Erica Skye

Everyone talks about Miami. Everyone talks about Orlando. And look, I get it. But if you live in Florida or you’ve ever visited and only hit the tourist spots, I need you to know – you missed a lot.

I’ve been roaming this state for years, and Florida has a whole other side that doesn’t show up on the first page of Google. The kind of places that make you stop, pull over, and just… breathe.

So consider this my love letter to the Florida I actually live in.

The Water is Everywhere and Most People Walk Right Past It

This is the thing about Florida that outsiders don’t fully get. Yes, there are beaches. But there are also springs, lakes, rivers, hidden coves, and waterways that feel like you stumbled into another world entirely.

Some of my favorite moments have happened at spots with no Instagram tags, no crowds, just water so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and the kind of quiet that actually quiets your mind.

If you’re ever near Central Florida, stop chasing the coast for a second and explore what’s inland. You might surprise yourself.

The Food Scene Nobody Talks About

Fine dining in Florida is underrated, and I will die on this hill.

People think you have to go to New York or LA for a real culinary experience. Meanwhile, Florida has restaurants that would make those cities nervous. Hidden spots, chef-driven menus, waterfront tables where the vibe matches the food and the food matches the occasion.

I’ve had meals in this state that I still think about. The kind where you’re not just eating, you’re experiencing something. And most of them weren’t places I found on a top ten list.

The Slower Pace of the Non-Tourist Parts

There’s a version of Florida that runs at a completely different speed than the theme parks and spring break crowds. Small towns. Waterfront dives. Farmers’ markets on Saturday mornings. Streets you drive down and think, “wait, this is still Florida?”

That’s the Florida I’m always chasing. The one that feels like a secret.

Why I Keep Roaming

I don’t have a bucket list of Florida spots. I just keep moving and keep noticing. A new town, a new trail, a new restaurant someone mentioned in passing. That’s how the best ones always find me.

If you’re in Florida or planning to visit, my biggest advice is this – leave the itinerary a little loose. The best parts of this state don’t always have an address.

What’s your favorite underrated Florida spot? Drop it in the comments. I’m always looking for the next one.

— Erica Skye