Florida might be famous for its beaches and theme parks, but if you’re taking a road trip through the Sunshine State, it’s the odd, quirky roadside attractions that really make the journey fun.
From giant mermaids to mysterious castles, these weird and wonderful stops are full of personality, photo ops, and strange backstories. Here are 11 of the weirdest roadside attractions in Florida that are absolutely worth a detour.
1. Weeki Wachee Springs – Live Mermaid Show
Yes, Florida has real mermaids — kind of. Since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs has been home to live underwater mermaid performances in a natural spring. Dressed in shimmering tails, performers dance and “breathe” using hidden air hoses.
Why stop here:
Retro Florida at its finest
Fun for both kids and adults
Crystal-clear natural springs to swim in
2. Skunk Ape Research Headquarters – Ochopee
Move over Bigfoot — the Skunk Ape is Florida’s own cryptid legend. This quirky roadside shack in the Everglades is filled with photos, “evidence,” and local lore about the stinky swamp monster.
Why stop here:
Wild stories from the owner
Fun, offbeat gift shop
Great photo spot with a giant Skunk Ape statue
3. Solomon’s Castle – Ona
This shiny castle in the middle of nowhere is built almost entirely out of recycled metal, including old printing plates. Artist Howard Solomon created it by hand and filled it with his bizarre, pun-filled sculptures.
Why stop here:
The building itself is a work of art
Whimsical guided tours
On-site cafe inside a replica 16th-century Spanish ship
4. The Big Orange – Kissimmee
This massive orange-shaped building near Orlando used to sell fresh-squeezed juice, but now it stands as a colorful reminder of Florida’s citrus-loving past.
Why stop here:
A fun photo op
Vintage Florida roadside charm
Occasionally used for pop-up events
5. Coral Castle – Homestead
Built single-handedly by a man who claimed to know “the secrets of the pyramids,” Coral Castle is made entirely of giant coral rock slabs — some weighing over 30 tons. No one knows exactly how he did it.
Why stop here:
Mysterious engineering marvel
Romantic (and slightly creepy) backstory
Unique stone furniture, sundials, and sculptures
6. Gatorland – Orlando
It’s part zoo, part old-school roadside attraction. Gatorland has hundreds of alligators, a massive mouth-shaped entrance, zip lines over gator pits, and cheesy (but fun) shows.
Why stop here:
Classic Florida kitsch
Close encounters with gators
Great stop for families
7. Spook Hill – Lake Wales
This optical illusion spot messes with your mind. Park your car at the bottom of the hill, put it in neutral — and watch it roll uphill. Locals say it’s haunted by a ghost or cursed by a giant alligator spirit.
Why stop here:
Totally free
Short, strange experience
A fun trick of the eye with a spooky story
8. Dinosaur World – Plant City
Right off I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, you’ll find dozens of life-sized dinosaur statues hiding among the trees. It’s part theme park, part walking trail, and fully weird.
Why stop here:
Great for dino-loving kids
Huge, photo-ready dinosaur models
Pet-friendly walking paths
9. The Bubble Room – Captiva Island
This restaurant looks like a toy store exploded inside. With vintage holiday decor, moving trains, rainbow colors, and themed rooms, it’s a dining experience you won’t forget.
Why stop here:
Famous orange cake
Eccentric atmosphere
Tons of nostalgic décor from the 1930s–50s
10. The World’s Smallest Police Station – Carrabelle
In this small Gulf Coast town, a regular payphone booth became a police station in the 1960s. Though no longer in use, it’s now a roadside photo stop — and a symbol of small-town Florida charm.
Why stop here:
Quick roadside photo
A piece of Florida history
Great for quirky road trip memories
11. Monkey Island – Homosassa
This tiny island in the middle of a river is home to real monkeys — and no, it’s not a zoo. They live freely on the island (with caretakers watching from afar) and were originally moved there to stop them from bothering resort guests!
Why stop here:
Viewable from nearby restaurants and hotels
Monkeys playing in their own tiny village
One of Florida’s weirdest animal attractions
Whether you’re cruising down I-95 or taking the scenic backroads, Florida is full of offbeat stops that turn an ordinary road trip into a wild and wonderful adventure. So next time you’re driving through the state, make time for a few of these unforgettable — and totally weird — roadside gems.
SOURCES
- (https://myfamilytravels.com/weird-but-wonderful-roadside-attractions-in-florida/)
- (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYqN2XVp2Jw)
- (https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/top-10-roadside-attractions-usa)
