I have to say that I am incredibly impressed with your list. While I have been to many of the places you list in Central and South Florida, it is rare to see someone recognize the incredible places in Northwest Florida my home. Thanks for including places like Gulf Islands National Seashore at Opal Beach, Falling Waters and Marrianna Caverns. My family has been in Florida since it was a Territory, and we love the entire state. However, we love the unique places we have here in NW Florida that few Floridians take the time to see. Thank you for your list and keep up the good work.
Truly phenomenal video! I have lived in Florida my entire life. I have always been an outdoors person, love to travel and sightsee, and even I didn't know about some of these places . Thanks very much!
Got to add Hallandale Beach Florida to this list beautiful beaches and, Gulf Stream Park the biggest Horse racing park in Florida, the Pegasus and Dragon Statue the second biggest statue in United States 🇺🇸, great restaurants and casinos, clubs, lounges, and your in between everything in South Florida.🙌🏻❤
Very nicely done video and content, I love it when a content provider notates the video for each place, it makes it easy to refer back to the video. Thank you! We are both Floridians from Bradenton and Venice all of these spots look great, I grew up 2mi from AMI. Right now Florida Caverns is on the top of our list. Thanks again.
Thank you!! This is really great feedback I appreciate it re/the table of contents!!! Florida caverns are a MUST! I hope you enjoy when you get to go up that way!
@@FollowMeAway "table of contents" that makes sense 🙂 It is too bad more content providers don't include it. You are providing a valuable resource "and" an easy way to access it, thank you again.
I grew up in New Port Richey, I had a boat in the yard and went to my own private island for 15 years. Anclote Island. A treasure. Now I am in Boca Raton, another FL treasure.
You really should. I LOVED devils den, I do find the water a bit cold tho. It's worth the drive. I didn't call ahead a d had no prob getting in. O to save $$ bring your own gear, then it's just the admission cost. Cause you have to rent or buy snorkel equipment.
Oh wow, I grew up in Manatee County and went to Myakka State Park many, many times in my life. I didn't know that Canopy Walkway exists! Have to take a trip back soon. I would add that Anna Maria Island also has a fantastic park adjacent to it on the mainland called "Robinson Preserve" that is worth a visit if you are staying on the island. Anna Maria Island was my home beach growing up, and such a great "real Florida" place. I have been to 8 of these, but will look at trying out the rest! One not on your list that I would like to add is the Suwannee River Cliffs section from Big Shoals to Suwannee River State Park. I hiked the Florida trail of this, but there are also designated "river camps" along the whole way that you can canoe or kayak point to point and stay at the camps or cabins there for an awesome trip. May not be a hidden gem, since it is our State Song, but I rarely hear of people who know about that trip, and it is spectacular.
Went to Myakka park on 9/12/2024 around noon, sunshine for a couple of hours. It seems a quiet park, high water along the roads. Saw less than a dozen car in and out. About a half of dozen deer’s along the roads were great; as went through the two majors roads. Couldn’t find the high obsession place and the walkway. Nice gift shop in the building which also has a speed boat pontoon for the tour. In my opinion, probably at a certain time of the year will have more people coming to this park
Wow!!!! I mean glad it’s not crowded that is always fun! I recommend asking about the skywalk at the entrance they can give you a map. It IS signed along the way but with the TINIEST sign ever so it IS hard to see
Pretty sure the water from Falling Waters goes into the ground. The area is limestone which is porous and permeable. This is often the case with old sink holes. Though some do have outflow water, or standing water.
They even have an interpretive panel right at the bottom of the fall, saying that they don’t know where it goes! So idk!! You would think it goes into the limestone for sure
This was the most thorough and informative coverage of a Hurricane I have ever seen. 10 out of 10. The graphics and animations brought tremendous clarity on the situation. I have given up on mainstream news for the most part but this hurricane coverage was clearly a superb team effort. Thank you to the whole team that put this together
Time Stamp 4:50 There are THREE ways to get to the Dry Tortugas. The third way is by your own or a chartered boat. I sailed from St. Petersburg to the Dry Tortugas on my own 26 foot sailboat then later on a 50 foot chartered sailboat with members of my sailing club. And in both trips, from there went to Key West then back to St. Pete. Those were adventures.
