One of our absolute favorite things to do when we are out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. We have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions we have found in the state of Florida.
It will be a constant work in progress as we will add new oddities and attractions every time we find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here
Aluminum Airplane
Location: 381 S. Central Ave
City: Oviedo
Region of State Located: East/Central
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If you’re cruising through Oviedo, you might do a double-take when you spot a World War II-era fighter plane parked right on the sidewalk. This gleaming aluminum replica is a tribute to the legendary Flying Tigers (the 1st American Volunteer Group), and it comes sporting one of history’s most intimidating paint jobs: the iconic “shark mouth.”
While we usually associate that fierce grin with American heroes, the design actually has a bit of a globetrotting backstory. The jagged teeth originally appeared on German Luftwaffe planes before being adopted by British RAF pilots. When the Flying Tigers saw photos of the British P-40s, they decided the look was just too good to pass up and made it their own. This roadside replica captures that warrior spirit perfectly, though it’s known to “soften up” for the seasons. If you visit during the holidays, you might find this legendary warbird decked out in festive lights or sporting a giant Santa hat, proving that even a shark-toothed fighter can get into the Christmas spirit!
Note: This sits in front of a local business and parking is very limited. Please be respectful when taking photos.
Anchor In The Rock
Location: Just North Of 909 SE Country Club Rd
City: Lake City
Region of State Located: Northern
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In the middle of landlocked Lake City, miles away from any ocean or deep-water port, sits a heavy, iron ship’s anchor that appears to be growing straight out of a massive limestone boulder. This “Anchor in the Rock” is a classic Florida roadside mystery. It’s an weathered, barnacle-free relic that looks as though a giant sailor simply dropped it from the sky and watched it fuse with the Florida karst.
While there isn’t an official plaque explaining its presence, local lore usually points to a retired sea captain who supposedly moved as far inland as he could to escape the stormy seas, “anchoring” himself permanently to this spot. Another theory is that it’s simply a creative piece of folk art from a bygone era that has weathered so perfectly into the rock that it now looks like a natural (if impossible) geological formation. Regardless of how it got there, it’s a delightful “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” landmark that proves you don’t need a beach to find maritime treasure.
The address given above is for a large church on the left-hand side of the road. If you go another 500 feet south you will see this random rock with an anchor in it. There is a small grassy/dirt area where you can park and grab a photo op.
Bat Houses
Location: 2664 Museum Rd
City: Gainesville
Region of State Located: Northern
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Located on the University of Florida campus across from Lake Alice, these massive wooden structures are home to an estimated 450,000 to 500,000 bats. The colony moved here after a fire in the 1980s drove them from their original home in a campus building; after several years of “persuasion” and the construction of these specialized houses, the bats finally settled in. Every evening just after sunset, they emerge en masse in a spectacular “river of bats” that fills the sky, heading out to feast on billions of insects across the Gainesville area.
There is no fee to visit, and the university provides a dedicated observation area with benches and a fence line to keep visitors at a safe distance from the structures.
The bats typically emerge 15–20 minutes after sunset. On warm, calm nights, the sheer volume of bats taking flight at once creates a mesmerizing aerial display that lasts for about 15 minutes.
While most of the residents are Brazilian free-tailed bats, the houses also provide a home for Southeastern and Evening bats, making it a vital urban wildlife sanctuary.
This massive colony acts as a chemical-free pest control system, consuming over two tons of insects (including millions of mosquitoes) every single night.
Big Garlic
Location: 556 E. 3rd Ave
City: New Smyrna Beach
Region of State Located: East Central
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If you find yourself in New Smyrna Beach and your nose suddenly detects the heavenly scent of roasting cloves, you’re likely standing beneath one of Florida’s most delicious landmarks. Perched atop the sign for “The Garlic” restaurant is a massive, oversized bulb of garlic that serves as a literal North Star for Italian food lovers. While I don’t have the exact measurements, it’s safe to say it’s big enough to ward off every vampire in Volusia County.
The “Big Garlic” marks the entrance to a restaurant that is an oddity in itself, a lush, greenery-filled space that looks more like a secret grotto than a standard eatery. It’s the perfect roadside stop for a photo op, especially since it captures that classic “larger-than-life” food decor style that made mid-century Florida road trips so iconic. Just be warned: once you see the sign, the smell of the real thing roasting inside makes it almost impossible to just keep driving!
Note: The Bob Ross Studio (listed below) is on the same block a short drive away if you want a “two-fer roadside oddity!!!
Big Orange
Location: 2265 N Harbor City Blvd
City: Melbourne
Region of State Located: Western Panhandle
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The Big Orange is a massive, 15-foot-tall fiberglass juice stand that serves as a nostalgic reminder of the roadside citrus stands that once lined the state’s highways. Originally built in the 1960s, it has been meticulously restored and now sits on the property of the DAV Chapter 32.
