Only in the Sunshine State: 10 Weird Florida Cities You Should Visit

Almost 120 million people vacationed in Florida in 2017 alone. And there’s a good reason why.

With amazing beaches, warm weather, and amusement parks galore, Florida seems to have a little something for everyone. But what if you’d rather skip sunbathing on the beach and indulging in Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream?

Well, there are also plenty of weird Florida attractions for those looking for something off-the-beaten-path.

Do you want to know what we’re talking about? Then keep reading to discover the weirdest cities Florida has to offer.

1. Cassadaga

Have you ever wondered what your future had in store for you? Then a trip to Cassadaga is a must.

There’s such a high number of psychics living here that it’s known as the psychic capital of the world!

You can get a one-on-one appointment with one of the many psychics and healers or attend a workshop, class, or seminar hosted by the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Church. There are even special events, including spirit encounter photography tours and Reiki healing circles.

2. Lake Wales

Once you’ve met with a psychic in Cassadaga, head about two hours south to Lake Wales for more mystic entertainment.

Here, you’ll find Spook Hill. If you park your car at a certain spot, it’ll start to roll uphill!

3. St. Cloud

If you’ve always been a fan of the reptile house at your local zoo, then head over to St. Cloud for something that will really blow your mind.

Reptile World Serpentarium houses over 80 species of snakes, including cobras, rattlesnakes, and even a black mamba. If you decide to pay this serpentarium a visit, be sure to stick around for a venom extraction show.

That’s right—you can watch professionals as they actually collect venom which will then be sent off to be studied and used in the production of anti-venom.

4. Fort Lauderdale

Snakes and alligators aren’t the only unique creatures Florida has to offer. A trip to Fort Lauderdale will give you the opportunity to dine with mermaids!

The Wreck Bar is a ship-themed restaurant and bar surrounded by water. Every Friday and Saturday, live mermaids put on a show as diners watch through the large portholes.

5. St. Augustine

There’s no better place to release your inner pirate than St. Augustine.

Here, you’ll find the Pirate Museum which is filled with swords, pistols, and pieces of clothing that were actually used by pirates. But what really makes this museum special is that it contains the only verified pirate treasure chest.

6. Ona

Who says you have to travel to Europe to see some amazing castles?

A sculptor by the name of Howard Solomon built a giant aluminum castle in Ona, Florida in the 1970s. The castle contains stained glass windows and galleries that house his other sculptures. There’s even a lighthouse and a moat to give this castle a more “authentic” feel.

7. Homestead

Did the aluminum castle in Ona fail to spark your interest? Well, what about a coral castle instead?

Ed Leedskalnin single-handedly built this castle by carving over 1,000 tons of coral rock and then moving it into the proper place without using any construction equipment. There is a sundial, a Polaris telescope that’s focused on the North Star, and beautifully-carved moon fountain.

People have asked Ed Leedskalnin time and time again how he was able to move such heavy coral rocks without any assistance and he’s always eluded the questions, giving the castle an air of mystery similar to Stonehenge or the Easter Island Moai.

8. Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia is filled with weird experiences, like visiting a haunted bookshop, taking a tour through storm tunnels, and meeting up with escorts (which you can discover more information about here). But Melbourne, Florida is a weird city that’s well worth a visit for those who want to stay in the country.

Perhaps one of the best things to do here is to visit the Andretti Thrill park which was named after famed racecar driver, Mario Andretti. There are tons of games and rides as well as zip lining, mini bowling, rock climbing, laser tag, mini golf, and rope obstacle courses. Of course, you can also expect some awesome go-karting.

9. Homosassa

Not all monkeys are cute and friendly. After a few monkeys were causing trouble by breaking into cars, stealing, and biting locals, something had to be done.

Monkey Island is a tiny island right off the coast of Homosassa. It was outfitted with trees, huts, and even a little lighthouse and then used as a tropical monkey jail. While you can’t step foot on the island, you can view it from a safe distance as those troublesome monkeys and their kin swing around on their own little island.

10. Ochopee

You’ve heard of Bigfoot and Yeti, now get ready for skunk ape!

Ochopee is home to the official Skunk Ape Headquarters, where believers try to hunt down Florida’s unique version of Bigfoot. This creature is said to be a hairy bipedal mammal that’s between 6 and 7 feet tall and about 450 pounds. But what really makes it differ from Bigfoot is the strong smell of rotting eggs.

You can visit the headquarters and learn more about this elusive beast. If you’re brave enough, you can even camp overnight in hopes of sighting a skunk ape.

Weird Florida Cities to Put on Your Bucket List

Don’t go to Florida without visiting one of these weird cities. From getting a psychic reading to looking for a skunk ape, there are plenty of weird Florida experiences that you won’t want to miss.

Is your trip coming up soon? Check out these weird travel hacks to make packing and getting through airport security a breeze.

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