Old Florida Attractions - A Great Mixture Of Old Charm & Today's Thrills
Everyone knows the large theme parks and attractions that draw millions of visitors per year to Florida, but these old roadside attractions are still operating and still provide a terrific experience at a much more reasonable cost. You will feel the old world charm of these wonderful attractions, as you experience today’s world of fun, and excitement. There is a reason that these great attractions are still a big part of Florida’s entertainment offerings, and always will be.
Silver Springs (Ocala)
Hullan Jones and Phillip Morrell fixed a piece of glass at the bottom of row boat, and the idea of Silver Springs was born. The oldest and still one of the coolest attractions, Silver Springs began operating in 1888. In 2013 Silver Springs became a Florida State Park. The iconic glass bottomed boats are still the draw, but this nature themed park offers so much more. Fun fact there were scenes from 20 movies filmed at Silver Springs including the iconic Creature From The Black Lagoon, James Bond "Moonraker", James Dean's Rebel Without A Cause, and six Tarzan movies to name a few of them. Episodes from the popular television show Sea Hunt were filmed there as well.
Bok Tower (Lake Wales)
Bok Tower began attracting visitors in 1929, and still sees many visitors to this day. The 205 feet tall beautiful iconic tower provides a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Surrounding the tower are 250 acres of beautiful botanical gardens. So great for photographic opportunities.
Monkey Jungle (Miami)
This long running roadside attraction which opened in 1933, features a thirty acre zoological park, where visitors walk through a fenced tunnel for up close encounters with the park's main residents, the monkeys.
Jungle Island - Formerly Parrot Jungle (Miami)
This Miami attraction opened in 1936, at that time it was known as Parrot Jungle. In 2007 it was reopened, and renamed Jungle Island and still features the lush gardens, and exotic animals. Tropical birds such as Black Palm Cockatoo, Blue & Gold Macaw, American Flamingo, Eclectus Parrot, Hyacinth Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Yellow-naped Amazons, and more. Exotic animals such as Capybara, Two-toed Sloth, Kangaroo, and more. Primates like White-handed Gibbon, Lemurs, Marmosets, White-faced Capuchins, and more. Reptiles like Aldabra Tortoise, and Burmese Python. Fish ponds full of Koi as well are featured.
Animal Encounters is a very popular activity as well.
Weeki Wachee Springs (Weeki Wachee/Spring Hill)
This 538 acre roadside attraction which began in 1947 is best known for their Underwater Mermaid Show, where guests can watch from a 400 seat underwater theater. Still amazing that mermaids perform underwater, and have such breath control. Next to the mermaid show, the river cruise up the Weeki Wachee River is very popular with guests as well. The park became a Florida State Park in 2008. Famous visitors from years gone by included the “king” himself, Elvis Presley, as well as Esther Williams, and Don Knotts who shot some scenes for “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” movie at Weeki Wachee.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park - Formerly Homosassa Springs (Homosassa Springs)
Another roadside that started in the 1940s is Homosassa Springs. Bought in 1989 by the state of Florida, and renamed Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. The main attraction to the park are the manatees that inhabit the waters of this part of the river, and whose population triples in the winter as they seek the warmer waters. Visitors can observe the manatees from an underwater observatory. The park is also known for its zoo with all native animals to Florida, plus one transplant. That non Florida native is the oldest member of the zoo Lu the Hippopotamus. Lu (age 63) was born at the San Diego Zoo in 1960, and joined the park in 1964. After the park became a state park and changed the zoo to a native animals only zoo, in order to keep Lu, the then governor of the state Lawton Chiles declared Lu a Florida citizen, which allowed him to stay with his Florida friends.
Gatorland (Orlando)
This “Old Florida” attraction is still a must visit today. This famous attraction was founded by Owen Godwin in 1949, and is still privately owned by his family. As you would assume alligators, and crocodiles are the main attraction, but there is so much more to see, and do. Not only does Gatorland have one of the largest collections of alligators, and crocodiles in the world, but it has the largest collections of the very rare white leucistic alligators as well. It’s just not Gators you will see, wildcats (featuring an African Serval named Jabari, and Florida Bobcats named Lomasi, Osceola, and Abiaka at the Bobcat Bayou, birds, and barnyard animals are also waiting for you. Many great experiences like a zip line, an off road adventure in a 12 foot high buggy ride with singing tour guides, a free flight aviary, barnyard petting zoo, animal shows, and many more experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (Fort Walton Beach)
One of the world’s oldest marine animal parks, Gulfarium was founded by fifteen scientists and 50 local residents in 1954. The park opened in 1955. To this day, many of the stockholders are, or are the heirs of persons of that original group. Gulfarium today features a dolphin show, and a sea lion show, and many adventures (Reptile Safari, Discover Stingrays, Discover Gators, Discover Turtles, Discover Penguins, Discover Harbor Seals, Discover Dolphins, Discover Sea Lions, Stingray Snorkel). Note that the shows are included in the admission price, but the individual adventures are at an additional cost. Please see their website: gulfarium.com
Miami Seaquarium (Miami)
The dream to build an aquarium in Miami of a wealthy Ohio industrialist Fred D. Coppock came to fruition in 1955. A 38 acre tropical paradise, Miami Seaquarium not only showcases marine life, but has a beautiful lush landscape as well. Fun fact. Did you know that the television show Flipper was actually filmed at Miami Seaquarium? It was indeed. Today Miami Seaquarium is still a favorite attraction as it features marine life shows, and exhibits for the price of admission. It also features many adventures for an additional charge, such as dolphin swims, dolphin encounter, meet a dolphin, seal interaction, penguin encounter, sea trek reef encounter, shark & Ray interaction, and more.
