Florida is known for its sunny beaches, Disney magic, and tropical vibes, but it’s also home to some of the strangest, most delightful roadside oddities in America. If you’re driving through the Sunshine State, here are 11 of the weirdest Florida roadside attractions you’ll want to pull over for — because sometimes, the journey is even more fun than the destination.
1. Skunk Ape Research Headquarters – Ochopee
Deep in the Everglades, the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters claims to study Florida’s version of Bigfoot — the elusive “skunk ape.” Stop by this quirky roadside shack to see casts of massive footprints, reported sightings, and a small zoo of exotic animals. Whether you believe or not, the gift shop alone is worth the laugh.
2. The World’s Smallest Police Station – Carrabelle
Carrabelle, a tiny coastal town in the Florida Panhandle, proudly hosts the world’s smallest police station — literally, an old phone booth. Originally installed in the 1960s so officers could answer calls while on beach patrol, this tiny structure has become a beloved oddball landmark with its own historic marker and countless photo ops.
3. Solomon’s Castle – Ona
Tucked away in the Florida backwoods, Solomon’s Castle is a glimmering aluminum-covered castle built entirely by one eccentric artist, Howard Solomon. This fairytale-like home features bizarre sculptures, whimsical artwork, and even a replica of a 16th-century Spanish galleon. Guided tours reveal Solomon’s humor, creativity, and an impressive dose of Florida weirdness.
4. Spook Hill – Lake Wales
At Spook Hill, drivers park their cars at the bottom of a hill, put the vehicle in neutral — and magically roll uphill. Is it gravity? Optical illusion? Ghostly forces? No one knows for sure, but signs tell the spooky legend of Native American spirits and alligators battling long ago. It’s a free stop with a guaranteed “what just happened?” moment.
5. The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs – Weeki Wachee
Weeki Wachee Springs has been enchanting travelers since 1947 with its live mermaid shows performed in a submerged underwater theater. Performers wear shimmering tails and breathe through air hoses, dazzling crowds with choreographed underwater ballets. It’s kitschy, vintage Florida at its best — and a roadside attraction you won’t see anywhere else.
6. The UFO House – Homestead
Near Homestead, you’ll find a round, saucer-shaped house that looks like it came straight from outer space. Built in the 1970s as a “Futuro House,” this retro-futuristic home was once a vision of space-age living. Though you can’t go inside, the sight of this UFO-shaped building rising from the Florida landscape makes for a fun, surreal roadside photo.
7. The Coral Castle – Homestead
Built single-handedly by Latvian immigrant Edward Leedskalnin in the early 1900s, the Coral Castle is a mysterious complex of massive coral rock sculptures, gates, and walls — all assembled without heavy machinery. How did Leedskalnin move blocks weighing several tons? Nobody knows, adding to the intrigue. Today, visitors can tour this “American Stonehenge” and ponder its strange origins.
8. The Big Orange – Orlando
You can’t miss the giant, smiling orange off Florida’s Turnpike near Orlando — it’s part of the Florida Citrus Tower complex. Once a bustling tourist stop showcasing Florida’s citrus industry, the giant orange now serves as a retro roadside icon. Grab a photo, learn a bit of history, and enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice from the gift shop.
9. The Swampy Gator – Christmas
In the small town of Christmas, Florida (yes, it’s really called that), you’ll find Swampy — the world’s largest alligator-shaped building. Stretching over 200 feet long, this massive green gator is part of Jungle Adventures, a roadside wildlife park. Even if you don’t go inside, the outside alone makes for a wonderfully weird roadside detour.
10. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp – Cassadaga
Cassadaga calls itself the “Psychic Capital of the World,” and this century-old spiritualist camp is packed with mediums, psychic readers, and healing centers. You can wander the tiny town’s streets, get your palm read, or take a walking tour of haunted spots. Whether you’re a believer or skeptic, Cassadaga’s aura of mystery is undeniable.
11. The Giant Lobster – Islamorada
On your way through the Florida Keys, pull over to meet Betsy — a 30-foot-tall fiberglass lobster statue guarding the Rain Barrel Artisan Village. This colossal crustacean is one of the most photographed roadside landmarks in the Keys and signals a fun stop for shopping, local art, and tropical souvenirs.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s roadside attractions offer a delightful mix of the bizarre, the funny, and the downright mysterious. Whether you’re chasing mermaids, marveling at giant lobsters, or puzzling over cars that roll uphill, these stops prove that the Sunshine State’s charm goes far beyond its beaches and theme parks. So next time you’re road-tripping through Florida, take the scenic route — and don’t forget to pull over for the weird!