If you’re driving down to South Florida, these are a few stops you shouldn’t skip. From gardens and wildlife to unique landmarks, each spot is worth pulling over for.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens – Gainesville, FL

Nearest City:

• Gainesville, FL

Admission Price:

• Adults: $12 + TAX
• Children (ages 5-13): $7 + TAX
• Annual pass Individual – $50 (one named adult)
• Individual plus three kids – $75 (one named adult and up to three of their children ages eighteen and younger.)

Time Spent:

• 1.5 to 3 hours

What You’ll See:

• A peaceful 68 acre botanical garden featuring bamboo forests, water lilies, herb gardens, shaded walking paths, and seasonal blooms. One of the highlights is the massive bamboo collection it’s one of the largest in Florida.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Best visited in spring or early summer for peak blooms.
• Bring water, especially on warm days.
• Great spot for photography and slow exploring.

Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park – Kenansville, FL

Nearest City:

• Kenansville, FL

Admission Price:

Time Spent:

• 1 to 2 hours

What You’ll See:

• A drive-through safari experience where you see giraffes, zebras, bison, antelope, Watusi cattle, and more roaming freely. You stay in your car the entire time and drive at your own pace.

Tips:

• Follow speed limits (5 MPH) and staff directions carefully.
• Best to go earlier in the day when animals are more active.
• Bring a camera lots of close up photo opportunities.

Wat Buddharangsi Buddhist Temple – Miami, FL

Nearest City:

• Miami, FL

Admission Price:

• Free admission

Time Spent:

• 30 minutes to 1 hour

What You’ll See:

• A serene Thai Buddhist temple featuring traditional architecture, golden statues, prayer areas, and peaceful grounds. It offers a quiet cultural experience tucked away from the city.

Tips:

• Dress modestly out of respect.
• Keep voices low and be respectful of worshippers.
• Photography is allowed but avoid disrupting ceremonies.
• Great stop for a calm break from busy Miami.

Coral Castle – Miami, FL

Nearest City:

• Miami, FL (Homestead area)

Admission Price:

• Adults $18
• Child $8

Time Spent:

• 1 to 1.5 hours

What You’ll See:

• A mysterious stone structure built entirely by Edward Leedskalnin using massive coral limestone blocks. Features include carved furniture, walls, sculptures, and the famous revolving gate.

Tips:

• Read the signs or take the guided tour for full history.
• Bring sunscreen much of the site is outdoors.
• Photography is allowed.
• Plan for heat, especially in summer months.
• Bring an umbrella.

Robert Is Here – Homestead, FL

Nearest City:

• Homestead, FL

Admission Price:

• Free entry

Time Spent:

• 30 minutes to 1 hour

What You’ll See:

• A famous roadside fruit stand known for fresh tropical fruit, legendary smoothies and milkshakes, and local products like honey, jams, and hot sauce. There’s also a small animal area with goats, turtles, and other farm animals.

Tips:

• Try the mango or key lime milkshake they’re the most popular.
• Lines can get long on weekends, so go early if possible.
• Great stop before or after visiting Everglades National Park.
• Try some of rare fruits like soursop, sugar apple, sapodilla, and tamarind.
• Shipping available for online purchases.

Everglades National Park – Florida

Nearest City:

• Homestead, FL (southern entrances)
• Naples, FL (western areas)

Admission Price:

• Vehicle / Vessel Entrance $35 (7-day pass)
• Motorcycle $30 (7-day pass)
• Everglades Annual Pass $70 (12 month pass)

Time Spent:

• 2 hours to a full day

What You’ll See:

• A vast subtropical wilderness with sawgrass marshes, wetlands, wildlife, and scenic boardwalks. Expect to see alligators, birds, turtles, and unique ecosystems found nowhere else.

Tips:

• Bug spray is a must.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon for wildlife activity.
• Stay on marked trails and boardwalks.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and hats (shade is limited.)
• Find the Z Tree. (25.4017094, -80.7913958)