That’s why I said ‘two MAIN ways’ most people are not chartering or taking their own boat. But I love that you did, that is truly the dream!!!! How epic
Thank you❣️ Beautiful presentation of Florida 🌴🌺. Also, we are so fortunate to have Ron DeSantis as our governor. He gets things done to help us all to preserve our wonderful state. Regards, Florida resident since 1957 🎉
Depends on where you are from and where in Florida you want to go! Can you tell me which area from this list? You are most interested in going and that will allow me to help more!! And also where you live, do you live in Florida or a different state/country?
Hillsbourough river state park is wonderful but tried going today and even though they say they were open, THEY WERE NOT OPEN. Called to check but not mentioned in their phone message, website has hours listed & only pool closed. Very disappointed with their lack of communicating closure message. Drove an hour to get there
How much filter did you use when you edited this video? The water in Sarasota doesn't look blue at all. Also, on the east coast, the water isn't that clear either.
You cannot put a filter on the clarity of the water and many of these videos are cell phone videos! For Anna Maria, I timed my visit for calm conditions with blue skies, no storms, and minimal waves (0-1 feet) For the East Coast, the central/northern is brown colored water, but the south is pretty blue water at high tide! Going at high tide is crucial for this as I explain in the video! And of course no storms or anything! But it is 100% possible!
@FollowMeAway thank you for responding. I went 2 times to the West Coast last month, and the water isn't clear at all. I also went to the East Coast, and the water was just as bad with the exception of Miami.
The West Coast has been having a rough year this summer as far as water clarify that is for sure! Panhandle is hit or miss but been pretty clear a lot but with jellyfish or other stinging critters. The 2 hours north of Miami is the only clear water on East coast for sure!!
Sorry. Just wanted to be clear. I have lived here since high school and have visited a number of the places Ms. Follow Me Away has documented. She is 101% spot on about the places I know and I am genuinely excited about visiting the other places this lady has recommended but I have not had the time to visit. I am hugely impressed with her and that is not a common occurrence with me. She gets Five of Five Yabba Dabba Doos from me.
Thanks this is really kind!!!! And I’m SURE the best way to go to Tortugas is through a chartered boat I bet that is an incredible memorable experience!!!
Until he lets his developer friends and donors build hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts on these places, that is. 🙄 You know, the ones who let him use their private plans to fly around in. Geeze. In denial much? The only reason they backed off at all is because the plans got leaked and too many of us got pissed off about it and made a stink over it too big to ignore. He’s done some negative things and some positive things, but let’s not be so dogmatic that we put out heads in the sand and ignore the obviously problematic ones.
You cannot be serious. He is the worst thing that ever happened to Florida. Selling out to corporations and fighting everything. He has turned Florida into a meme.
unfortunately, the coolest place to visit on Peanut Island is closed down. It's the JFK presidential bomb shelter and it's been closed for several years due to lack of funding. I'm lucky enough to have taken a guided tour of this historic landmark before they closed it. Also, the historic coast guard station I believe is still open for tours, but this is never mentioned in the video for some reason.
So sorry, I had multiple screens open and I was commenting quickly on a totally different video while multitasking. Somehow I posted it under yours. Best wishes
Actually went to that hove sound place this past spring and sorry but the water was not that color. More Atlantic Ocean grey, and the sand was a weird grey/ black color. Uncomfortable to walk on the sharp rocks . Also so scorching hot it burns your feet so bad. Just saying. Expectation( internet photo shop is deceiving). Just do research. That’s all. I would not enter a Florida spring ever. Gators are everywhere.
It all depends on the weather and water. High tide is a higher chance of blue water from the Atlantic. I’ve been many times and I’ve never seen it brown. A good reason to go back again!
9 of our state, national parks are endangered of being destroyed. DeSantis is plainly on destroying them for hotels, golf courses and pickleball courts.