After falling into disrepair, local veterans and community members worked together to save the “Big Orange,” repainting it to its original vibrant hue to ensure it remains a landmark for future generations.
The structure is shaped like a perfect, giant orange, complete with a textured “peel” surface and a green stem on top.
While hundreds of these orange-shaped stands once dotted the Florida landscape to lure in tourists for “all-you-can-drink” juice, this is one of the very few that remains in such pristine condition.
Blue Angel On A Pole
Location: Santa Rosa Westbound Rest Area On I-10
City: East Milton
Region of State Located: Western Panhandle
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As you exit this I-10 rest area to head back toward Pensacola, you’ll find a striking sight: a Douglas A-4L Skyhawk mounted high on a pedestal, soaring eternally in its iconic blue and gold livery. This particular “Blue Angel” is painted with the number “1” on its tail, representing the Flight Leader’s aircraft.
The A-4 Skyhawk was the workhorse of the Blue Angels from 1974 to 1986. Pilots loved the “Scooter” (as it was nicknamed) because its compact size and incredible agility allowed them to fly maneuvers that were tighter and more dynamic than ever before. Seeing it here is a perfect “welcome home” gesture, as the Blue Angels are based just down the road at NAS Pensacola. It turns a routine highway stop into a mini-museum visit, reminding every traveler that they are officially entering the “Cradle of Naval Aviation.”
Note: If you are traveling eastbound instead of westbound, do not feel left out! The eastbound rest area nearby features its own aviation relic: a Grumman F9F-8 Cougar, which was the first swept-wing jet flown by the Blue Angels back in the 1950s. It’s a literal “history lesson” on both sides of the interstate.
Big Gorilla
Location: 2021 US Highway 19
City: Crystal River
Region of State Located: Northwest Central
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This massive, snarling gorilla is a survivor of Florida’s mid-century roadside boom. Unlike some statues that stay put for decades, this particular Kong has been known to “travel.” Long-time residents remember it being moved between various locations along US-19 over the years, sometimes appearing in front of seafood markets and other times guarding vacant lots, before finally settling into its current home at the towing yard. It’s a classic example of “Fiberglass Folk Art,” a style of oversized sculpture designed to be impossible to ignore at 55 miles per hour.
Despite sitting on a commercial lot, the business owners are generally used to people pulling over for a quick snapshot. It’s a rite of passage for Florida road-trippers to get a “forced perspective” photo of Kong “picking up” their car or family.
While it’s technically just a generic giant gorilla, locals have dubbed it “King Kong” for decades. Its fierce expression and dramatic pose make it look like it’s ready to climb the nearest palm tree.
Standing in front of a towing and recovery business, it serves as a fittingly tough mascot. It’s become such a fixture of the local landscape that it is often used as a “turn here” landmark for visitors heading toward the downtown historic district.
Bob Ross Studio
Location: 757 E 3rd Ave
City: New Smyrna Beach
Region of State Located: East/Central
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Tucked away in a quiet strip mall behind a giant ice-cream-cone-shaped building (the local Twistee Treat), this gallery is a pilgrimage site for fans of the most famous perm in television history. Opened by Bob Ross himself in 1993, the workshop serves as the official training center for “Certified Ross Instructors” and houses the world’s largest permanent collection of his original oil paintings.
Visitors can walk in for free to see over 50 “happy little” originals up close, many of which still show the thick, textured brushstrokes that the old low-resolution TV cameras couldn’t capture. The gallery even displays Bob’s actual easel, where you can practically hear him “beating the devil” out of his brushes. It remains one of the few places in the world where you can stand in the presence of his work and experience the same peaceful “Joy of Painting” he shared with the world.
Braden Castle Ruins
Location: The Corner of Braden Castle Dr & Plaza St E
City: Bradenton
Region of State Located: West/Central
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Hidden within a quiet 55+ community where the Manatee and Braden Rivers meet, skeletal walls are all that remain of a grand 1850s plantation manor. The “castle” was built by Dr. Joseph Braden, the man for whom the city of Bradenton is named, using a unique Florida building material called tabby, a rugged concrete-like mixture of crushed oyster shells, lime, sand, and water.
Beyond its role as a home, the structure served as a literal fortress for local settlers during the Third Seminole War, with its 20-inch-thick walls providing protection during attacks. Though a brush fire in 1903 gutted the wooden interior, the resilient tabby walls still stand today, now surrounded by the colorful cottages of the “Tin Can Tourists” who settled the area in the 1920s.
Cadwell Park
Location: 1 Cassaday St
City: Umatilla
Region of State Located: Central
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Cadwell Park is a quintessential Central Florida roadside oddity, famous for transforming a standard community space into a surreal outdoor gallery of massive chainsaw-carved wildlife.
