Orlando Magazine

10 Amazing Old Florida Roadside Attractions

Catherine Walters
Oldfloridaroadsideattractions Opener

Written By Catherine Walters // Mixed media collage by Milena Garces.

As a native Floridian, I feel like it is my duty to introduce you to these still-standing old Florida roadside attractions. Some are kitschy, some are kooky, and some are simply incredible; but all are truly unique Florida gems you must see before you kick the proverbial bucket. So, sit back, make yourself a drink, and come along with us as we explore these ten wonders of Florida’s history, starting with the oldest attraction on this list, the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House.

THE OLD SUGAR MILL PANCAKE HOUSE

The exterior of the Old Sugar Mill.

SCENIC WINTER PARK BOAT TOUR

Passengers enjoy a sunny day on The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.

MAI-KAI RESTO & POLYNESIAN SHOW

Dancers at the MAI-KAI perform nightly for guests.

SUNKEN GARDENS

A more recent addition, the succulent garden is just one of the many wonders of Sunken Gardens.

WEEKI WACHEE

One of Weeki’s mermaids swims alongside a Florida manatee. These gentle mammals frequent the springs in colder months.

VENETIAN POOL

The Venetian Pool is fed by spring water from an underground aquifer.

VIZCAYA GARDENS & MUSEUM

The Venetian Pool is fed by spring water from an underground aquifer.

CITRUS TOWER

The Citrus Tower, with its antenna tip, reaches 500 feet above sea level.

SWAMPY

The iconic Swampy, a 200 ft. long alligator is a photo op visible from Hwy. 50 in Christmas.

GATORLAND

One of Gatorland’s many American Alligators.
Photos credits left to right: Roberto Gonzalez(2); MAI-KAI; COURTESY OF SG ARCHIVES; WEEKI WACHEE; Roberto Gonzalez (3);State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory; Roberto Gonzalez.
This article appears in the May 2026 issue of Orlando Magazine.
Categories: Lifestyle, Travel
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