Really??? Once again. Tell the entire story not just a statement to fire up people that don’t see through the bull. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to this state. If you have morals and don’t live in a fantasy world
I'm sorry no disrespect but they're called hidden gems for a reason it won't be hidden for long now that you put it all over TH-cam. That's how quiet Little gems like you mentioned turn into places like Miami. Some things are better left unsaid.
So much great info here! Thank you! I am a Florida local and always love finding new places to explore.
Thank you so much!!!
Dry Tortugas National Park is a must, 100% recommend it. You will enjoy it whether you go on the ferry, by seaplane or private boat!
Fully agree! It’s beyond epic!
@@FollowMeAway Yes, Great video by the way!!
It's way to expensive.
as a floridian, this was an amazing list!.. Ive done a few of these already, but cant wait to go to see the other ones on the list! Great vid
Thank you so much!!!
I have to say that I am incredibly impressed with your list. While I have been to many of the places you list in Central and South Florida, it is rare to see someone recognize the incredible places in Northwest Florida my home. Thanks for including places like Gulf Islands National Seashore at Opal Beach, Falling Waters and Marrianna Caverns. My family has been in Florida since it was a Territory, and we love the entire state. However, we love the unique places we have here in NW Florida that few Floridians take the time to see. Thank you for your list and keep up the good work.
Thank you!!!! Northwest Florida has some of the most incredible spots in the state!
Truly phenomenal video! I have lived in Florida my entire life. I have always been an outdoors person, love to travel and sightsee, and even I didn't know about some of these places . Thanks very much!
Omg thank you! This is so kind!
So happy I found your channel. Keep up the great content. I live in Florida and didn’t know about 3 of these places but I’m going!!
Thank you for this kind comment Tracy! I hope you love them, we have some great spots!
I love going to Anna Maria for long weekends! It’s a short drive to Siesta Key for great live music & dancing!!
Yes yes yes!!!
The area is rebuilding as much damage occurred with hurricane helene
Excellent video. I had only heard of one of these places before, and yet every one of them seems like an awesome place to visit.
Thanks so much!
Your photography brings the raw essence of wildlife to life!
Thank you!
@@FollowMeAway ah
Excellent list. When vacationing out the country is not an option, these are superb alternatives. Right in our own state of Florida. Thank you.
That’s right!!!!! We do have lots of good spots!
Thanks for such great info and pics. I have added several of those places to my bucket list. Can’t wait to start exploring them!
Yay this is wonderful to hear!
Got to add Hallandale Beach Florida to this list beautiful beaches and, Gulf Stream Park the biggest Horse racing park in Florida, the Pegasus and Dragon Statue the second biggest statue in United States 🇺🇸, great restaurants and casinos, clubs, lounges, and your in between everything in South Florida.🙌🏻❤
Oh wow I’ve never heard of this! Thanks for sharing!
@@FollowMeAway definitely have to check it beautiful beach city.🙌🏻☀️
Great information… I had no idea of all these beautiful spots to explore in Florida… Thanks for sharing…
Thank you!!! Enjoy! There is so much here!
Very nicely done video and content, I love it when a content provider notates the video for each place, it makes it easy to refer back to the video. Thank you! We are both Floridians from Bradenton and Venice all of these spots look great, I grew up 2mi from AMI. Right now Florida Caverns is on the top of our list. Thanks again.
Thank you!! This is really great feedback I appreciate it re/the table of contents!!! Florida caverns are a MUST! I hope you enjoy when you get to go up that way!
@@FollowMeAway "table of contents" that makes sense 🙂 It is too bad more content providers don't include it. You are providing a valuable resource "and" an easy way to access it, thank you again.
Look at that clear and beautiful ocean color and gulf
Yesss
I grew up in New Port Richey, I had a boat in the yard and went to my own private island for 15 years. Anclote Island. A treasure. Now I am in Boca Raton, another FL treasure.
Love love love this!
Awesome video covering so many beautiful locations ! 30 years in S.FL and have yet to visit Williston, but it's on my list now 🙂
Thank you!!! I totally understand, Williston is quite a ways from south Florida for sure!!! But one day def make the trip, it’s really cool!