What makes this park a true “oddity” is the creative history behind its art; rather than completely removing aging or diseased trees, the City of Umatilla commissioned master carvers to transform the remaining trunks into intricate sculptures. This “recycling” of nature has created a whimsical atmosphere where wooden bears, eagles, and even celestial figures seem to emerge directly from the earth, offering a unique blend of folk art and local conservation.
- The park features a collection of roughly a dozen large-scale carvings, ranging from towering Florida black bears to intricate eagles, all sculpted directly into the stumps of trees that were originally slated for removal.
- To protect the art from Florida’s elements, some of the original “oddities” have been moved to other indoor locations nearby, such as the Umatilla Public Library
- These pieces are the work of renowned professional chainsaw artists like Chad Gainey and Mark Rice, who used power tools to achieve remarkable details in the fur, feathers, and textures of the Florida-native subjects.
- As the primary venue for the annual Umatilla Black Bear Festival, the park leans into its quirky reputation every year, hosting bear-themed educational exhibits and tours of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway.
Check out my short YouTube slideshow of this park by using the link below
Cross In The Dunes
Location: Fort Pickens Rd
City: Pensacola Beach
Region of State Located: Southwest Panhandle
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Often referred to as the Pensacola Beach Cross, this 10-foot-tall concrete monument is a striking landmark that commemorates a pivotal moment in American history. Located atop a high dune on the south side of Fort Pickens Road, it serves as a serene spot for reflection and a popular subject for photographers.
The cross was erected in 1959 by the Knights of Columbus to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Spanish explorer Don Tristán de Luna. It marks the site where the first Christian mass in the continental United States was held on August 15, 1559, pre-dating the settlements at St. Augustine and Jamestown.
It is a prime location for sunrise and sunset photography, where the white concrete stands out beautifully against the shifting colors of the Florida sky.
Local legend often notes that despite its exposed position and the many devastating hurricanes that have swept through Pensacola Beach (like Hurricane Ivan), the cross and the dune it sits upon have remained remarkably unscathed.
You can find it on the western side of the beach along Fort Pickens Road, situated just before you reach the popular local restaurant Peg Leg Pete’s. There is some parking nearby.
Earth Rock
Location: 3645 N. Merritt Pkwy
City: Merritt Island
Region of State Located: Central/East Coast
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The Intersection of Art and Industry
The presence of the giant globe at a medical coating company makes for an even more interesting “oddity” than a typical yard decoration.
Because this is a place of business rather than a private home, it is much easier to view from the road, though visitors should still remain on the public right-of-way unless visiting the office during business hours.
TUA Systems is a global leader in biomedical materials and medical coatings, having coated over 52 million devices since 1988.
The Earth Rock serves as a literal representation of their worldwide reach in industries ranging from aerospace to ophthalmics.
Everglades Elevated Boardwalk
Location: 35000 Everglades Parkway
Broward County Rest Area Mile Marker 35 off I-75
City: Weston
Region of State Located: South/East
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Opened in August 2025, this $12 million project transformed a former truck parking lot on “Alligator Alley” into a stunning multi-level nature park. The centerpiece is an expansive, maze-like boardwalk that winds through engineered wetlands, allowing travelers to stretch their legs while walking directly above a living ecosystem. The site features a massive 40-foot observation tower accessible by both stairs and a long, scenic ramp that offers 360-degree panoramic views of the “River of Grass” stretching toward the horizon.
For the roadside attraction hunter, the real highlight is the 15-foot bronze alligator sculpture located in the central plaza, which has quickly become a mandatory selfie spot for anyone crossing the state. Between the educational kiosks and the arboretum identifying native flora, the boardwalk also offers high-probability wildlife sightings; it’s common to spot actual alligators and exotic wading birds in the ponds below. It’s a rare instance where the Florida Department of Transportation has created a legitimate destination that feels more like a hidden gem than a highway pit stop.
Although the rest area is open 24 hours, the boardwalk is only open sunrise to sunset.
Take a quick look at this boardwalk by checking out my YouTube Video:
Elevated Boardwalk: Alligator Alley Video
Four Mile Creek Covered Bridge
Location: 200 Center St
City: Freeport
Region of State Located: Western (Panhandle)
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While Florida isn’t exactly the first place you think of for covered bridges, this picturesque wooden span in Freeport is a “must-snap” for any roadside enthusiast. This modern-built bridge serves as a gateway to the city’s historic waterfront at Marse Landing. It’s a perfect example of how a small town can use classic architecture to celebrate its roots, in this case, the creek that gave the original settlement its name.
The name “Freeport” itself has two great origin stories you can share on your page. During the Civil War, the dock at the junction of Four Mile Creek and LaFayette Creek didn’t charge any fees, making it a literal “free port.” However, local legend prefers a thirstier version: allegedly, an unclaimed shipment of wine was once discovered at the docks, and the town was invited to come have a little “free port” (the wine kind)! Whether it was the lack of fees or the surplus of spirits, this bridge now stands as a quiet, scenic spot to watch the boats go by.
