Things to do in Florida

[PYMPALA]

Well now that we've booked our trip to Orlando, I'm looking for some advice on things to do. Here is some information that might assist with the reccomendations:

* The woman and I (well, more like just me) are more into doing and seeing things as opposed to just hanging around doing nothing. While I say that, we may end up spending at least part of a day on one of Florida's lovely beaches (South Beach maybe);

* We've never been to Florida, so we would like to at least do a "quick" Disney tour (no kids, so I guess "quick" is a relative term). At the very least, we want to catch all the highlights and snap some memorable pics ... there is no real desire to go on the rides or anything at disney. We're more interested in experiencing Mickey's domain;

* We will have a rental car and we don't mind driving if there is something worthwhile to see/experience. Personally, I enjoy seeing things that may not seem overly interesting to others. Case in point: we recently went to Las Vegas and the highlights of my trip wer the climbing some of the smaller mountains at Red Rock Canyon, driving through the Mojave en route to Los Angeles, walking through the desert, etc. I don't know if that helps, but I'm easily amused by nature and things that are not native to my day-to-day life;

*The Kennedy Space Center sounds like something I might be interested in. Does it consist of a boring tour or museum atmosphere or are you actually able to experience the launch pad/space equipment in its natural state?

* Is there anything worthwhile to see at Daytona? It doesn't look like a far drive from Orlando, but if there's nothing overly exciting there then I'll probably pass. What about the Keys? It sounds like I would really enjoy experiencing that, but is it really an 8hour drive from Orlando? What about St. Augustine? How far away is it from Orlando and is it worth the drive?

* We've decided that we are definitely going to do the Universal Studios thing. The tickets are reasonably priced and our hotel is right by the park, so we should get our money's worth.


Based on that information, are there any suggestions? Thanks in advance RFD'ers :D

[fireguy9]

Well now that we've booked our trip to Orlando, I'm looking for some advice on things to do. Here is some information that might assist with the reccomendations:

* The woman and I (well, more like just me) are more into doing and seeing things as opposed to just hanging around doing nothing. While I say that, we may end up spending at least part of a day on one of Florida's lovely beaches (South Beach maybe);

* We've never been to Florida, so we would like to at least do a "quick" Disney tour (no kids, so I guess "quick" is a relative term). At the very least, we want to catch all the highlights and snap some memorable pics ... there is no real desire to go on the rides or anything at disney. We're more interested in experiencing Mickey's domain;

* We will have a rental car and we don't mind driving if there is something worthwhile to see/experience. Personally, I enjoy seeing things that may not seem overly interesting to others. Case in point: we recently went to Las Vegas and the highlights of my trip wer the climbing some of the smaller mountains at Red Rock Canyon, driving through the Mojave en route to Los Angeles, walking through the desert, etc. I don't know if that helps, but I'm easily amused by nature and things that are not native to my day-to-day life;

*The Kennedy Space Center sounds like something I might be interested in. Does it consist of a boring tour or museum atmosphere or are you actually able to experience the launch pad/space equipment in its natural state?

* Is there anything worthwhile to see at Daytona? It doesn't look like a far drive from Orlando, but if there's nothing overly exciting there then I'll probably pass. What about the Keys? It sounds like I would really enjoy experiencing that, but is it really an 8hour drive from Orlando? What about St. Augustine? How far away is it from Orlando and is it worth the drive?

* We've decided that we are definitely going to do the Universal Studios thing. The tickets are reasonably priced and our hotel is right by the park, so we should get our money's worth.


Based on that information, are there any suggestions? Thanks in advance RFD'ers :D

Just back from orlando on friday. It is stinking hot!!95-99 each day.We go every yr for a golf holiday,, so if you like golf,,, orlando is great for amazing golf deals. Just about every restaurant or entertainment venue has coupons to save you $$,,, pick up the coupon books everywhere in Orlando.
Kennedy space center is a great tour,,, we did that last yr. Max access pass is best, with bus tour, and you get off bus at various destinations to see stuff, some interactive and then museum style stuff,,, and they quite often have one of the shuttle astronauts there for presentation and questions and answers etc.
Daytonna beach is ok,,,, daytonna itself, not much other then the speedway.

Keywest is alot of fun,, but a very long drive from orlando,,,, we flew to lauderdale and drove from there,,, which was 3hrs.

[go leafs]

check out Fort DeSoto Park (http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_Desoto.htm)... very nice, it's been named the best beach in the USA a couple of times. it's a couple of hours I think from Orlando, but well worth the trip.

here's the trip advisor page
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34690-d548329-Reviews-Fort_De_Soto_Park-Tierra_Verde_Florida.html

[AmberMoon]

Being raised in Florida I guess I take/took a lot of tourist areas for granted but Ill try and give ya some ideas to check out

As the poster above stated Fort DeSota would be a nice addition to your vacation, the forts is a neat experience http://www.fortdesoto.com/

If you enjoy senerie and driving you may wish to drive down alligator alley which has some of the most beautiful swamp lands around ( Have to be into this stuff & dont do it at night lol) http://sofia.usgs.gov/virtual_tour/alalley/index.html

If you are youngish and into culture you may wish to visit Ybor city which is in Tampa ( 1 hour from Orlando roughly) It could be compared to a Mini New Orleans Bourbon Street. They close off around 15 city blocks at night for tourists to walk from bar to bar, and view the nightlife section of the city without cars :) ( Must do once even if you aren't young)
(Sorry couldn't find a website except for Wiki) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ybor_City & http://tampabayonline.net/ybor/

If you are into Museums then check out SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM (St.Pete)
http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/home.html

If you like Lobster you can get All you can eat at Boston Lobster Feast which is located in Kissimiee ( 15 mins from Disney) along with practically another other fresh seafood you want for under $30 a person ( Rough guess on price its been a few years but well worth it) http://www.bostonlobsterfeast.com/RestaurantIndex.cfm

If you wants to try something new Deep Sea fishing is on any coast in florida for about $30 a person for a half day, Its a must try http://www.worldwidefishing.com/florida/salt.htm

How about the Rons Jon's Surf Shop in Cocoa Beach which is around 52,000 square feet and multi level and open 24 hours a day ( about 1 1/2 hours from orlando) http://www.ronjons.com/DisplayContent.aspx?ContentID=39


And if you just want to experience the water theme parks then Wet & Wild is one of a half of dozen fun day adventures. http://orlando.citysearch.com/roundup/40201


Ok thats all I can think of at the moment, but as I said we took it for granted because it was always there, And from one coast to the other its a 3 hour drive (Roughly 300 miles coast to coast from the middle of the state ( which is where Orlando is practically) .. Drove it bi-weekly) so you are dead center of either side of Florida's coast and ALL major roads run coast to coast top to bottom.

The more you go out of "Orlando area" the more unknown attractions you can find such as flea markets, Antiques, canoing, unpopulated beaches ( still white sand) ect..

Have fun, Im going back home for the summer so Ill see ya there!!!!