What we're talking about here are the absolute most Florida things you can possibly do in Florida. So, with that in mind, what you have here are a few truly unique activities that you can only do in The Sunshine State.
The 25 absolute weirdest things you can do only in Florida
By Orlando Weekly Staff on Fri, Feb 26, 2016 at 11:48 pm
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Spend the night in the underwater hotel
Jules’ Undersea Lodge l 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo l (305) 451-2353
Although appropriately named after Jules Verne, you won’t have to travel twenty thousand leagues under the sea to visit this underwater escape. You do have to scuba dive to your room though, which is located 21 feet underneath the water’s surface. Although it’s more like an old submarine than a posh hotel, it’s definitely a view you won’t find anywhere else.
Photo via Facebook
Jules’ Undersea Lodge l 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo l (305) 451-2353
Although appropriately named after Jules Verne, you won’t have to travel twenty thousand leagues under the sea to visit this underwater escape. You do have to scuba dive to your room though, which is located 21 feet underneath the water’s surface. Although it’s more like an old submarine than a posh hotel, it’s definitely a view you won’t find anywhere else.
Photo via Facebook
Check out the World Erotic Art Museum
World Erotic Art Museum l 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach l (305) 532-9336
WEAM is the only museum in the United States devoted entirely to fine erotic art. The museum’s collection includes over 4,000 works of sultry, scandalous pieces dating back as far as 300 BCE, all of which is a pretty safe bet would be categorized “NSFW.” Let’s just say it’s not the best place to go if you’re spending the day with your mother-in-law.
Photo via H L./Yelp
World Erotic Art Museum l 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach l (305) 532-9336
WEAM is the only museum in the United States devoted entirely to fine erotic art. The museum’s collection includes over 4,000 works of sultry, scandalous pieces dating back as far as 300 BCE, all of which is a pretty safe bet would be categorized “NSFW.” Let’s just say it’s not the best place to go if you’re spending the day with your mother-in-law.
Photo via H L./Yelp
Look for a skunk ape
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters l 40904 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee l (239) 695-2275
The Everglades is home to large, hairy Skunk Ape, a relative of the elusive Big Foot. People speculate that the Skunk Ape smells like methane or rotten eggs because it sleeps in abandoned alligator dens with dead animal carcasses. Join the two-day adventure where you can ride airboats, drive swamp buggies and trek through the muck looking for a glimpse of mysterious creature.
Photo via topensandoemviajar/Instagram
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters l 40904 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee l (239) 695-2275
The Everglades is home to large, hairy Skunk Ape, a relative of the elusive Big Foot. People speculate that the Skunk Ape smells like methane or rotten eggs because it sleeps in abandoned alligator dens with dead animal carcasses. Join the two-day adventure where you can ride airboats, drive swamp buggies and trek through the muck looking for a glimpse of mysterious creature.
Photo via topensandoemviajar/Instagram
Step inside the world’s smallest police station
World’s Smallest Police Station l 105 St. James Street, Carrabelle l 850-697-2585
This tiny station started out as a police phone box built to protect police officers from inclement weather while they made calls, but since its creation in 1963, it has been promoted to full “station.” The booth is more of a museum than a functioning office however, as the insides are crammed with the municipal building’s history. The spot was featured on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and The Today Show, but has also received a lot of negative attention and has even been shot at before.
Photo via Angela F. W./Yelp
World’s Smallest Police Station l 105 St. James Street, Carrabelle l 850-697-2585
This tiny station started out as a police phone box built to protect police officers from inclement weather while they made calls, but since its creation in 1963, it has been promoted to full “station.” The booth is more of a museum than a functioning office however, as the insides are crammed with the municipal building’s history. The spot was featured on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and The Today Show, but has also received a lot of negative attention and has even been shot at before.