- Scenic Strolls: The bridge is part of a lighted, raised wooden path that offers great views of the creek and local wildlife.
- Historic Grounds: It sits near Marse Landing, which features a historical marker detailing Civil War skirmishes that took place right on these banks.
- Boater’s Paradise: The area is a hub for local fishermen and travelers, acting as the main gateway to the Choctawhatchee Bay.
Note: There was some parking across the street at the boat ramp.
Giant Wizard Head
Location: 5265 W. Irlo Bronson Highway
City: Kissimmee
Region of State Located: Central
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This magical landmark is another classic example of the over-the-top “mimetic” architecture found along Kissimmee’s famous tourist corridor. The Giant Wizard Head serves as the impossible-to-miss entrance to a massive gift shop, greeting everyone traveling down US-192 with a sense of fantasy and wonder.
The entrance is a towering, three-dimensional sculpture of a classic bearded wizard, complete with a purple star-spangled hat. It’s a quintessential Florida roadside photo op that captures the whimsical spirit of the Orlando area.
The head is large enough to be seen from quite a distance, acting as a colorful beacon for tourists looking for gifts or just a unique photo to share from their trip.
Visitors enter the store by walking directly through the wizard’s open mouth or beneath his flowing white beard, making for a fun and slightly surreal start to a shopping trip.
Inside, the store leans heavily into the fantasy theme, offering a huge array of wizard-themed merchandise, magic tricks, and wands, alongside more traditional Florida souvenirs.
Grave In The Road
Location: 200-298 Canova Dr
City: New Smyrna Beach
Region of State Located: Central/East Coast
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This historical oddity is a somber and fascinating site located right in the center of a residential street in New Smyrna Beach. Known officially as the Charles Dummett gravesite, it is a rare example of a grave that predates the modern development surrounding it, forcing the road to literally split around it.
The site marks the final resting place of Charles Dummett, a young man whose family once owned a massive sugar plantation in the area during the early 19th century.
The site is protected by a small iron fence and a stone marker. It is well-maintained by the local community and stands as one of the few tangible links to the pre-Civil War history of the region.
Charles died in 1860 at the age of 17. While local legends often suggest he was killed in a hunting accident or by a runaway horse, historical accounts generally point to an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound while out hunting.
When the area was developed into a residential neighborhood in the mid-20th century, the developers and the city chose to respect the original burial site. As a result, Canova Drive was paved with a circular “island” in the middle to accommodate the grave.
Note: This is a quiet residential neighborhood. There is no dedicated parking, so visitors should pull over carefully and be mindful of local traffic and residents’ privacy.
Guitar Taco Sign
Location: 5795 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
City: Kissimmee
Region of State Located: Central
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The Guitar Taco Sign stands at the entrance of Dos Bocas Restaurant a Mexican and Puerto Rican fusion spot. It’s impossible to miss as you drive down the busy Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (US-192).
This massive roadside sculpture serves as a literal interpretation of the restaurant’s theme, combining musical flair with culinary favorites. It’s a great piece of commercial folk art that captures the high-energy, vacation-ready atmosphere of the Orlando area.
The sheer scale of the guitar makes it a popular backdrop for tourists heading toward the nearby theme parks, often earning it a spot on “weirdest signs in Florida” lists.
The sign features a towering, oversized acoustic guitar with a giant, realistic-looking taco “plucked” and resting right in the center of the guitar’s body.
It perfectly matches the restaurant’s reputation for live music and “Latin flavor,” acting as a beacon for hungry travelers looking for entertainment and food.
Highest Elevation In Florida
Location: 2915 N Co Hwy 285
City: Defuniak Springs
Region of State Located: Northwest Panhandle
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Britton Hill, located within Lakewood Park, is home to the Florida’s Highest Point plaque. Standing at an elevation of 345 feet above sea level, it holds the unique title of being the lowest state high point in the United States, 103 feet lower than the next lowest, Ebright Azimuth in Delaware.
The park itself is a quiet, 17-acre county park near the town of Paxton, just shy of the Alabama border. It serves as a quirky must-visit for “highpointers” who aim to reach the highest point of every U.S. state.
- The Monument: A large granite marker and plaque commemorate the spot, flanked by benches. It’s located just a short, 100-foot walk from the parking lot, making it an incredibly accessible “summit.”
- Nature Trails: Beyond the plaque, the park features three wooded trails (Yellow, Blue, and Red) that range from 45 to 90 minutes to complete. They offer a rare glimpse of rolling hills and hardwood forests in an otherwise flat state.
- Amenities: The park is well-equipped for a relaxing stop with picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a “summit register” where visitors can sign their names alongside elite mountain climbers.
The site is named after Hazel Slaughter Britton, the former postmistress of the once-booming timber town of Lakewood. In the early 1900s, the area was a bustling lumber hub with over 100 buildings and a grand three-story hotel before fires and the Great Depression turned it into the quiet “ghost town” area it is today.
