's a popular choice for people who want their cremated remains to be scattered undersea. Those remains become part of the artificial reef to boost the sea's ecology. If you want to visit, you can take a boat out to the coordinates, but you'll need to be able to scuba dive to get close to it.

Take time to explore the stranger side of Florida. There are many unusual places to go here. This short list is just a few of our favorite. Find yours, and let us know what they are.

Image via Flickr by charlie_charm used under CC BY 2.0

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Nov 07, 2019 in Palm Coast Ford OUt Dorrs Activities

5 Inexpensive Places to Explore in Palm Coast, FL on a Budget

Located conveniently off of Interstate 95, Palm Coast, Florida is quickly becoming one of the more popular places in Flagler County. The city is known for having the perfect mix of things to see and do, all while remaining on a budget. From exploring beaches to seeing historic sites, there is always something to experience. If you are looking for some budget-friendly things to do, then look no more. We have compiled a list of our favorite five inexpensive places to explore here in Palm Coast. more 1. Washington Oaks State Park This is definitely a favorite of ours. With admission at only $5 per vehicle, it is definitely a place that won't break the bank either. They have picnic tables, a playground, and beautiful beaches and gardens. You can easily spend a whole day exploring. The kids can bring their bikes and you could go on a hike as well. You can find Washington Oaks State Park at 6400 North Ocean Shore Blvd. 2. River to Sea Preserve Not only is Palm Coast home to some of the greatest beaches around, but it is also home to rivers and lakes. The River to Sea Preserve lies on nearly 100-acres. You can find public beach access, a boardwalk, camping, and kayaking. They also host events year-round to bring the community closer to nature. It is located at 9805 North Ocean Shore Blvd. 3. Florida Agricultural Museum For a unique experience, you can check out the historical Florida Agricultural Museum. You can see what it was like living in Florida before modern-day society. They have farm animals including pigs, horses, and cattle. There is a museum with artifacts dating back more than 100 years. They do offer guided tours and trail rides with reservations and are open from Wednesday through Sunday at 7900 Old Kings Road. 4. Marineland Located just a few miles up the road from Palm Coast is Marineland. Admission is free for children up to 4, $13.95 for kids, and adults are $22.95. While it is one of the pricier places on our list, your admission covers many different animal habitats. They house animals such as sand sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins. Your admission goes to preserving marine life and their many different educational programs. They are open generally from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Marineland Dolphin Adventure is located at 9600 North Ocean Shore Blvd. 5. Waterfront Park This park is a great no-cost place to visit with the whole family. It is 20-acres with access to pavilions, grills, and playgrounds. It is located along the Intracoastal Parkway so you might even get to see dolphins and manatees if you get close to the water. There is also a fishing pier and several trails for walking or riding bicycles. This serene park is a great way to end a busy day while out and about in Palm Coast. Waterfront Park is located at 150 Waterfront Park Road. You can enjoy the city and everything it has to offer even if you are on a budget. Enjoy your next cost-conscious outing while in Palm Coast. Image via Flickr by miamism used under CC BY 2.0

Oct 18, 2019 in Palm Coast Ford OUt Dorrs Activities

Spend a Day at Washington Oaks State Park Near Palm Coast, FL

This state park is one of the most gorgeous places in the entire state of Florida. From the trees to the shoreline, there is no end to the magic you can find at this favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Keep reading for a way to adventure and spend a day when you get a chance to visit Washington Oaks State Park near Palm Coast Florida. more Background Information This state park is located on 425 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and the Matanzas River. It is dedicated to preserving the coastal scenery and the wildlife that call it home. Admission to the park is only $5 per vehicle and you can stay from 8 a.m. until sunset. You can find it at 6400 North Oceanshore Blvd. What to Do There is definitely plenty to do at Washington Oaks. There are bicycle trails available, so remember to bring your helmet! There are several great places to bird watch as it is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. There are a wide variety of birds year-round that you might just be able to catch a glimpse of. If you are looking for birds, chances are you might be looking for other animals too. There are several great recreational fishing spots here as well. There are several species including drum, redfish, bluefish, and flounder. You will also find several different hiking trails here for another great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors. What Amenities are Included? We know that when you plan a day out, you probably want to know what all is located where you are going. Washington Oaks is proud to have several amenities available to visit. There is a large picnic pavilion with grills so you can enjoy a cookout. You will find a playground for the children located close to the picnic area, along with accessible restroom facilities. There is also a portable toilet on the beach. The Beach and Gardens are Both Must-Sees The beach at this state park is one of the most beautiful in the state. The shoreline is lined with coquina rock formations. Picture taking here is one of the visitors' favorite things to do. If you have ever heard of this magical place before then you know that it is known for its gardens. Their formal garden includes exotic plants that come from around the world. It is abundant in azaleas, camellias, and roses. There are also reflecting ponds so you can relax in peace. These are both an absolute must-see when visiting. Are There Any Rules? While there aren't many rules here there are some that must be acknowledged. Pets are allowed but they must be kept on a leash and they can't be left unattended. It is also requested that you leave everything how you found it. Use trash and recycling receptacles to help protect ocean animals. We hope that the next time you are given a chance to visit Washington Oaks State Park you take it and run! There is so much to see and do here that it would be tragic if you missed out. Image via Flickr by rkramer62 used under CC BY 2.0

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