Photo via Angela F. W./Yelp
Kayak through a bioluminescent lagoon
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge l Titusville l (321) 268-2655
During the cooler months between October and May, paddle your kayak through the waters of the Indian River Lagoon and watch as the water around you begins to glow from the light of bioluminescent comb jellyfish. Come back again during the summer where every movement in the water, from a speeding fish to a meandering manatee, produces a stream of bright blue-green light.
Photo via Reddit
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge l Titusville l (321) 268-2655
During the cooler months between October and May, paddle your kayak through the waters of the Indian River Lagoon and watch as the water around you begins to glow from the light of bioluminescent comb jellyfish. Come back again during the summer where every movement in the water, from a speeding fish to a meandering manatee, produces a stream of bright blue-green light.
Photo via Reddit
Take a ghost tour of Cassadaga
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp l 1112 Stevens Street, Cassadaga l (386) 228-2880
Cassadaga is a town known for its mediums, psychics and spiritualists. By day you can have your fortune told or your palm read, but the most fun comes out at night. By the light of a full moon you can walk through the town’s historic buildings looking for energy “hot spots,” where a spirit could just materialize long enough for you to snap a selfie. #callingallghostbusters
Photo via Arianna Nicolette S./Yelp
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp l 1112 Stevens Street, Cassadaga l (386) 228-2880
Cassadaga is a town known for its mediums, psychics and spiritualists. By day you can have your fortune told or your palm read, but the most fun comes out at night. By the light of a full moon you can walk through the town’s historic buildings looking for energy “hot spots,” where a spirit could just materialize long enough for you to snap a selfie. #callingallghostbusters
Photo via Arianna Nicolette S./Yelp
Visit the Hamburger museum
International Hamburger Hall of Fame l 115 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach l (386) 254-8753
This “museum” is actually the lifetime collection Hamburger Harry, a German-immigrant who keeps more than a thousand hamburger-related items in his house. Everything on display is sandwhich related, from banks, cookie jars, music boxes and ceramics. But the pinnacles of the collection have to be Harry’s Cheeseburger Waterbed, his Hamburger Harley Davidson and the actual Good Burger Mobile from the Nickelodeon movie. If you don’t leave with a newfound appreciation for burgers, at least you’ll probably really be craving some Mickey D’s.
Photo via Facebook
International Hamburger Hall of Fame l 115 Mason Ave., Daytona Beach l (386) 254-8753
This “museum” is actually the lifetime collection Hamburger Harry, a German-immigrant who keeps more than a thousand hamburger-related items in his house. Everything on display is sandwhich related, from banks, cookie jars, music boxes and ceramics. But the pinnacles of the collection have to be Harry’s Cheeseburger Waterbed, his Hamburger Harley Davidson and the actual Good Burger Mobile from the Nickelodeon movie. If you don’t leave with a newfound appreciation for burgers, at least you’ll probably really be craving some Mickey D’s.
Photo via Facebook
Visit the Johnny Donutseed statue
Capital City Travel Center l 2716 Gamble Rd., Monticello l 850-997-3538
Johnny Appleseed has given up his healthy diet of red fruit and has turned, as many proud Americans have, to the comfort of donuts and coffee in this 11-foot statue standing guard at one of the oldest truck stops in North Florida. This folk hero originally stood outside a restaurant, but has since left the orchard-life behind him by turning his tin-pot hat into a trucker’s cap to better fit in with the highway crowd.
Photo via mdcainjr/Instagram
Capital City Travel Center l 2716 Gamble Rd., Monticello l 850-997-3538
Johnny Appleseed has given up his healthy diet of red fruit and has turned, as many proud Americans have, to the comfort of donuts and coffee in this 11-foot statue standing guard at one of the oldest truck stops in North Florida. This folk hero originally stood outside a restaurant, but has since left the orchard-life behind him by turning his tin-pot hat into a trucker’s cap to better fit in with the highway crowd.