Ice Cream Building
Location: 769 E. 3rd Ave
City: New Smyrna
Region of State Located: East/Central
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Twistee Treat New Smyrna is a classic example of “programmatic architecture,” where the building’s very shape tells you exactly what is sold inside. This 28-foot-tall fiberglass structure is a beloved landmark in New Smyrna Beach, designed to look like a giant soft-serve ice cream cone.
- The building is meticulously shaped with a tan “wafer cone” base and a massive swirl of “vanilla” soft serve on top, complete with the signature twist at the peak.
- While there are several Twistee Treat locations across Florida, this particular cone has become a fixed part of the New Smyrna landscape, serving as a nostalgic beacon for beachgoers heading to the coast.
- Beyond the architecture, they are well-known for their soft-serve ice cream, gelatis, and “Twirls” (soft serve blended with candy or fruit).
Johnny Donutseed
Location: 2716 Gamble Rd #59
City: Monticello
Region of State Located: East/Central Panhandle
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Standing at roughly 10 to 15 feet tall, this whimsical figure is a reimagined version of a “Johnny Appleseed” statue that likely originated from a defunct restaurant chain. Instead of the traditional bag of seeds and a handful of apples, this version has been modified to fit the local truck stop vibe. He now holds a massive donut and a oversized cup of coffee, looking like he’s ready for the longest long-haul shift of his life.
Over the years, Johnny has developed a bit of a “distressed” look. Recent visitors have noted that he’s showing his age with some moss growth and a broken arm, which only adds to his charm as a gritty, lived-in piece of Florida history.
Johnny’s original tin-pot hat has been painted to look like a trucker’s cap, and his vest was repainted in colors matching the BP station where he resides at the Big Bend Travel Plaza.
Research suggests these statues were mass-produced in the 1960s and 70s for the Johnny Appleseed Restaurant chain. When the locations closed, many statues were sold off and “remixed” by their new owners into everything from chefs to lumberjacks.
Note: Pull into the Big Bend Travel Plaza at I-10 exit 217. Johnny stands right along Highway 59, making him a perfect “drive-by” photo op. If your lucky, you can grab a real coffee and a donut from the plaza to hold up for a “matching” photo with the giant!
Old Joe
Location: 310 S. Tremain St
City: Mount Dora
Region of State Located: Central
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“Old Joe” is a beloved local legend immortalized as a life-sized bronze statue in Gilbert Park in Mount Dora. This monument honors a massive, real-life alligator that was a fixture of Lake Dora for decades, becoming a symbol of the town’s natural heritage.
The statue serves as a tribute to the original “Old Joe,” a legendary 15-foot alligator that was known for his calm demeanor and for frequenting the shores near the park until his death in 2007.
- The bronze sculpture is incredibly detailed, capturing the impressive scale and rugged texture of the real alligator. It’s positioned low to the ground, making it a favorite spot for children to climb on and for tourists to take photos.
- Local stories often describe the real Old Joe as a “gentle giant” who was rarely bothered by the presence of people, becoming a sort of unofficial mascot for the Mount Dora community.
- Located within the scenic Gilbert Park, the statue is surrounded by oak trees and is just steps away from the lighthouse and the shores of Lake Dora where the real Joe once lived.
While there, I enjoyed great views of Mount Dora from Gilbert Park. I went during the week and there was plenty of parking.
Orange Building
Location: 5395 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
City: Kissimmee
Region of State Located: Central
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Often called “The World’s Largest Orange,” Eli’s Orange World is a massive piece of mimetic architecture that serves as a literal beacon for citrus lovers. This landmark is essentially a giant, spherical building designed to look like a colossal orange, complete with a dimpled “peel” texture and a stem on top.
This site is a quintessential Florida roadside attraction, combining over-the-top architecture with the state’s most famous export. It was originally built in the early 1970s and has survived as a vibrant reminder of the “Big Orange” era of Florida tourism.
The exterior is painted a bright, eye-popping orange and is one of the most photographed roadside structures in the Orlando/Kissimmee area.
The building is a half-sphere that stands significantly taller than the surrounding palm trees, making it an impossible-to-miss landmark on US-192.
It operates as a bustling market where visitors can find everything from fresh Indian River citrus and honey to kitschy Florida souvenirs and orange-flavored treats.
Possum Monument
Location: Corner of FL-77 & Washington St
City: Wausau
Region of State Located: Central Panhandle
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Yes, it’s true. A monument dedicated to the Possum.
This is one of the most uniquely “Florida” markers you’ll ever find! The Possum Monument is a quirky tribute to a critter that usually doesn’t get much love, located right in the heart of Wausau.
