25 Things You Wouldn't Expect To Find In Florida

Everyone knows that Florida is home to beautiful beaches, plenty of sunshine, Disney World, alligators, and is the leader in weird news (you're welcome), but Florida is more than seniors and suntan lotion.

1. This Island Fortress

Flickr: 7777497@N02 / Via flickr.com

It may have been built around the time of the Civil War, but Fort Jefferson it's clearly a tropical retreat for a Bond villain. You can even camp there.

2. Sand Mountains

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Yes, those are people next to a sand dune at the beach. It's Florida, so everything above sea level is a mountain.

3. This Jungle Waterfall

flickr.com / Via Flickr: visitflorida

You can find this hidden gem at Falling Waters State Park. No one said Florida was creative with its naming of state parks.

4. Would You Like to Play a Game?

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A gigantic Lite-Brite that was clearly inspired by the WOPR computer from WarGames. You can find it here.

5. Home for Elephants

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Even elephants need a place to retire. An old citrus grove is now home to the National Elephant Center.

6. People Watching

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A fish tank for watching people. Sorta.

7. TRON-Inspired Paddleboarding

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Glow-in-the-dark stuff makes everything more exciting.

8. Hey, Dude

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It's like the Midwest, but with beaches and flip-flops.

9. This Hindu Temple

Via flickr.com

Did you know that Tampa has a large Indian population?

10. This Rooster Rider

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Fantasy Fest in Key West is so wild that your office has probably blocked the site. (Go ahead and check, we'll wait)

11. Great Street Art

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What was once industrial warehouses is now an art destination.

12. Environmental Protection

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You can find a deactivated Nike missile base in the heart of the Everglades. Aren't alligators enough of a deterrent?

13. The Father of Drag Racing

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Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing. Ricky Bobby would be in heaven.

14. Floating Campsites

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Don't roll around in your sleep.

15. On The Rocks

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It looks more like the Pacific Coast, but even Florida has a few rocky beaches.

16. "Psychic Capital of the World"

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The Cassadaga Spiritualist camp in Central Florida is known for having a large number of practicing psychics and mediums.

17. Real Ninja Turtles

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Please don't feed the wildlife pizza.

18. Thai Treats

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Hungry yet?

19. Stunning Museums

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Tony Stark approved. They filmed Iron Man 3 here at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

20. Bogart's Boat

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The ship from The African Queen, the classic, 1951 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, is now anchored in Key Largo.

21. Food Besides Oranges

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No, not everyone in Florida has an orange tree, but we do have some great local eats.

22. Little Italy

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Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" because of its large canal system.

23. This Wine

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If it has oranges in it, does that mean we can drink it for breakfast?

24. Middle-earth

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I could see Saruman and Gandalf fighting at the top of this tower.

25. The Oldest Known Manatee

southfloridamuseum.org / Via South Florida Museum

I hope I'm that cute at 65.