You really should. I LOVED devils den, I do find the water a bit cold tho. It's worth the drive. I didn't call ahead a d had no prob getting in. O to save $$ bring your own gear, then it's just the admission cost. Cause you have to rent or buy snorkel equipment.
You've earned a new subscriber. Great info and well delivered.
Thank you! Welcome!!
Thanks for sharing! Beautiful! Fort de Soto Park is nice to visit. It has a Fort, camping area and nice beaches. It is close to St. Petersburg area.
Yes!!! Great pick!!!!!
Florida is paradise indeed
❤
Thank you- I didn't know about a few of these places- I’ll visit them for sure
Yay!!! Glad you enjoyed!!
Singer island/Peanut Island is great. Bike trail Palm Beach great to. Thank you!!
Thank you!!!! Great suggestion!
Oh wow, I grew up in Manatee County and went to Myakka State Park many, many times in my life. I didn't know that Canopy Walkway exists! Have to take a trip back soon.
I would add that Anna Maria Island also has a fantastic park adjacent to it on the mainland called "Robinson Preserve" that is worth a visit if you are staying on the island. Anna Maria Island was my home beach growing up, and such a great "real Florida" place. I have been to 8 of these, but will look at trying out the rest!
One not on your list that I would like to add is the Suwannee River Cliffs section from Big Shoals to Suwannee River State Park. I hiked the Florida trail of this, but there are also designated "river camps" along the whole way that you can canoe or kayak point to point and stay at the camps or cabins there for an awesome trip. May not be a hidden gem, since it is our State Song, but I rarely hear of people who know about that trip, and it is spectacular.
Amazing recommendations!!
Went to Myakka park on 9/12/2024 around noon, sunshine for a couple of hours. It seems a quiet park, high water along the roads. Saw less than a dozen car in and out. About a half of dozen deer’s along the roads were great; as went through the two majors roads. Couldn’t find the high obsession place and the walkway. Nice gift shop in the building which also has a speed boat pontoon for the tour.
In my opinion, probably at a certain time of the year will have more people coming to this park
Wow!!!! I mean glad it’s not crowded that is always fun! I recommend asking about the skywalk at the entrance they can give you a map. It IS signed along the way but with the TINIEST sign ever so it IS hard to see
Florida Caverns and Blowing Rocks top my Florida Bucket list!
Well worth it!!!
What a great video,i had no idea about most of these places,thanks for all the info that came with the video,I'm going.❤
Thank you for this kind comment! I hope you enjoy!!
Peanut island looks great ! Thanks for sharing!
Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
Hello! Thanks for stopping by!! It’s an amazing spot
Many visits to Peanut Island, fantastic.
Nice video! Thank you for the info. :)
Thank you!!!
The water on Anna Maria Island and the Dry Tortugas is beautiful
It sure is!!!
Pretty sure the water from Falling Waters goes into the ground. The area is limestone which is porous and permeable. This is often the case with old sink holes. Though some do have outflow water, or standing water.
They even have an interpretive panel right at the bottom of the fall, saying that they don’t know where it goes! So idk!! You would think it goes into the limestone for sure
Thanks for information! Can you do "hidden gems" video for sites in or around Orlando area that are also dog-friendly?
Thank you! I can for sure look into it!!
I need to go to every place!! Gorgeous! 😄
Thank you!!
Excellent video 📹!
Thank you!
Love these!
Thank you!
These are all so cool!
They are all amazing!
I need to visit now! ❤
It’s worth it!
The garden is amazing, I went in the summer and saw swans ♡♡♡
Yay!!! Sounds amazing
Best video on my home state. Thnx ✔️
Thank you!!!
I chuckled when you said there are seven miles of hiking trails. Looks amazing though.
Awesome video
Thank you!
This was the most thorough and informative coverage of a Hurricane I have ever seen. 10 out of 10. The graphics and animations brought tremendous clarity on the situation. I have given up on mainstream news for the most part but this hurricane coverage was clearly a superb team effort. Thank you to the whole team that put this together
What?? This was made before the hurricane. Are you confused?!
What kind of cameras do you use for your videos?