Photo via mdcainjr/Instagram
Explore the Key West cemetery with offbeat epithets
Key West Cemetery l 701 Passover Ln, Key West l (305) 292-8177
When you go to a graveyard, you don’t usually expect to burst out laughing. But at this cemetery in Key West, the dearly departed’s last words are more goofy than grave. Much like the city itself, the cemetery is filled with quirky residents who, even dead, have a lot to say. One gravestone belonging to B.P Roberts reads “I told you I was sick” while another resident nearby charmingly had, “I’m just resting my eyes,” inscribed on her resting place.
Photo via Jamie R./Yelp
Key West Cemetery l 701 Passover Ln, Key West l (305) 292-8177
When you go to a graveyard, you don’t usually expect to burst out laughing. But at this cemetery in Key West, the dearly departed’s last words are more goofy than grave. Much like the city itself, the cemetery is filled with quirky residents who, even dead, have a lot to say. One gravestone belonging to B.P Roberts reads “I told you I was sick” while another resident nearby charmingly had, “I’m just resting my eyes,” inscribed on her resting place.
Photo via Jamie R./Yelp
Browse redwood tree real estate
Allen’s Original Redwood Log House l 1978 Park Ave, Tarpon Springs l (813) 765-0077
This fully-furnished, three room abode was hand carved in 1939 by only two men from a 1,900-year-old California redwood tree. Before it was cut down, Allen’s tree home stood 267 feet high and measured 14 feet in diameter. Just like their living counterparts, log houses like this can often survive for generations. The home is based in Tarpon Springs, but is often traveling the country for people to experience its magnitude in person, so call ahead before stopping by.
Photo via Facebook
Allen’s Original Redwood Log House l 1978 Park Ave, Tarpon Springs l (813) 765-0077
This fully-furnished, three room abode was hand carved in 1939 by only two men from a 1,900-year-old California redwood tree. Before it was cut down, Allen’s tree home stood 267 feet high and measured 14 feet in diameter. Just like their living counterparts, log houses like this can often survive for generations. The home is based in Tarpon Springs, but is often traveling the country for people to experience its magnitude in person, so call ahead before stopping by.
Photo via Facebook
Eat lunch with an astronaut at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex l Kennedy Space Center, SR 405 l (321) 449-4400
If you’ve ever played the old “if you could have a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be” game and answered “astronaut,” now’s chance to make it a reality. Sit down to a buffet style meal with a veteran NASA astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center and hear firsthand what it’s like to be blasted into outer space. Ask anything you’ve ever wanted to know about being an astronaut and then snap a selfie with a space explorer.
Photo via spacecampusa/Instagram
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex l Kennedy Space Center, SR 405 l (321) 449-4400
If you’ve ever played the old “if you could have a meal with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be” game and answered “astronaut,” now’s chance to make it a reality. Sit down to a buffet style meal with a veteran NASA astronaut at the Kennedy Space Center and hear firsthand what it’s like to be blasted into outer space. Ask anything you’ve ever wanted to know about being an astronaut and then snap a selfie with a space explorer.
Photo via spacecampusa/Instagram
Walk through a Monkey Jungle
Monkey Jungle l 14805 SW 216 St., Miami l (305) 235-1611
In this backwards zoo adventure, humans are caged and the monkeys run free. Visitors trek through a semi-natural tropical rainforest in a series of tunnel cages while overhead, hundreds of primates swing among the leafy branches. Squirrel monkeys, howlers and capuchins roam as they please in the the park’s 30 acre habitat. For a little extra cash you can actually step outside of the cage and hang with some of our evolutionary cousins.
Photo via Adam S./Yelp
Monkey Jungle l 14805 SW 216 St., Miami l (305) 235-1611
In this backwards zoo adventure, humans are caged and the monkeys run free. Visitors trek through a semi-natural tropical rainforest in a series of tunnel cages while overhead, hundreds of primates swing among the leafy branches. Squirrel monkeys, howlers and capuchins roam as they please in the the park’s 30 acre habitat. For a little extra cash you can actually step outside of the cage and hang with some of our evolutionary cousins.
