Florida is no stranger to the weird and wonderful. Sure, the Sunshine State is known for its beaches, gators, and amusement parks — but take a few detours off the beaten path and you’ll discover a whole other side of the state, one filled with cryptids, cosmic claims, and underwater stage shows. Here are some of Florida’s most bizarre roadside attractions that are not only strange — they’re actually worth stopping for.
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters – Ochopee, FL
Location: Big Cypress National Preserve, Tamiami Trail
Why it’s weird: Florida’s version of Bigfoot lives here — or at least, that’s what the believers say. The Skunk Ape HQ is a small roadside stop dedicated entirely to the elusive (and allegedly foul-smelling) swamp creature.
Worth it? Absolutely — whether you’re a skeptic or true believer, it’s a fun and funky stop with swamp tours, quirky merch, and plenty of photo ops.
Gulf Breeze & Pensacola — Shoreline Park Skywatch Mecca
Location: Gulf Breeze, near Pensacola
Why it’s weird: In the late ’80s this quiet Gulf Coast town turned into ground zero for UFO spotting. Scores of locals organized nightly picnics under the stars, reporting glowing orbs, silent discs, and mysterious beams of light along Shoreline Park and nearby roads
Worth it? Yes — there’s no flashy visitor center, but the legend lives on. The park still attracts paranormal fans and skywatchers; Gulf Breeze holds the distinction of being one of the most documented UFO areas in U.S. history, complete with tens of thousands of eyewitness accounts, newspaper headlines, and local mystery tours and local businesses that linger in town lore.
Pro tip: Swing by Pensacola Beach afterward to see the Futuro “spaceship” house—a 60s novelty home with UFO vibes that looks straight out of The Jetsons
Coral Castle – Homestead, FL
Location: South of Miami
Why it’s weird: Built entirely by one man — using no heavy machinery — this coral stone “castle” has baffled visitors and engineers for decades. How did Edward Leedskalnin, a 5-foot-tall Latvian immigrant, manage to move 30-ton stones by himself? No one really knows.
Worth it? 100%. The craftsmanship is mind-blowing, the mystery is real, and the vibe is deliciously eerie.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – Weeki Wachee, FL
Location: Florida’s Nature Coast
Why it’s weird: Where else can you watch real-life mermaids perform synchronized underwater shows in a natural spring — inside a submerged theater from the 1940s?
Worth it? Undeniably yes. Weeki Wachee is vintage Florida at its finest, and the mermaid shows are both kitschy and oddly beautiful.
BONUS WEIRDOS TO ADD TO YOUR ROUTE:
- Solomon’s Castle – Ona, FL: A gleaming metallic castle built by an eccentric artist in the middle of nowhere. Features art made from junk, and yes, there’s a moat.
- The Barberville Yard Art Emporium – Barberville, FL: It’s not a museum — it’s a retail experience. Giant dinosaurs, dragons, Bigfoot statues, metal chickens… if you can imagine it, they probably have it.
- Cassadaga – “The Psychic Capital of the World” – Cassadaga, FL: A spiritualist community where you can get your aura read, meet mediums, and maybe even bump into a ghost or two.
Final Thoughts
If you’re road-tripping through Florida and craving something offbeat, these bizarre roadside attractions deliver weirdness with a side of wonder. Skip the crowds and step into the strange — it’s a side of Florida you won’t find in the brochures.
Want to know more about Florida’s unusual side? Check out our YouTube channel here!