Time Stamp 4:50 There are THREE ways to get to the Dry Tortugas. The third way is by your own or a chartered boat. I sailed from St. Petersburg to the Dry Tortugas on my own 26 foot sailboat then later on a 50 foot chartered sailboat with members of my sailing club. And in both trips, from there went to Key West then back to St. Pete. Those were adventures.
That’s why I said ‘two MAIN ways’ most people are not chartering or taking their own boat. But I love that you did, that is truly the dream!!!! How epic
Nice video. But you missed Cape San Blas and Apalachicola!
Yessss I did! Next time!
Thank you❣️ Beautiful presentation of Florida
🌴🌺. Also, we are so fortunate to have Ron DeSantis as our governor. He gets things done to help us all to preserve our wonderful state.
Regards, Florida resident since 1957 🎉
THAT IS THE BIGGEST BUNCH OF BULLSHIT!
Riiiight.... like his sneaky plan to put golf courses and hotels in our state parks!!
I wonder if the water temperature in January is warm enough to swim ????
Depends on where you are from and where in Florida you want to go! Can you tell me which area from this list? You are most interested in going and that will allow me to help more!! And also where you live, do you live in Florida or a different state/country?
Hillsbourough river state park is wonderful but tried going today and even though they say they were open, THEY WERE NOT OPEN. Called to check but not mentioned in their phone message, website has hours listed & only pool closed. Very disappointed with their lack of communicating closure message. Drove an hour to get there
Woahhhh!!! What!!!!! I’m soooo sorry to hear this!!!!
Aww man I was hoping that you would post if these places were free and if they weren't, how much was each location at the time you posted.
None of these are free actually.
How much filter did you use when you edited this video? The water in Sarasota doesn't look blue at all. Also, on the east coast, the water isn't that clear either.
You cannot put a filter on the clarity of the water and many of these videos are cell phone videos! For Anna Maria, I timed my visit for calm conditions with blue skies, no storms, and minimal waves (0-1 feet) For the East Coast, the central/northern is brown colored water, but the south is pretty blue water at high tide! Going at high tide is crucial for this as I explain in the video! And of course no storms or anything! But it is 100% possible!
@FollowMeAway thank you for responding. I went 2 times to the West Coast last month, and the water isn't clear at all. I also went to the East Coast, and the water was just as bad with the exception of Miami.
The West Coast has been having a rough year this summer as far as water clarify that is for sure! Panhandle is hit or miss but been pretty clear a lot but with jellyfish or other stinging critters. The 2 hours north of Miami is the only clear water on East coast for sure!!
@@FollowMeAway You can thank Ron DeSantis for the disgusting water on the west coast of Florida.
Anna Maria , Bradenton, FL
FL is a nice place to vist....just not in the summer.
This is very true
No, no, no. The best way to visit the Dry Tortugas is on your own or chartered sailboat. It is magical to sail there.
Sorry. Just wanted to be clear. I have lived here since high school and have visited a number of the places Ms. Follow Me Away has documented. She is 101% spot on about the places I know and I am genuinely excited about visiting the other places this lady has recommended but I have not had the time to visit. I am hugely impressed with her and that is not a common occurrence with me. She gets Five of Five Yabba Dabba Doos from me.
Thanks this is really kind!!!! And I’m SURE the best way to go to Tortugas is through a chartered boat I bet that is an incredible memorable experience!!!
I love to carry my sister on the beach or in shallow water in our swimsuits, either piggyback or sitting on my shoulders. It's fun!
You're probably from Alabama and your wife is your sister I imagine.
No none of them are true Where'd you get that from?
actually florida is a pretty neat place. years ago before all the people it was quaint. i really liked it then. get away from the tourist places.
Yes yes
Rymes with Robe
❤
As long as we keep Desantis as gov, Florida will stay free and beautiful!
Until he lets his developer friends and donors build hotels, golf courses, and pickleball courts on these places, that is. 🙄 You know, the ones who let him use their private plans to fly around in. Geeze. In denial much? The only reason they backed off at all is because the plans got leaked and too many of us got pissed off about it and made a stink over it too big to ignore. He’s done some negative things and some positive things, but let’s not be so dogmatic that we put out heads in the sand and ignore the obviously problematic ones.
