We are off to Florida for the fourth time in feb 08. Done the parks and some other stuff what else is good?

Question

We have been to:-

Gatorland
riplays believe it or not
Dixie Stampede
Clearwater Beach
Cocoa Beach
Kennedy Space Centre
Swam with manitees
Air Boat ride
Old Town
Shopping Galore
Miami (3hrs there)
Florida Keys (just one night in key largo to swim with dolphins)
Arabian Nights ( please dont go to this show!! Animal Cruelty)


Im sure we MUST have not seen loads so does anyone have any suggestions for another great day out or night???

Thanks in advance

Thanks gillian, I knew there probably was much more to the keys. We love florida and wnat to know.... where do Floridians go or would you guys rather keep the tourists out??? I understand if thats the case as my grandad lived in Cornwall uk and hated the summer

Answer 1

I agree with every one who advises spending time down in the Keys! I've stayed in Marathon several times and adore the entire area. Key West is fun too, but I like staying in the Middle Keys.

OK, I'll share one set of my secret hidey-holes. These places are all north of Orlando.....and you'll need a rental car for sure...

Stay some place like this:

Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost and Resort
http://www.outpostresort.com/accomodations.html

Make one day trip here:
You could climb down a Florida Sinkhole at
Devil's Millhopper
State Geological Site
This huge sinkhole was formed when an underground cavern roof collapsed, creating a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep. Small streams tumble down the steep slopes of the sink, disappearing through crevices at the bottom. The lush growth of plants and many of the animals of the park are similar to those of the Appalachian Mountains region. The sinkhole may be explored from the boardwalks and stairways or from the 4-foot wide nature trail that follows the rim.
http://www.visitgainesville.com/photogallery/millhopper.htm
http://www.floridastateparks.org/devilsmillhopper/

Another Day trip here:
Silver Springs
http://www.silversprings.com/

Be sure to do at least one Canoe or Kayak trip at the Ocklawaha Resort.

Answer 2

To be honest, just seeing Key Largo does not mean you've seen the Florida Keys, it's basically an extention of Miami. Within the Florida Keys, there's the Dolphin Research Center, Marathon, Key West is loaded with activities, like Ernest Hemmingway's House/Museum, Southern-Most Point, Key West Aquarium(I pet a shark when i went there). Miami has a great zoo. There's also the Miccosukee Indian Village. Have you thought of doing the everglades? I have some very fond memories of just walking through and finding some endangered animals(wood storks, alligators, roseate spoonbills, etc) I am sure you could find some new and interesting things to do.

Answer 3

When you're in Key Largo eat out at Coconuts - fabulous Conch, good music and the original 'African Queen' is moored nearby. If you want to hydrofoil the Everglades - find Captain Cramer on Alligator Alley - he's a renegade Everglade guide - will make you sign a disclaimer [recorded] before he takes you where others won't! Indian Mounds, paddling on the coral, watching him feeding the 'Gators' he'll show you his scars and tell you he's been 'workin with these critters for ??? years!' Ask around Key Largo - they know how to contact him. It's a bit of a drive but worth the excitement. You will probably be out there at dusk by the time he's finished with you so take your mozzie stuff and wear trousers [roll up type if you take up the invitation to paddle - I didn't!] Enjoy!

Answer 4

The Billy Buck Swamp show west of Ft. Lauderdale. Key Largo isn't the Keys. Go to Key West too.

Answer 5

I'm a native Floridian, and I've got to tell you, the Keys are just awesome. You can stay in Marathon and get to Key West in no time. The Butterfly Observatory there is just unbelievable.

Staying in Marathon allows you to easily go deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, etc., etc., and is more family friendly than Key West proper.

You've done all the tourist things, now do what we Floridians do!

Answer 6

I agree with the others about the Keys.

I've stayed in Key Largo and in Key Islamorada. I'm ready to go down to Key West now.

Answer 7

You dont say in case you have any babies , yet I did a champagne balloon flight mutually as in Florida, somewhat costly yet extremely properly worth it! additionally you're able to do a mini cruise to the carribean fom cape canaveral! or a sometime stop over to the Bahamas! sparkling Water is wonderful to take a seat down and watch the sunset from the boardwalk, some 2 hourcontinual from orlando! desire thats helped!

Answer 8

Rent a car and head south to the Keys and The Everglades.
Mother Nature is better than any man made attraction you will ever see.

Answer 9

I live here and I haven't even seen some of the things you listed. go down to the keys again and stay longer. if you want a expensive circus then go to downtown Disney.