Uniquely Florida Attractions N-S

Reptile World Serpentarium - Saint Cloud
Founded in 1972 as a research facilty on the production and distribution of snake venom.  Features over 50 species of snakes including Australian taipan, king cobra, East African mamba and other reptiles.  Venom shows featured daily.  Admission.  5705 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., Saint Cloud, FL 34771.  Phone: (407) 892-6905.

Ron Jon Surf Shop - Cocoa Beach
Calling itself the world's largest suft shop at more than 52,000 square feet, this beach and swim mecca is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  There are even autograph sessions, live music and demonstrations to entertain it's 2 million annual visitors.  Free.  4151 North Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach FL, 32931.  Phone: (321) 799-8888.

Salvador Dali Museum - St. Petersburg
This museum showcases the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali.  The museum is the recepient of the only 3 star rating by the Michellin Guide on the west Coast of Florida.  You can see optical illusions, giant 9 foot paintings, holograms and even melting clocks amongst its exhibits.  Admission.  1000 Third Street South Saint Petersburg, FL 33701.  Phone: (727) 823-3767.

Seven Mile Bridge - Marathon Key
Connecting Knight's Key to Little Duck Key on the Overseas Highway, this is among the longest bridges in the world at 7 miles in length, hence it's name.  The current span was built between 1979-1982, replacing the original built by Henry Flagler as part of the Florida East Coast Railway built between 1909-1912.  each April the bridge is closed for a few hours for a 7 mile fun run that attracts thousands of runners.

Solomon's Castle - Ona
The home and galleries of internationally know artist Howard Solomon are located in a huge, whimsical castle.  Tours are available, and you can also visit the nature trail, the Boat in the Moat restaraunt, or perhaps even stay overnight in the Blue Moon Room.  Admission.  4533 Solomon Rd., Ona, FL 33865.  Phone: (863) 494-6077.

Southernmost Point - Key West
Situated at the corner of Whitehead and South streets in Key West is a giant red, black, white and red bouy that marks the southernmost point in the continental United States, only 90 miles north of Cuba.  On top of the bouy is painted "the Conch Republic", which the citizens of Key West painted when they fun-lovinly "suceeded" from the United States over 20 years ago.  Free.  Follow U.S. 1 south until you can't drive anymore. 

Spook Hill - Lake Wales
One of the best know "gravity hills" in the country, Spook Hill will amaze you when your car, put in neutral, appears to go uphill, not down.  Free.  On Lake Wales Drive south of U.S. 27, about 1 hour south of I-4.


St. Augustine Alligator Farm - St. Augustine
Officially called the Alligator Farm Zooligical Park, the farm dates to 1893 and is one of Florida's oldest zoos and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The zoo features 23 species of crocodilians, animal shows and interactive programs, exotic birds and mammalsand even albino alligators.  One highlight is Maximo, a salt-water crocodile and the park's largest animal at 15 feet 3 inches and 1,250 pounds.  Admission.  999 Anastasia Blvd., St Augustine, FL 32080.  Phone: (904) 824-3337.