Good Lord. People get triggered over a sightseeing video???...lol...
Nice stand up, are you here all week?
You cannot be serious. He is the worst thing that ever happened to Florida. Selling out to corporations and fighting everything. He has turned Florida into a meme.
Obvious bot.
unfortunately, the coolest place to visit on Peanut Island is closed down. It's the JFK presidential bomb shelter and it's been closed for several years due to lack of funding. I'm lucky enough to have taken a guided tour of this historic landmark before they closed it. Also, the historic coast guard station I believe is still open for tours, but this is never mentioned in the video for some reason.
Oh wow! Thanks for sharing!
So sorry, I had multiple screens open and I was commenting quickly on a totally different video while multitasking.
Somehow I posted it under yours. Best wishes
Appreciate it!!!!
✅ NEW SUBSCRIBER from Arizona, USA Like 104
Thank you!!!❤
You need to tell people that they may encounter snakes as not everyone is fond of snakes……
¿ Will there be alligators over there ?
Yes, there’s always the possibility
Assume that any freshwater pond, river, creek, or lake will have alligators in it.
And remember that the water is cold in Devil’s Den…..
The best place to visit in Florida is the border as you are heading north.
“In this video I’m going to ruin hidden gems in Florida and turn them into tourist traps”****
*Don't tell anyone about Okeechobee State Park.
*Leave it for us locals
Actually went to that hove sound place this past spring and sorry but the water was not that color. More Atlantic Ocean grey, and the sand was a weird grey/ black color. Uncomfortable to walk on the sharp rocks . Also so scorching hot it burns your feet so bad. Just saying. Expectation( internet photo shop is deceiving). Just do research. That’s all. I would not enter a Florida spring ever. Gators are everywhere.
It all depends on the weather and water. High tide is a higher chance of blue water from the Atlantic. I’ve been many times and I’ve never seen it brown. A good reason to go back again!
Pronounced Hobe , not hoby times with Robe
Oh thank you I didn’t know!
HOOOBE not hobee
Rosemary is way over priced. If your not rich it’s not for you.
lol it’s not Hobeeee Sound dork. Just Hobe like Strobe. And Dry Tortugas and Peanut Island are not “hidden” gems but quite popular. 😂
theyre not hidden anymore.... thanks.
I came to say the same thing. I hate these people that post hidden gems in my state. Thanks for ruining them. 🤬
There's plenty of God's green earth for all to see.❤ agape
DONT COME TO ANNA MARIE ISLAND WE ARE FULL !!!!!!
Fu
Bring a large wallet to 30A.
This is true!
Yes, thanks Gov DeSantis for the supercharged discharge from agricultural runoff that gives us such huge red tide blooms every year.
It’s so sad ;(
But its in Florida😂😅
Some of us live here 😭
3rd most populated state for a reason
No
pls believe her, do not swim in Hillsborough River, it is nasty nasty water and loaded with gators and other creatures.... yuk!
I never said to swim there? I said swimming is forbidden and listed the reasons why?
9 of our state, national parks are endangered of being destroyed. DeSantis is plainly on destroying them for hotels, golf courses and pickleball courts.
Yes it’s so sad!!!! I’m talking about it and posting about it on my socials!
There has been a petition against what Desantis wanted to do and believe is not going to happen!
Really??? Once again. Tell the entire story not just a statement to fire up people that don’t see through the bull. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to this state. If you have morals and don’t live in a fantasy world
Its all about bringing in that money greed
Relax, it was shot down across the board and from Floridians on both sides of the aisle.
INTRA- coastal, not INTER-coastal!
HAHA TRUMP 2024 !!!!
not hidden any longer. thanks for nothing.
vote michael wind next governor of florida independet make life better for all
As if your life isn't better than most states right now.
I'm sorry no disrespect but they're called hidden gems for a reason it won't be hidden for long now that you put it all over TH-cam. That's how quiet Little gems like you mentioned turn into places like Miami. Some things are better left unsaid.
I enjoy the zip codes in this Florida video area 🪷💐🪷💐🪷💐🪷💐🪷💐🪷💐🪷💐🪷💐🌎
Thank you!