People head to Florida for its warm weather and beautiful sandy beaches. It's also home to a well-known family attraction known as Walt Disney World Resort. There are also unusual attractions that are worth visiting in Florida.
Florida's Tarpon Springs is where 90 percent of the world's natural sea sponges are harvested. Sea sponges have multiple uses. At Spongeorama's Sponge Factory you can shop for sponges and learn about how sea sponges are harvested, how to care for them, the history of Tarpon Springs and information about the sponge docks and sponge industry through an on-site museum. A sightseeing cruise line takes you out to the Gulf of Mexico to the Anclote State Preserve and Anclote River where you will see dolphins and manatees. There's a stop at Anclote Island where you can enjoy the beach, go swimming and enjoy the view of the Historic Anclote Lighthouse site. There is no fee for admission to Spongeorama's Sponge Factory and museum, which is open year round (except for major holidays). Reservations are required for rides on the cruise line by calling (727) 943-2164. Prices vary depending on cruise line and departure selection.
Located in Spring Hill, this state park has a one-of-a-kind spring that is the underwater world of mermaids, manatees and turtles. Newton Perry, a former Navy man who trained SEALs to swim underwater during World War II discovered this site and decided to turn it into a place where you can see trained humans appear as mermaids. He invented a method for the human mermaids to breathe under water without having to carry a tank. Instead the human mermaids use a free-flowing air hose that supplies oxygen from an air compressor. This allows the human mermaids to swim about freely as if this were their natural habitat. Surrounding the state park there are also rides, picnic areas and trails. This site is open year round (except for major holidays), and admission cost varies depending on which areas of the park you want entry to. A yearly pass is offered for $60 to the state park. Add an additional $15 and you will also have access to the water park rides.
Located in Miami, this site tells the story of a heartbroken man who built a castle out of coral rocks. Edward Leedskalnin used nothing but hand tools and built it as a testimony of his love for Agnes Scuffs who called off their wedding a day before it was to occur. Visitors of this museum are stunned by how one man using only hand tools could make such a creation. It also amazes people how he was able to move coral rocks weighing a ton or more miles without any heavy machinery to help. The site is open year round, and tickets may be purchased on site or online. As of 2011, adult admission costs $9.75 and child's admission (age 7 to 12) is $5. Children under 6 are not charged.
Located in Ona, Solomon's Castle is where you can find the work of internationally known artist and sculptor Howard Solomon. He has created art out of discarded materials. The exterior of Solomon's Castle is made of metal printing plates that were from a local newspaper. Inside the castle are galleries where you can see over 300 pieces of art made from broken appliances, car parts, steel cans and more. Art pieces include sculptures, framed art and more. This site is open every day except Mondays and is closed from July through September. Adult admission is $10 (as of 2011) and children under 12 are charged $4.