Photo via Adam S./Yelp
Visit JFK’s vacation bunker
Palm Beach Maritime Museum l 2400 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach l 561-832-7428
In just ten days, the army built this tiny bunker off the coast of Palm Beach to protect our most attractive president in the case a nuclear attack occurred while the POTUS was vacationing. Back before the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the country needed a confidential place to stash President Kennedy in case Fidel Castro tried to blow up the country. Now, the secret’s out, and anyone can find the hideaway, which was built with a decontamination room with showers to wash off radioactive particles and a command center big enough to house 30 survivors.
Photo via Facebook
Palm Beach Maritime Museum l 2400 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach l 561-832-7428
In just ten days, the army built this tiny bunker off the coast of Palm Beach to protect our most attractive president in the case a nuclear attack occurred while the POTUS was vacationing. Back before the events of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the country needed a confidential place to stash President Kennedy in case Fidel Castro tried to blow up the country. Now, the secret’s out, and anyone can find the hideaway, which was built with a decontamination room with showers to wash off radioactive particles and a command center big enough to house 30 survivors.
Photo via Facebook
Swim with sharks, stingrays and sea lions
Theater of the Sea l 84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada l (305) 664-2431
Swimming with dolphins is so last season. Stand out from the crowd by visiting some more eccentric and dangerous ocean creatures. Sit in shallow waters and hand-feed stingrays, jump into a natural saltwater lagoon and give a nurse shark a squeeze or help train a sea lion to jump through hoops. Usually, these aquatic puppy-dogs are so grateful for new playmates they’ll even swim over to give you a big hug.
Photo via Theater of the Sea/Yelp
Theater of the Sea l 84721 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada l (305) 664-2431
Swimming with dolphins is so last season. Stand out from the crowd by visiting some more eccentric and dangerous ocean creatures. Sit in shallow waters and hand-feed stingrays, jump into a natural saltwater lagoon and give a nurse shark a squeeze or help train a sea lion to jump through hoops. Usually, these aquatic puppy-dogs are so grateful for new playmates they’ll even swim over to give you a big hug.
Photo via Theater of the Sea/Yelp
Dress up for a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show
AMC Universal Cineplex 20 l 6000 Universal Blvd, Ste 740 l (407) 354-5998
Shiver with anticipation every second and fourth Friday and Saturday of the month when the Rich Weirdos put on a pantomime performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show while the film plays in the theater. While they might not be doing the acting, audience members are encouraged to “let their freak flag fly” and dress up as characters or just in their favorite depraved outfits. Don’t forget to bring along rice, toast, newspapers, condoms or playing cards to hurl at the actors during certain scenes.
Photo via Facebook
AMC Universal Cineplex 20 l 6000 Universal Blvd, Ste 740 l (407) 354-5998
Shiver with anticipation every second and fourth Friday and Saturday of the month when the Rich Weirdos put on a pantomime performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show while the film plays in the theater. While they might not be doing the acting, audience members are encouraged to “let their freak flag fly” and dress up as characters or just in their favorite depraved outfits. Don’t forget to bring along rice, toast, newspapers, condoms or playing cards to hurl at the actors during certain scenes.
Photo via Facebook
Send a letter from the country’s smallest post office
Ochopee Post Office l 38000 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee l 239-695-4131
This post office might be the size of a broom closet, but it is still fully operational. The space used to be an irrigation pipe shed for a tomato farm, but after a fire destroyed the old general store, the office was moved. With only 11 town residents, the size might seem appropriate, but this tiny mailroom is actually a hub for people living within 130 miles around the Everglades, including many members of the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes.
Photo via Harald C./Yelp
Ochopee Post Office l 38000 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee l 239-695-4131
This post office might be the size of a broom closet, but it is still fully operational. The space used to be an irrigation pipe shed for a tomato farm, but after a fire destroyed the old general store, the office was moved. With only 11 town residents, the size might seem appropriate, but this tiny mailroom is actually a hub for people living within 130 miles around the Everglades, including many members of the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes.
Photo via Harald C./Yelp
Stand at southernmost point of the U.S.