The monument was erected in 1982 to honor the North American opossum, a creature that supposedly helped the town’s early settlers survive during hard times by providing a steady (if unusual) source of food. It’s a classic small-town roadside stop that perfectly captures the humorous and resilient spirit of the Florida Panhandle.
- The Inscription: The stone marker features a playful poem and a plaque that officially “salutes” the possum for its contributions to the town’s history.
- Possum Capital of the World: Wausau takes its mascot seriously; the town is the official “Possum Capital of the World” and hosts a famous annual Funday & Possum Festival, complete with a possum auction and the crowning of a “Possum King and Queen.”
- Photo Op: The monument is easy to spot at the intersection of FL-77 and Washington Street, standing as a permanent reminder of the town’s quirky heritage.
Queen Snake Lookout
Location: Southbound I-75 Just Past Exit 384 (Mile Marker 382)
Alachua County Rest Area
City: Gainesville
Region of State Located: Northern
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This is one of the most clever pieces of “functional art” in the state! Known officially as the Snake Wall, this structure is a brilliant way to turn a safety barrier into a roadside destination.
This 325-foot-long elevated walkway is designed to look like a giant Florida Queen Snake slithering along the edge of the rest area. While it looks like a whimsical playground or art piece, it actually serves two very important purposes: it’s a scenic observation deck and a protective barrier.
As you walk along the snake’s spine, there are educational plaques sharing facts about the Queen Snake and the unique ecosystem of the prairie below.
The “snake” is 13 feet tall at its highest point. Its “tail” serves as the ramp where visitors begin their walk, and the “back” of the snake is the path itself. The head features eyes (which are actually lights) and a concrete forked tongue extending toward the interstate.
Once you reach the snake’s head, you are rewarded with a stunning panoramic vista of Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. It’s one of the best views of the “great savannah” of Florida, where you might spot wild horses, bison, or alligators in the distance.
The FDOT built the wall to act as a barrier to keep the very real (and sometimes venomous) snakes of Paynes Prairie from wandering into the rest area parking lot. It’s a rare case of a “snake” being used to protect people from snakes.
Ray Charles Statue
Location: 140 Broad St (Haffye Hays Park)
City: Greenville
Region of State Located: Eastern Panhandle
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Located in the heart of his childhood hometown, the Ray Charles Statue is a moving tribute to the “High Priest of Soul.” This life-sized bronze monument captures the legendary musician at his most iconic, seated at a baby grand piano, seemingly lost in the music.
The statue is the centerpiece of Haffye Hays Park, a quiet green space named after a local educator who was instrumental in the community. It serves as a significant cultural landmark for music history buffs traveling through the Florida Panhandle.
A “Native Son” Connection: Just a few blocks away, you can also find a reconstructed version of the small wooden house where Ray Charles grew up, which is now a museum dedicated to his early life in Greenville.
The bronze sculpture is incredibly detailed, featuring Ray Charles with his signature sunglasses and a joyful expression. The piano even has a plaque with his biography and career highlights.
Visitors often find that the park features a built-in sound system that plays his most famous hits, like “Georgia on My Mind,” providing a soulful atmosphere for the tribute.
Shark Mouth Building Entry
Location: 8136 Navarre Parkway
City: Navarre
Region of State Located: Western Panhandle
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This iconic entrance is impossible to miss! Known as The Shark Gym it is a premier fitness destination in Navarre, famous for its massive, 20-foot-tall shark head that serves as the main entryway to the facility.
Located on the busy Navarre Parkway, this gym has become a landmark for both locals and travelers. The entrance is a piece of classic mimetic architecture where you literally walk through the rows of sharp teeth in the shark’s gaping maw to reach the front doors.
For busy parents, the gym provides supervised and unsupervised childcare options, allowing you to get your workout in while the “little sharks” are entertained.
Inside the “belly of the shark,” you’ll find a sprawling 10,000-square-foot facility. It features a wide array of equipment, including over 3,000 square feet of green turf for circuit training, rogue squat racks, and an extensive cardio deck.
Despite the intimidating entrance, the gym is known for its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. It was founded by U.S. Air Force veterans who aimed to create a space where everyone from beginners to pro bodybuilders feels at home.
While it has specific staffed hours during the week, it is one of the few gyms in the Florida Panhandle that offers 24-hour access to its members, making it a favorite for those with non-traditional schedules.
Note: The building was previously home to “Souvenir City & Shark Museum,” which explains the elaborate roadside architecture. When the gym took over the space, they kept the shark head intact, preserving one of Navarre’s most photographed spots.
Shrimp In Top Hats
Location: 1475 Garden St
City: Titusville
Region of State Located: Central/East Coast
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This iconic roadside oddity is located at the entrance of Dixie Crossroads, a legendary seafood institution in Titusville. The “Shrimp in Top Hats” are a pair of larger-than-life, whimsical statues that have greeted hungry travelers and locals for decades.