Citrus Tower (Clermont)
The Citrus Tower was built in 1956 in Clermont Florida where at the time was the epicenter of Florida’s citrus farming. The tower became kind of a first stop for many tourists traveling by automobile. Citrus Tower is the tallest tower in the state at 206 feet (1 ft taller than Bok Tower, that was not by chance). It provided visitors, and locals a 360 degree view of miles and miles of perfect rows of orange and grapefruit trees. It was an awe inspiring view, until the freezes of the 1980s. A triple freeze in 1981,1982, and 1983 pretty much put growers out of business, and just when some of the survivors were seeing a glimpse of hope, the freeze of 1989 was the knock out punch. After that the grove owners sold their land to developers, and Clermont melded with Orlando, as it sprouted subdivisions, and businesses where it used to sprout citrus trees. Though the trees are long gone the tower is still a good place to visit, as it still provides a good birds eye view, and it showcases the areas interesting history.
Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee, west of West Palm Beach)
The braintrust of British and South African businessmen to create an African style Game Park in south Florida’s “ideal climate” came to fruition in 1967. Lion Country Safari became the world’s first cageless, and first drive through zoos. At Lion Country Safari animals from 6 continents roam free while humans are the ones that are enclosed (in their cars). The 640 acre attraction remains just as awe inspiring today, as it did way back when. Fun fact Lion Country Safari is home to the largest herd of zebras (also known as a dazzle, or zeal) in North America. No matter where you are in Florida this safari experience is worth the drive.
Silver Springs (Ocala)
Hullan Jones and Phillip Morrell fixed a piece of glass at the bottom of row boat, and the idea of Silver Springs was born. The oldest and still one of the coolest attractions, Silver Springs began operating in 1888. In 2013 Silver Springs became a Florida State Park. The iconic glass bottomed boats are still the draw, but this nature themed park offers so much more. Fun fact there were scenes from 20 movies filmed at Silver Springs including the iconic Creature From The Black Lagoon, James Bond "Moonraker", James Dean's Rebel Without A Cause, and six Tarzan movies to name a few of them. Episodes from the popular television show Sea Hunt were filmed there as well.
Bok Tower (Lake Wales)
Bok Tower began attracting visitors in 1929, and still sees many visitors to this day. The 205 feet tall beautiful iconic tower provides a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Surrounding the tower are 250 acres of beautiful botanical gardens. So great for photographic opportunities.
Monkey Jungle (Miami)
This long running roadside attraction which opened in 1933, features a thirty acre zoological park, where visitors walk through a fenced tunnel for up close encounters with the park's main residents, the monkeys.
Jungle Island - Formerly Parrot Jungle (Miami)
This Miami attraction opened in 1936, at that time it was known as Parrot Jungle. In 2007 it was reopened, and renamed Jungle Island and still features the lush gardens, and exotic animals. Tropical birds such as Black Palm Cockatoo, Blue & Gold Macaw, American Flamingo, Eclectus Parrot, Hyacinth Macaw, Scarlet Macaw, Yellow-naped Amazons, and more. Exotic animals such as Capybara, Two-toed Sloth, Kangaroo, and more. Primates like White-handed Gibbon, Lemurs, Marmosets, White-faced Capuchins, and more. Reptiles like Aldabra Tortoise, and Burmese Python. Fish ponds full of Koi as well are featured.
Animal Encounters is a very popular activity as well.