Southernmost Point Buoy l Whitehead St, Key West l (305) 809-3700
Technically, it’s only the southernmost point of the continental United States — Hawaii is actually closer to the equator — but it’s still as close as most of us are ever going to get. This giant concrete monument might be living a lie, but none of your friends are going to know it, so you can still brag about it after snapping a pic for your Instagram.
Photo via Eriberto O./Yelp
Southernmost Point Buoy l Whitehead St, Key West l (305) 809-3700
Technically, it’s only the southernmost point of the continental United States — Hawaii is actually closer to the equator — but it’s still as close as most of us are ever going to get. This giant concrete monument might be living a lie, but none of your friends are going to know it, so you can still brag about it after snapping a pic for your Instagram.
Photo via Eriberto O./Yelp
Eat a picnic lunch under the shade of the Treaty Oak
Treaty Oak Park l 1123 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville l (904) 634-0303
The most interesting thing about this grand tree isn’t its size or its age, even though it’s over 70 feet tall and more than 250 years old. It’s the history behind its preservation that makes it odd. Back in the 1930s, the land around the tree looked mighty appealing to developers, so a local reporter fabricated a news story about American Indians signing an accord with white settlers beneath the tree, turning it into an historic landmark.
Photo via thesaltymarlin/Instagram
Treaty Oak Park l 1123 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville l (904) 634-0303
The most interesting thing about this grand tree isn’t its size or its age, even though it’s over 70 feet tall and more than 250 years old. It’s the history behind its preservation that makes it odd. Back in the 1930s, the land around the tree looked mighty appealing to developers, so a local reporter fabricated a news story about American Indians signing an accord with white settlers beneath the tree, turning it into an historic landmark.
Photo via thesaltymarlin/Instagram
Watch live venom extraction sessions
The Reptile Discovery Center l 2710 Big John Drive, Deland l (386) 740-9143
When most of us see a venomous snake, our first reaction is to run the other way. At the Reptile Discovery Center, bite back your natural instincts and get up close and personal as you watch a handler extract liquid poison from some of the world’s deadliest animals. But don’t worry, visitors stand behind safety glass during the process so there isn’t any chance of getting sprayed by a few stray drops.
Photo via Janene H./Yelp
The Reptile Discovery Center l 2710 Big John Drive, Deland l (386) 740-9143
When most of us see a venomous snake, our first reaction is to run the other way. At the Reptile Discovery Center, bite back your natural instincts and get up close and personal as you watch a handler extract liquid poison from some of the world’s deadliest animals. But don’t worry, visitors stand behind safety glass during the process so there isn’t any chance of getting sprayed by a few stray drops.
Photo via Janene H./Yelp
Skip Disney and visit Whimzeyland
Whimzeyland l 1206 3rd St N, Safety Harbor l (727) 725-4018
Although it doesn’t come with roller coasters, parades or a Mickey meet and greet, Whimzeyland does have one thing the House of Mouse doesn’t — bowling balls. Two Florida artists have spent the last 20 years turning their home into a psychedelic explosion of art and color with over 500 painted bowling balls littering the property. Everywhere you look, there’s a chaotic assortment of recycled art, from rainbow mosaic pathways to bright ceramic sculptures, giving this residential area an otherworldly atmosphere you won’t find in the tourist district.
Photo via Rachel M./Yelp
Whimzeyland l 1206 3rd St N, Safety Harbor l (727) 725-4018
Although it doesn’t come with roller coasters, parades or a Mickey meet and greet, Whimzeyland does have one thing the House of Mouse doesn’t — bowling balls. Two Florida artists have spent the last 20 years turning their home into a psychedelic explosion of art and color with over 500 painted bowling balls littering the property. Everywhere you look, there’s a chaotic assortment of recycled art, from rainbow mosaic pathways to bright ceramic sculptures, giving this residential area an otherworldly atmosphere you won’t find in the tourist district.
Photo via Rachel M./Yelp
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