Whether you're chasing Old Florida charm or seeking a cool summer getaway, these nearby destinations deliver memorable experiences for every traveler.
Living here in Plant City puts you within easy reach of some of Florida’s most fascinating destinations. Within a two-hour drive, you can hunt prehistoric shark teeth on the Gulf Coast, watch mermaids perform beneath crystal-clear spring water, browse one of the South’s most celebrated antique districts, explore world-class museums, or wander through a castle built from discarded newspaper printing plates. Whether you’re seeking Old Florida charm, unusual roadside attractions, or a refreshing escape from the summer heat, these five destinations make perfect day trips from Plant City.
Mount Dora: History, Antiques, and Small-Town Charm
About an hour and a half northeast of Plant City, Mount Dora feels like stepping into a small, New England town, with the hilly terrain to match. Perched above Lake Dora, this historic town sits 184 feet above sea level and is known for its walkable downtown district, Victorian architecture, and antique shopping. Mount Dora has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s premier antique destinations, drawing treasure hunters from across the country. Dozens of antique stores, vintage boutiques, and collectible shops line the downtown streets, making it easy to spend an entire afternoon browsing for everything from antique furniture to quirky Florida memorabilia. Beyond the shopping, visitors can stroll along the waterfront, explore local history museums, or enjoy lunch at one of the cafes overlooking the lake. The town’s shady streets and preserved historic buildings, such as the Lakeside Inn, which was built in 1883, offer a glimpse of Florida before theme parks and high-rise condos transformed much of the state. Don’t forget to grab an “I climbed Mount Dora” t-shirt or postcard while you’re there.
Venice Beach: Hunting for Prehistoric Shark Teeth
If you’ve ever wanted to find a fossil, Venice Beach offers one of the easiest opportunities in Florida. Located roughly two hours south of Plant City, this Gulf Coast destination is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.”
Millions of years ago, much of Florida was submerged beneath a shallow sea filled with sharks. Over time, ancient shark teeth settled into sediment deposits offshore. Venice is uniquely situated on top of a 20-foot-deep fossil layer located just off the coast. Waves and currents continue to wash these fossils onto Venice’s beaches, where visitors regularly discover teeth from extinct species, including the massive megalodon. Shark tooth hunting is so popular that local shops sell specialized sifters, scoops, and mesh baskets designed specifically for fossil hunters. Many visitors spend hours wading in the shallow water or sifting through shell beds in search of their next prehistoric treasure. Even beginners often leave with a pocketful of fossils.
St. Petersburg: Museums, Art, and Air Conditioning
When the Florida summer heat becomes overwhelming, St. Petersburg offers the perfect indoor escape. The city’s vibrant downtown is packed with museums, galleries, restaurants, and waterfront views. Art lovers can spend the day exploring the renowned Dali Museum, home to one of the largest collections of Salvador Dalí’s work outside Spain. Nearby, the Chihuly Collection showcases dazzling glass sculptures that seem to glow from within. For something entirely different, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art features dramatic paintings, sculptures, and artifacts inspired by the American West. Between museums, visitors can enjoy lunch downtown before taking a stroll along the waterfront parks that overlook Tampa Bay or weave between the downtown streets in search of colorful murals.
Weeki Wachee Springs: Florida’s Legendary Mermaids
Long before Florida became synonymous with giant theme parks, travelers stopped along a dusty stretch of U.S. 19 to watch mermaids perform underwater. Opened in 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs is one of Florida’s most beloved roadside attractions. In its early days, when U.S. 19 was still a dirt road, performers dressed as mermaids would stand beside the highway and wave at passing motorists, encouraging them to stop and see the show. The attraction takes place inside a natural spring so clear that audiences can watch performers swim, dance, and perform synchronized routines beneath the water’s surface.
The name “Weeki Wachee” comes from the Seminole language and is often translated as “little spring” or “winding river.” The spring remains one of Florida’s natural wonders. More than 117 million gallons of crystal-clear, 74-degree water flows from the spring each day. The source is so deep and complex that explorers still do not know its full extent. Deep below the surface, powerful currents surge from underwater caverns with enough force to challenge experienced divers.
Solomon’s Castle: Florida’s Most Unexpected Landmark
Hidden in the rural countryside east of Sarasota sits one of Florida’s strangest attractions. Solomon’s Castle was created by artist Howard Solomon, who transformed a handmade structure into a whimsical work of art covered in recycled aluminum printing plates. Inside, visitors discover eccentric sculptures, folk art creations, and imaginative exhibits that blur the line between museum and fantasy world. The property also includes a replica Spanish galleon restaurant and peaceful grounds surrounded by old Florida landscapes. It’s a reminder that some of Florida’s most memorable attractions aren’t the ones found in guidebooks. From prehistoric fossils and underwater mermaids to antique treasures and world-class art, these destinations prove that some of Florida’s best adventures begin just beyond Plant City’s city limits. Fill up the gas tank, pack a lunch, and set out to discover a side of the Sunshine State that many visitors never see.
