Florida is recognized for its abundance of attractions, but not all of them are exciting theme parks. There are bizarre and crazy attractions in Florida that are only a short drive away from the larger and more well-known sites. But what sort is there? Follow along to see the eight oddest roadside attractions in Florida.
The world’s smallest police station
Did you know that Florida is home to the world’s smallest police station? This charming police station, which is essentially a little rectangular box (a phone booth), is located in the small city of Carrabelle.
So, what is the history of this unique tourist attraction? This police station was established on March 10, 1963. The phone existed before, but it was linked to a structure and provided little protection from the weather.
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters is near the Everglades and is popular among cryptid enthusiasts. Visitors can read about this unusual creature and even find alleged images and audio recordings of it.
You may not only learn more about the Skunk Ape, but also camp and browse the gift shop. The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters also houses live animals such as snakes.
Betsy the Lobster
Florida is home to numerous huge statuary roadside attractions, like Betsy the Lobster. Betsy the Lobster, located in Islamorada, Florida, is 40 feet long and around 30 feet tall. This big statue is intricate and based on a spiny lobster. The Caribbean spiny lobster is composed of fiberglass. The state was completed in 1985.
Islamorada is a fascinating place. It’s a hamlet spread across five islands in the Florida Keys.
Goofy Golf
Goofy Golf in Panama City, Florida, is another of Florida’s oddest roadside attractions. This mini-golf course is much more than just a place to play with pals. It’s also full with colorful and unusual art and statues.
Goofy Golf has been open for more than 50 years and is a terrific destination for family enjoyment. Lee Koplin founded this family company, which opened in 1959. It is reasonably priced and conveniently located across from the County Pier.
Coral Castle
Coral Castle is much more than just a roadside attraction. In the 1920s, Edward Leedskalnin built this one-of-a-kind fortress from oolite limestone. He spent more than 25 years creating this odd and wonderful castle. Although called the Coral Castle, it is not composed of coral.
The founder, Leedskalnin, was a very private guy. It is alleged that no one ever saw him build the fortress. Even his dying was silent. He merely posted a sign on the door indicating that he was going to the hospital before boarding the bus and dying three days later.
Mermaids at Weeki Wachee
If you are in Florida, Weeki Wachee State Park is a must-see. Swimming mermaids, one of the state’s oldest roadside attractions, are found in this fun and attractive state park. Mermaids have been performing here for decades, beginning in 1947.
The mermaid show at Weeki Wachee is fantastic to watch. Depending on the season, a new show is presented, including a mermaid adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. After seeing a spectacular live mermaid performance, you can kayak, swim, and visit the state park’s water park.
Swampy is the world’s largest alligator
Swampy, the world’s largest alligator during the Christmas season, is also in Florida. Swampy isn’t the world’s largest alligator, but rather the largest alligator-shaped structure.
The building is 200 feet long and difficult to miss. “Swampy” serves as the gateway of Jungle Adventures Park, a roadside zoo. You can not only view this bizarre roadside attraction but also take a journey on the Jungle Swamp Cruise and witness the Gator Jamboree Feeding.
Solomon’s Castle
Finally, Solomon’s Castle is another breathtaking castle. This castle is located in Ona, Florida. It’s an aluminum castle hidden deep in the Florida woods. To be honest, it is something you must see in person to believe.
Solomon’s Castle is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during select months. Howard Solomon created stunning artworks that may be found throughout this castle. Tours are provided, and there is a restaurant inside the castle!