Ready for an adventure? Forget following the crowds. It's best to listen to the locals who know where to find the best pubs, fish houses, hikes, and shops?—from the Florida panhandle all the way down to the keys. These tucked-away places aren't in the first chapter of your guidebook?—and might not be in it at all?—and that's how many of us like it. These special spots may be hidden, but they are a favorite for year-round residents in Florida for good reason. From secret gardens to quirky restaurants to wildlife havens, here are the must-visit secret spots in Florida.

Florida's beaches get more attention than its forests, but you can enjoy both (and lots more) at this incredible park north of Orlando. The area is home to 600 lakes and rivers for all sorts of water sports and activities, wooded walking and hiking trails, Lake George and Lake Kerr for fishing, and special trails for motorcycles and ATVs. There's also the Doe Lake Recreation Area, a separate area for horses and horseback riding.

fs.usda.gov; 3199 Northeast Highway, 315 Silver Springs, FL 34488

This public garden is unique for many reasons, namely because it was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., and because it is home to an eight-story structure called the Singing Tower. Inside the tower is a carillon, a rare instrument that contains at least 23 specially tuned bells that are played with a keyboard. There is so much to explore here, from seasonally blooming flowers to a 1930s-era Spanish-style mansion to nature trails.

When you call your restaurant a shack, the culinary bar isn't set very high. Unsuspecting visitors might bypass Little Moir's Food Shack, but locals are more than happy to wait for a table. One look at the menu and it's clear this place isn't a dive. Locally-caught seafood is the star here, with dishes like the Fried Tuna and Basil Roll with a Mixed Melon Salad, and Sweet Potato-Crusted Pompano with greens, seasonal fruit, green beans, red onions, tomatoes, and a Key lime garlic dressing. The menu changes daily, so there's always a new reason to go back to the shack.

littlemoirs.com; 103 South U.S. Highway 1 Ste. D3, Jupiter, Florida 33477

Walker's Landing is a stunning secret spot to watch a sunset. Wood benches and swings overlook the salt marsh and dock where residents keep kayaks. There's also an elegant-meets-rustic lodge that can be rented out for events and weddings through the neighborhood association or Omni Amelia Island Resort.

aipca.net/walkers-landing-info; 11 Beach Lagoon Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

This lush garden, located near the Lake Worth Lagoon across from Palm Beach, doesn't have a big sign, so it's easy to miss. But locals know that property, which is filled with rare plants and sculptures, is always worth a visit. As the former studio and residence of the late sculptor Ann Weaver Norton, it primarily showcases her large-scale work, but other artists display their pieces throughout the year as well.

ansg.org; 253 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Everyone knows that Key West is home to some of the most colorful and historic watering holes in the Sunshine State. But in-the-know travelers start the pub crawl a few islands up the chain on unassuming Big Pine Key, home of the National Key Deer Refuge. No Name Pub got its start in 1931 as a general store and bait and tackle shop. In 1936, the owners added the bar, and patrons started hanging dollar bills on the ceiling and walls. As the locals like to say, "It's a nice place, if you can find it."

nonamepub.com; 30813 Watson Boulevard, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043

What started as a small takeaway shop selling chicharrones and fruit juices back in 1977 has blossomed into a mini-empire of restaurants with locations throughout Miami. Yes, the juices are fresh and the Cuban food is delicious. But what's made El Palacio a success is its loyal fanbase of locals. Inside each one, there is a bodega, a small shop with tropical fruit and other groceries.

elpalaciodelosjugos.com; Multiple locations

This tiny island is a prime spot for snorkeling and spotting tropical fish, but it's not on the radar of many tourists, who typically opt for the other beaches in Palm Beach County. You'll need a kayak or a boat to get to Peanut Island (water taxis at Riviera Beach Marina Village run every 20 minutes), but once you're there, you'll feel like you've discovered a little slice of paradise.

Home to bird rookeries, fish spawning sites, a butterfly garden, and juvenile sea turtle nurseries, Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge consists of 5,400-plus acres of protected lagoons and marshes frequented by endangered species. This National Historic Landmark became the first federal area set aside specifically to protect wildlife. Join a guided nature walk or explore on your own and keep an eye out for bobcats, river otters, manatees, dolphins, and more.

fws.gov/refuge/pelican-island; 4055 Wildlife Way, Vero Beach, Florida 32963

By design, the community of Seaside is more elegant than eclectic. Everything here looks perfectly planned—because it was. One exception to this is Airstream Row, a collection of funky Airstream trailers-turned food trucks, just off the main park. For years, this has been a tradition in the beach town. Today's offerings include Wild Bill's Beach Dogs, Meltdown on 30A (sandwiches), Crepes du Soleil, and Frost Bites (shaved ice).