Dixie Crossroads is as famous for these dapper crustaceans as it is for its rock shrimp, making it a landmark stop on the Space Coast.
Because of its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, this spot has hosted astronauts, engineers, and tourists alike since it opened in 1983, turning the “Shrimp in Top Hats” into a local symbol of hospitality.
The statues feature two upright shrimp dressed in formal wear, complete with black top hats, white gloves, and canes. One is often seen “holding” a sign or a menu, personifying the restaurant’s playful and welcoming spirit.
While the statues are the “fun” part, they represent the restaurant’s claim to fame, the Florida rock shrimp. The owner of Dixie Crossroads is widely credited with developing the machine that allows these hard-shelled shrimp to be split and served like miniature lobsters.
Beyond the photo op with the statues, the restaurant grounds feature a large koi and turtle pond where visitors can buy food to feed the wildlife while they wait for a table.
Space Shuttle Fuel Tank
Location: 4035 Reynolds Blvd
City: Green Cove Springs
Region of State Located: Northeast
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This massive artifact is a literal piece of space history resting along the banks of the St. Johns River. Known as the Space Shuttle External Tank, it is the only remaining flight-qualified external tank in existence that was never launched into space.
This 154-foot-long orange giant serves as a striking roadside landmark at the Reynolds Airpark (formerly the Lee Field Naval Air Station). It was originally intended for a space shuttle mission but was used for testing and eventually became a permanent display in Green Cove Springs.
It is located in an open industrial park area, making it very easy to view and photograph from the public road without needing a ticket or formal tour. While there you can also enjoy great views of the St Johns River.
The tank is roughly 27 feet in diameter and, when fully fueled for launch, would have held over 500,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and hydrogen.
The distinctive orange color comes from the spray-on foam insulation used to keep the cryogenic propellants at stable temperatures. Visitors can see the unique texture of this “popcorn-like” foam up close.
While other tanks were destroyed upon re-entry after launch, this specific tank (ET-94) was part of the Columbia investigation and eventually transported by barge to this location.
Spook Hill
Location: 321 DR JA Wiltshire Ave
City: Lake Wales
Region of State Located: Central
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This legendary spot is one of Florida’s oldest and most famous “gravity hills.” It’s a classic optical illusion that has been baffling drivers since the days of the Model T.
Spook Hill is a natural phenomenon where the layout of the surrounding land creates an optical illusion, making a slight downhill slope appear to be an uphill one. When you park your car at the designated spot and shift into neutral, your vehicle will appear to roll “uphill” against the laws of physics.
Local lore tells of a massive bull alligator that once terrorized the area. Legend says a Great Warrior Chief fought the beast to the death, and their spirits now haunt the hill, “pushing” cars away from their final resting place.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019, cementing its status as a significant piece of Florida’s mid-century tourism history.
There is a large sign at the bottom of the hill providing instructions on exactly where to stop and what to do to experience the illusion for yourself.
St Annes Shrine
Location: 1240 St Anne Shrine Rd
City: Lake Wales
Region of State Located: North/Central
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St Anne Shrine is a poignant and peaceful roadside oddity tucked away in the citrus groves of Lake Wales. Known locally as a “secret sanctuary,” this historic site offers a glimpse into Florida’s religious and architectural history.
The shrine was built in 1920 by a French-Canadian family in gratitude for a perceived miracle. It served as a place of pilgrimage for decades, particularly for those seeking healing, before falling into disrepair and eventually being restored as a quiet community landmark.
Though smaller than in its heyday, the site still hosts occasional religious gatherings, particularly around the Feast of Saint Anne in late July.
The shrine is situated at the end of a winding road, surrounded by ancient oaks and orange groves, creating a serene atmosphere that feels far removed from the modern world.
Visitors often seek out the natural spring on the property, which was historically believed to have healing properties and served as a focal point for the original pilgrims.
While much of the original complex is gone, the remaining stone altar and outdoor pews offer a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for photography and reflection.
Check out my full length post and video on St Anne Shrine by clicking the link below:
St Anne Shrine Post & Video
The Big Rooster
Location: 17120 County Road 234
City: Micanopy
Region of State Located: North/Central
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This massive roadside avian is a classic example of using oversized animal statues to catch the eye of travelers. Located right out front of Ceremonial Fireworks, this vibrant rooster stands as a colorful sentry along the rural roads of Alachua County.
The Big Rooster is a fiberglass giant that has become a local landmark for those navigating the backroads between Micanopy and Gainesville. It’s part of a long tradition of “muffler man” style statues used for commercial promotion, though this one leans into a more rural, farm-inspired aesthetic.
While he’s a great roadside attraction, his main job is to draw people into the fireworks shop, which is a popular stop for celebrations year-round.
The rooster is meticulously painted with bright reds, oranges, and greens, making it pop against the Florida greenery.
Visitors often pull over specifically to grab a picture with the giant bird, which towers over most vehicles.
