7 Hidden Gems in Florida You Must Discover in 2024

Despite the negative chatter, those of us living in Florida appreciate the diversity, stunning natural landscapes, and the top-notch beaches the state offers.

Florida is ever-evolving, with new attractions like the Brightline high-speed train service launched in September 2023, connecting Orlando International Airport to Miami, and stopping at key locations such as West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, making it easier to explore the state.

Whether you’re interested in the vibrant new downtown area in Tampa, sampling the culinary scene in an overlooked food hub, or relaxing on a gorgeous beach, these are the trending spots to check out.

Which city in Florida is generating the most buzz right now?

Tampa

Tampa has recently emerged as the focal point of Florida's urban scene, finally stepping out of the shadows cast by Miami and Orlando. The recent development surge is centered around the vibrant downtown area, Water Street Tampa, which features cornerstone hotels like The Tampa Edition and JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Don't miss the city's latest and tallest rooftop bar, Beacon, on the 27th floor. Culinary highlights include the French favorite Boulon Brasserie and the gastropub and oyster venue The Pearl. Local food enthusiasts are particularly excited about the upcoming spring launch of Ash in Water Street Tampa, an innovative Italian restaurant by renowned chef Ferrell Alvarez of the celebrated Seminole Heights eatery Rooster & The Till.

Just south of downtown, the Hyde Park neighborhood has also welcomed new additions. Florida's exclusive Palisociety property, Palihouse Hyde Park Village, along with the Japanese restaurant Ro, made their debut in Fall 2023.

Where to Stay: Palihouse Hyde Park Village

Distinctive among Tampa's boutique hotels, the 36-room Palihouse Hyde Park Village offers a cozy, residential ambiance with an intimate second-floor retreat, complete with a lounge, restaurant, and roomy accommodations featuring crystal barware and Smeg mini fridges.

I’m seeking a beachside escape.

Anna Maria Island

This charming beach town on the Gulf of Mexico boasts soft, powdery sands and a refreshing absence of chain establishments. Just under an hour from Tampa, Mello on the Beach opened in 2023 along a pristine stretch of sand in Holmes Beach, south of Anna Maria Island. With its retro, vibrant decor reminiscent of Palm Springs, complete with neon pool floats and colorful furnishings, it offers essentials like umbrellas, coolers, and lounge chairs to make your beach day effortlessly enjoyable.

Naples

Further south, the quaint gulf-front town of Naples has welcomed back The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, which reopened last summer following a major renovation. This included a 14-floor expansion of the Vanderbilt Tower for Club guests, featuring the brand’s largest Club Lounge in North America, a stunning new lobby bar, and 10 air-conditioned private poolside bungalows for when you want to relax away from the beach without heading back to your room.

Amelia Island

Situated just north of Jacksonville along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Amelia Island is perfect for biking, especially around the historic Fernandina Beach and nearby Fort Clinch State Park, featuring miles of unspoiled beaches. Overlooking a serene 13-mile stretch of shoreline, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers nature-guided ecology tours to explore the local barrier island ecosystems and plans to introduce a renovated spa in late spring this year.

I love to travel for food but have already visited Miami. Where should I head next?

Orlando

While Miami boasts the majority of Florida’s Michelin stars with 11 starred restaurants, Orlando is the Sunshine State’s hidden gem when it comes to dining. The city features a globally inspired culinary scene that ranges from upscale eateries to beloved local spots, all while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere. If you're a fan of Asian cuisine, Orlando truly excels in this area.

The vibrant Mills 50 District is home to a variety of Vietnamese (with around 17,000 Vietnamese Americans residing in Central Florida) and Southeast Asian restaurants, including favorites like Pho 88 and Little Saigon, along with newer establishments such as Laotian street food spot Sticky Rice and Filipino ice cream shop Sampaguita, which opened in 2023.

Omakase dining is gaining popularity in Orlando, with notable spots like the intimate 10-seat Soseki, Kadence, the new Natsu Omakase, and the more relaxed Susuru Juju, which offers delightful sashimi and nigiri made from fish flown in fresh from Tokyo’s Toyosu market.

Where to Stay: Conrad Orlando

The latest buzzworthy resort in Orlando is Evermore Orlando Resort, featuring the Conrad Orlando, which offers nearly 500 rooms and suites, a kids' club, a rooftop Mexican restaurant, and exclusive beach access to the resort's expansive eight-acre man-made lagoon. Accommodations at Evermore Orlando include houses, flats, and villas with up to eleven bedrooms, perfect for multigenerational gatherings.

Surprise me with an unexpected vacation spot in Florida.

Lake Placid

Florida is famous for its crystal-clear freshwater springs, like those in Crystal River where manatees flock in winter to escape the chill of the Gulf of Mexico. However, the state’s sandy-bottom lakes—less prone to alligator encounters than muddier waters—can often catch visitors by surprise. Located about two hours south of Orlando, Lake Placid offers delightful experiences such as a bustling farmers’ market at Journal Plaza every Saturday, a delicious shrimp-and-grits special at Morty & Edna’s Craft Kitchen, and opportunities for pontooning and tubing on the scenic Lake June with Lake June Pontoons.

Sebring

Located about 20 minutes north of Lake Placid, Sebring features a vibrant restaurant scene led by places like Faded Bistro & Beer Garden. Additionally, it is home to one of Florida’s most stunning state parks, Highlands Hammock State Park, which offers a three-mile bike loop, towering oak trees, and a raised boardwalk that winds through an ancient cypress swamp. For exhilarating airboat rides on alligator-rich Lake Istokpoga—definitely not a swimming spot—join Airboat Wildlife Adventures at Neibert’s Fishing Resort and let Captain John know you’re after the “roller-coaster version” for the ultimate thrill.

Where to Stay: Inn on the Lakes

Inn on the Lakes is situated along the shores of Lake Jackson in Sebring, offering rooms with balconies and an outdoor pool that provide lovely views of the water. The on-site waterfront restaurant, Chicanes, serves generous portions of baby back ribs and pork schnitzel.