Located on a little-known peninsula that juts off the coast of Bradenton, the Cortez Historic Fishing Village is where you'll find one of the few remaining commercial fishing fleets on the waterfront in Florida. Head to a 1920s-era fish house called Star Fish Company, where you'll find a dockside, hole-in-the-wall-style eatery and market where the catch of the day was swimming just minutes before hitting your plate.

starfishcompany.com/starfishcompany/index.html; 12306 46th Avenue West, Cortez, FL 34215

Most of Miami has no idea that The Kampong secret garden exists (it's camouflaged by layers of rare and exotic plants and guarded by a red gate) in the quirky Coconut Grove neighborhood on Biscayne Bay. Sprawling over 11 lush acres, towering palms and moss-draped oaks provide an umbrella to the former home of Dr. David Fairchild (1869-1954), one of the most famous horticulturists in history. As you explore the Asian-inspired main house, cottages, and grounds, you'll take a step back into time and maybe even find a little Zen along the way.

ntbg.org/gardens/kampong; 4013 Douglas Road, Miami, Florida 33133

Tucked away in a tropical garden with orchids, succulents, and a towering Banyan tree, The Banyan Tree is a hidden oasis in Islamorada. Wander through the garden, shop for a Florida Keys-inspired outfit, or take a painting class. The boutique and gardens feature clothing, accessories, jewelry, home décor, and more. On the second Thursday of every month, show up for Creative Plant Night, where you can design terrariums and flower arrangements with friends.

banyantreeboutique.com; 81197 Overseas Highway (Mile Marker 81.2), Islamorada, FL 33036

Located north of Clearwater, Tarpon Springs is a hotbed of Greek culture and a sponge-harvesting industry that dates back more than a century. At the historic Sponge Docks, you'll find shops and a collection of authentic Greek restaurants. Pop into the Spongeroama Sponge Factory, where you'll find a large selection of natural sea sponges, Greek gifts, a museum, and boat tours.

spongedocks.netspongeorama.com; 510 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

In Naples, locals know and love the Gordon River Greenway, an elevated nature trail and one of the last unspoiled areas in the region. Weaving through the mangroves, the Greenway features paved pathways, canoe and kayak launches, scenic overlooks for wildlife viewing, and a hidden entrance near the Naples Zoo and Conservancy of Southwest Florida.

If there's a fruit or vegetable grown in the tropics, chances are you'll find it at Robert Is Here. South Floridians know that this humble roadside market is bursting with the best produce, from mangoes, bananas, and avocados to rarer delights like passion fruit. Whatever you're looking for, don't leave without one of their famous milkshakes, which can be made with just about every type of fruit you can imagine.

Find your inner artist at Shiny Fish Emporium in Anna Maria Island, where you can decorate sand dollars with owners Rebecca and Dan. You'll get the perfect keepsake to take home from vacation, and it's a great activity for the whole family. Equal parts artisan haven and tropical boutique, you could spend hours shopping for unique gifts like colorful kimonos and funky ukuleles.

facebook.com/shinyfishemporium; 306 Pine Ave., Anna Maria, Florida 34216

A 16-acre Japanese garden in South Florida might seem odd to some, but if you live in Delray Beach, you know that the Morikami is a local treasure. In addition to the beautiful grounds, there is a museum centered on Japanese art and artifacts (with permanent and temporary exhibits), a theater, a cafe, and a tea house (visitors can participate in a traditional tea ceremony). Spending a day here is a complete change of pace, in the best possible way.

USA Today readers named this lively farmers' market the best in the United States for three years in a row1. And while it does attract its fair share of visitors, it's a Saturday morning ritual for many West Palm Beach residents. In addition to seasonal produce, you'll find a greenhouse worth of orchids and plants, a Cuban coffee stand, locally-made baked goods and condiments, and a lot of happy shoppers and their dogs.

wpb.org; 101 S Clematis St., West Palm Beach, FL 33401