Florida may be known for its beaches and theme parks, but there are plenty of odd spots to visit away from the crowded sand that provide visitors with unforgettable experiences in the Sunshine State. You could keep it just slightly weird at one of Florida's four Ripley's Believe It or Not! attractions. If you're looking to experience the lesser known side of the tourism mecca, though, head to one of these unique destinations.
Skip the aquarium and put yourself on display for the fish. At Jules' Undersea Lodge visitors scuba dive to their rooms among native reef fish in a mangrove lagoon. Each room has a 42-inch window for guests to admire the sea life surrounding this unconventional hotel. The common room provides entertainment and dining experiences. They even have a "mer-chef" who dives to the undersea lodge and prepares special meals.
Jules' offers a variety of different rates and packages, from single-day diving or snorkeling adventures to romantic getaways.
Three-hour adventure - $150. Single-person overnight stay - $675. 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo, Fla., 305-451-2353
Visit the Devil's Den Spring for a scuba diving or snorkeling adventure in a cave. The facility is a certified scuba diving training center. For those of you without a diving certification, snorkeling is available seven days a week. This spring maintains a 72 degree temperature year-round and is about 60 feet underground. There are fossils preserved in the limestone for visitors to discover, too. Spend some time at one of Devil's Dens four cabins or rent a spot at the RV or tent campsites. An extended stay would provide you with opportunities to horse back ride at Two Hawk Hammock resort or take a stroll through Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens.
Snorkel: Monday-Friday admission: $15, weekends/holidays: $20. Equipment rental: $10. Scuba diving: Admission: $38. Full equipment rental: $40. 5390 NE 180th Ave., Williston, Fla., 352-528-3344
Take a guided tour through stalactites and stalagmites at Florida's only cavern open to the public. Visitors learn about the 38 million years of history preserved in the limestone formations. Caverns State Park has 7 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as horse trails and a nine hole golf course. The ranger station provides canoes for rent every day of the week. Tent and RV campsites are available at the park.
Day admission: $5 per vehicle (up to eight passengers). Camping: $20 per night. Cave tours: $8 per adult, $5 per child under 13 years old, free for 2-year-olds and younger. Cavern tours are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The park is open year-round from 8 a.m. until sundown. 3345 Caverns Road, Marianna, Fla., 850-482-1228
Experience Japanese culture without the jet lag. The Morikami Museum and Gardens have been operating since 1977 and features over 7,000 pieces of artwork. The two museum buildings offer visitors a look into what life was like for the Japanese farming community, Yamato Colony, which started in South Florida more than 100 years ago. Visitors are welcome to explore the six historical gardens, bonzai collection, koi pool and turtle island on the 16 acres surrounding the museums. There is also an extended 200-acre park with walking trails and picnic areas.
Open Tuesday - Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adults $15, seniors and military $13, children (ages 6-17) $9. Children under 6 years old are admitted for free. 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, Fla., 561-495-0233
Forget worrying about a beach body and take a tour at the Chocolate Kingdom Factory. Factory adventure tours last 45 minutes and are guided by one tour guide -- a prince and his sidekick, a dragon. Visitors learn about the transformation of chocolate from bean to delicious morsel as they are led through a greenhouse and museum. Tours through the factory may resemble something out of a Willy Wonka movie with a "mystical" river of chocolate and a "micro batch bean-to-bar factory." Private parties are hosted for $300, including a chocolate-making experience and a chocolate fountain party. For the more mature crowd, Chocolate Kingdom offers a wine and chocolate pairing experience.
Open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults $16.95, children (ages 4-12): $12.95. 2858 Florida Plaza Blvd., Kissimmee, Fla., and 9901 Hawaiian Court, Orlando, Fla., 407-705-3475
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