The Old Chimney
Location: 5500 Scenic Highway
Chimney Park
City: Pensacola
Region of State Located: Western Panhandle
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Located within Chimney Park in Pensacola, this towering brick structure is a resilient piece of Florida’s industrial history. Standing approximately 50 feet tall, the chimney is the most prominent remains of a massive 19th-century manufacturing complex.
The chimney was part of the Hyer-Knowles Planing Mill, which was built in the 1850s and once served as one of the largest and most technologically advanced lumber mills in the South.
Today, the site is a public park where visitors can walk right up to the base of the stack. It’s a popular spot for local photographers and those interested in the industrial roots of the Florida Panhandle.
During the Civil War, the mill was burned by retreating Confederate forces in 1862 to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Union. The brick chimney was one of the only structures to survive the fire.
Despite being over 170 years old and facing numerous Gulf Coast hurricanes, the chimney remains structurally sound, though it now features a weathered, “broken” look at the top that adds to its character.
The Old Sentry Tree
Location: 2715 W 10th St
City: Panama City
Region of State Located: South/Central Panhandle
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Standing as a silent witness to over 250 years of history, the Old Sentry is a massive heritage live oak located in the heart of Panama City’s historic St. Andrews district. This resilient giant is most famous for surviving the catastrophic Category 5 winds of Hurricane Michael in 2018, enduring as a living symbol of strength and endurance for the local community. Today, it remains the crown jewel of Oaks by the Bay Park, where its sprawling, moss-draped limbs offer a peaceful canopy overlooking the water.
A note about this park: Oaks By The Bay park also features a heritage sculpture carved from another oak tree that didn’t survive the storm, which creates a nice “then and now” theme for visitors. There is limited parking so I suggest checking it out early in the day on a week day.
UFO House
Location: 1304 Panferio Dr
City: Pensacola Beach
Region of State Located: Western Panhandle
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This iconic dwelling, often called the “UFO House,” is actually one of the few surviving Futuro House structures in the world. Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the late 1960s, it looks like a classic silver flying saucer that has made a permanent landing on Pensacola Beach.
Originally intended as a portable ski chalet, these prefabricated homes became symbols of the Space Age. The Pensacola Beach version has become a beloved local landmark, even surviving several major hurricanes that have devastated other buildings in the area.
While it is a popular photo spot for roadside explorers, it remains a private home, so visitors should admire it from the street.
The house features an elliptical shape made of fiberglass-reinforced polyester plastic, sitting on a four-legged steel ring.
It is ringed with 16 “airplane-style” windows that provide panoramic views of the surrounding dunes. If you look closely, you will see that the owner put cardboard cut-outs of aliens in the window.
Local lore often credits its aerodynamic shape with its ability to withstand extreme Gulf Coast winds, notably remaining largely intact during Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
Volkswagen Spider
Location: 222 N Highland St
City: Mount Dora
Region of State Located: Central
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The Volkswagen Spider in Mount Dora is a creative and slightly eerie sculpture that has quickly become a local landmark since its installation in 2020.
Located on commercial property at the corner of Highland Street and 3rd Avenue, this “daddy-longlegs” was created by local artist and property owner John Henns. It’s an impressive example of upcycled industrial art that commands attention from everyone driving into Mount Dora’s uptown area.
The design was inspired by similar “Spider Bug” sculptures that first gained popularity in western states like Nevada in the 1970s, bringing a bit of desert-style road art to the Florida landscape.
The sculpture uses a vintage Volkswagen Beetle (the “Bug”) as the thorax of a giant spider, with long, spindly metal pipes forming eight menacing legs that lift the car high off the ground.
Painted an ominous all-black, the sculpture is designed to look as if it’s ready to crawl right over the sidewalk.
While it stays up year-round, the owner often adds giant webs and skeletons during the Halloween season, amping up its status as the ultimate neighborhood spooky spot.
Watch and Warn WW2 Monument
Location: 303 Columbus Ave
City: New Smyrna Beach
Region of State Located: East/Central
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While it might look like a quiet neighborhood park today, this site honors the “picket fence” of civilian heroes who stood guard when Florida was on the front lines of World War II. During the 1940s, German U-boats were a very real threat just miles off the Florida coast, often sinking merchant ships within sight of the shore. In response, local civilian volunteers armed with nothing but binoculars, telephones, and a lot of caffeine manned watchtowers 24/7 to “Watch and Warn” against enemy subs and aircraft.
The memorial serves as a tribute to these “spotters” who lived through mandatory blackouts and scanned the horizon for periscopes. It’s a poignant reminder that during the war, these sunny beaches weren’t just for vacationing, they were a vital lookout post for the defense of the country.
Fun Fact: New Smyrna Beach was once a “blackout zone” where residents had to paint the top half of their car headlights black and use thick curtains so they wouldn’t silhouette American ships for German submarines.
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