Roadside Attractions: The Quirky Stops Worth Pulling Over For

Florida is famous for Disney, Universal, beautiful beaches and huge shopping outlets, but there is another side to the Sunshine State that is much more unexpected. Drive beyond the main tourist routes and you’ll discover giant roadside statues, unusual museums, curious landmarks and wonderfully eccentric attractions that feel like they belong in a different era.

For UK families, these quirky stops can be a brilliant way to break up a long drive or add something completely different to a Florida holiday. They are often inexpensive, easy to visit and, most importantly, give you stories to take home that you simply won’t get from another theme park day.

So, if you’re hiring a car during your Florida holiday, keep an eye out for some of these wonderfully unusual roadside attractions.

What Makes Florida’s Roadside Attractions So Special?

Roadside attractions are part of classic American travel culture. Before theme parks became Florida’s biggest tourism draw, families travelling across the state were entertained by eye-catching signs, unusual buildings, giant sculptures and attractions designed to persuade motorists to stop.

Some have disappeared over the years, but plenty remain. They range from genuine pieces of Florida history to wonderfully kitsch attractions that are simply there to make you smile.

For children, they can be particularly fun because there is no expectation to spend hours following a map or waiting in queues. You arrive, explore, take a few photos and carry on with your journey.

And for parents, they can turn an otherwise ordinary drive into part of the holiday.

Visit the World-Famous Weeki Wachee Mermaids

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most unusual attractions and a fantastic example of old-school Florida entertainment.

The attraction is famous for its underwater mermaid performances, which have been entertaining visitors for generations. Watching performers swim and perform underwater in a submerged theatre is certainly not something most UK families will have experienced before.

There is also the beautiful natural spring itself, along with opportunities for kayaking and enjoying the surrounding area.

It is an excellent choice if you’re travelling between Orlando and Florida’s Gulf Coast and want to swap a day of rollercoasters for something altogether more unusual.

See the Giant Alligator Attractions

You don’t have to look very far in Florida to discover an alligator-themed attraction. From enormous roadside sculptures to attractions where you can learn more about these famous reptiles, the American alligator has become one of the state’s most recognisable symbols.

For children, spotting a giant alligator statue beside the road can be enough to prompt the inevitable question: “Can we stop?”

Florida’s alligator attractions vary considerably, so check exactly what is offered before visiting. Some are primarily museums or educational experiences, while others combine wildlife encounters with other family activities.

They can also be a fun introduction to Florida’s wildlife before you venture into the Everglades or other natural areas.

Discover Solomon’s Castle

Hidden away in Central Florida, Solomon’s Castle is one of those places that makes you wonder how you could possibly have driven past without knowing it was there.

Created by artist Howard Solomon, the unusual building was constructed largely from aluminium printing plates and other recycled materials. It looks more like something from a fantasy story than a typical Florida attraction.

Inside, families can explore the quirky rooms and artwork, while outside there is an equally unusual attraction: a boat that serves as a restaurant.

Solomon’s Castle is particularly good for families with older children and teenagers who enjoy unusual places, photography and attractions that are a little different from the norm.

It is also a reminder that some of Florida’s best experiences aren’t necessarily the ones that appear on every major tourist map.

Look Out for Florida’s Giant Statues

One of the joys of driving around Florida is discovering enormous statues and sculptures that seem to appear from nowhere.

You might come across giant animals, oversized food-related signs, enormous pieces of roadside art or colourful sculptures outside attractions and businesses.

Some are historic remnants of Florida’s tourism past, while others are relatively new additions designed to attract attention.

For families, these can make fantastic spontaneous photo stops. You don’t necessarily need to plan an entire afternoon around them. Sometimes the best holiday memories come from simply spotting something bizarre through the car window and deciding to turn around.

That is one reason having a little flexibility in your Florida itinerary can be so worthwhile.

Step Into Florida’s Old-Fashioned Tourist Culture

Some roadside attractions are interesting precisely because they show how Americans travelled and holidayed several decades ago.

Florida’s tourism industry has changed enormously, but older attractions can still provide a glimpse of the state’s traditional roadside culture. Think colourful signs, quirky gift shops, unusual collections and attractions built around a single fascinating idea.

For British families, this can be a surprisingly enjoyable contrast to the polished, highly organised world of the major theme parks.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about stopping somewhere simply because it looks interesting.

Make the Journey Part of the Holiday

One of the biggest advantages of roadside attractions is that they can make driving days more enjoyable.

If your Florida holiday includes Orlando, the Gulf Coast, Miami or the Florida Keys, you may spend several hours in the car at some point. Rather than treating those journeys as nothing more than transport, consider building a couple of interesting stops into your route.

A planned coffee break can become a quirky attraction. A fuel stop can become a photo opportunity. A long drive can become an adventure in its own right.

This approach works particularly well with children because it gives them something to look forward to along the way.

Just remember that Florida is much larger than it can appear on a map. Don’t try to squeeze too many stops into one day. Choose a few that genuinely interest your family and leave plenty of time for enjoying them.

Roadside Attractions Are Perfect for a Flexible Florida Holiday

Perhaps the best thing about these attractions is that they don’t need to replace Florida’s major highlights.

You can spend several days enjoying Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, relax on the Gulf Coast, explore Miami and still find time for a wonderfully eccentric roadside stop.

They add variety rather than taking anything away.

For families returning to Florida for a second, third or even tenth time, they can be particularly appealing. Once you’ve experienced the major theme parks, you may want to discover some of the unusual places that first-time visitors often miss.

And because Florida is packed with fascinating corners, there is always another unexpected stop waiting to be discovered.

Let Florida Sorted Help Plan Your Florida Adventure

A great Florida holiday doesn’t have to follow the same itinerary as everyone else’s.

At Florida Sorted, we help UK families create Florida holidays that combine the experiences they really want — from Disney and Universal to beaches, wildlife, road trips and those wonderfully unexpected attractions that can turn a good holiday into a memorable one.

Whether you’re planning your first Florida adventure or returning to discover a different side of the Sunshine State, we can help you put together a holiday that works for your family.

Ready to start planning your Florida holiday?

Make an enquiry with Florida Sorted and let us help you create your perfect Florida adventure.