Weeki Wachee Springs (Weeki Wachee/Spring Hill)
This 538 acre roadside attraction which began in 1947 is best known for their Underwater Mermaid Show, where guests can watch from a 400 seat underwater theater. Still amazing that mermaids perform underwater, and have such breath control. Next to the mermaid show, the river cruise up the Weeki Wachee River is very popular with guests as well. The park became a Florida State Park in 2008. Famous visitors from years gone by included the “king” himself, Elvis Presley, as well as Esther Williams, and Don Knotts who shot some scenes for “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” movie at Weeki Wachee.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park - Formerly Homosassa Springs (Homosassa Springs)
Another roadside that started in the 1940s is Homosassa Springs. Bought in 1989 by the state of Florida, and renamed Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. The main attraction to the park are the manatees that inhabit the waters of this part of the river, and whose population triples in the winter as they seek the warmer waters. Visitors can observe the manatees from an underwater observatory. The park is also known for its zoo with all native animals to Florida, plus one transplant. That non Florida native is the oldest member of the zoo Lu the Hippopotamus. Lu (age 63) was born at the San Diego Zoo in 1960, and joined the park in 1964. After the park became a state park and changed the zoo to a native animals only zoo, in order to keep Lu, the then governor of the state Lawton Chiles declared Lu a Florida citizen, which allowed him to stay with his Florida friends.
Gatorland (Orlando)
This “Old Florida” attraction is still a must visit today. This famous attraction was founded by Owen Godwin in 1949, and is still privately owned by his family. As you would assume alligators, and crocodiles are the main attraction, but there is so much more to see, and do. Not only does Gatorland have one of the largest collections of alligators, and crocodiles in the world, but it has the largest collections of the very rare white leucistic alligators as well. It’s just not Gators you will see, wildcats (featuring an African Serval named Jabari, and Florida Bobcats named Lomasi, Osceola, and Abiaka at the Bobcat Bayou, birds, and barnyard animals are also waiting for you. Many great experiences like a zip line, an off road adventure in a 12 foot high buggy ride with singing tour guides, a free flight aviary, barnyard petting zoo, animal shows, and many more experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park (Fort Walton Beach)
One of the world’s oldest marine animal parks, Gulfarium was founded by fifteen scientists and 50 local residents in 1954. The park opened in 1955. To this day, many of the stockholders are, or are the heirs of persons of that original group. Gulfarium today features a dolphin show, and a sea lion show, and many adventures (Reptile Safari, Discover Stingrays, Discover Gators, Discover Turtles, Discover Penguins, Discover Harbor Seals, Discover Dolphins, Discover Sea Lions, Stingray Snorkel). Note that the shows are included in the admission price, but the individual adventures are at an additional cost. Please see their website: gulfarium.com
Miami Seaquarium (Miami)
The dream to build an aquarium in Miami of a wealthy Ohio industrialist Fred D. Coppock came to fruition in 1955. A 38 acre tropical paradise, Miami Seaquarium not only showcases marine life, but has a beautiful lush landscape as well. Fun fact. Did you know that the television show Flipper was actually filmed at Miami Seaquarium? It was indeed. Today Miami Seaquarium is still a favorite attraction as it features marine life shows, and exhibits for the price of admission. It also features many adventures for an additional charge, such as dolphin swims, dolphin encounter, meet a dolphin, seal interaction, penguin encounter, sea trek reef encounter, shark & Ray interaction, and more.
Citrus Tower (Clermont)
The Citrus Tower was built in 1956 in Clermont Florida where at the time was the epicenter of Florida’s citrus farming. The tower became kind of a first stop for many tourists traveling by automobile. Citrus Tower is the tallest tower in the state at 206 feet (1 ft taller than Bok Tower, that was not by chance). It provided visitors, and locals a 360 degree view of miles and miles of perfect rows of orange and grapefruit trees. It was an awe inspiring view, until the freezes of the 1980s. A triple freeze in 1981,1982, and 1983 pretty much put growers out of business, and just when some of the survivors were seeing a glimpse of hope, the freeze of 1989 was the knock out punch. After that the grove owners sold their land to developers, and Clermont melded with Orlando, as it sprouted subdivisions, and businesses where it used to sprout citrus trees. Though the trees are long gone the tower is still a good place to visit, as it still provides a good birds eye view, and it showcases the areas interesting history.
Lion Country Safari (Loxahatchee, west of West Palm Beach)
The braintrust of British and South African businessmen to create an African style Game Park in south Florida’s “ideal climate” came to fruition in 1967. Lion Country Safari became the world’s first cageless, and first drive through zoos. At Lion Country Safari animals from 6 continents roam free while humans are the ones that are enclosed (in their cars). The 640 acre attraction remains just as awe inspiring today, as it did way back when. Fun fact Lion Country Safari is home to the largest herd of zebras (also known as a dazzle, or zeal) in North America. No matter where you are in Florida this safari experience is worth the drive.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is home to the much loved Florida Manatees. In the winter the Manatee population doubles at the park.