What OTHER parts of Florida would you recommend?

[DebIreland]

In Tony64's 'onsite or offsite' thread posters have been mentioning other parts of Florida besides Orlando. We're looking forward to going to Clearwater next time (2010 :mad: :lmao: ) and we've been to Cocoa Beach too.

Outside of Orlando (and all that it offers with theme parks etc.) what other parts of Florida would you recommend? castanea1985 mentioned Wekiwa State Park and St. Augustine - both of which sound great. I'd love if we could fit in another area or 2 for a few days each on our next trip. Those flights are so expensive, it makes sense.

[Booknut]

There are so many amazing places in Florida but for us we really love the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area. It's about 90 minutes from Orlando on the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches on Anna Maria Island are incredible, beautiful soft white sand and clear water. If you google some photos you'll see what a great town AMI is!

BTW, 2010 will be here in no time! And you'll need all that time to plan :thumbsup2

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi Deb,

Really like Naples, although it's many years since we have been, it's so quiet and refined.
Not a lot to do but that's sometimes not a bad thing.
Some of the homes decorated in pastel colours are fabulous.
Only downside - if it is one - I would say 5 days maximum would be enough.
In my honest opinion, different class to Cocoa Beach.

Sarasota we liked but not as much as Naples, it's a little tooooo quiet there and found some of the attractions such as St Armand's Circle overrated - Joshua was a baby when we stayed there, blimey it's over 10 years since we went there!

We also like Clearwater and St. Pete's mainly because of the great beaches, well worth a trip from Orlando though like Naples I couldn't spend a full week there, we always try and fit in a day trip if we can.

Like the East coast too, especially Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, all within easy reach of one another and a shopper's paradise.
Maybe I was a lot younger when we last went here though, I don't think it's necessarily a family destination.
Beaches not as nice as the west coast, and I guess to a degree Miami it's the place 'to be seen' etc , South Beach is well worth a visit and like I say the shopping is probably the best in Florida...still don't think it's for children though.

Not sure we will return yet to any of these, would really love to but I don't think Joshua would get that much out of it.

The Keys were 'ok' - didn't like Key West that much and again I think it's more suited to couples rather than families and having the opportunity to stop at different places is attractive, the drive is the best thing about going here though.

We were doing a tour once and were in Naples and we drove across to Miami at night along the Tamiami Trail - right through the Everglades - Julie was a nervous wreck by the time we got to the other side, I have never seen so many bugs and every 200 yards or so something would run out in front of the car. You could see pairs of eye's in the trees and bushes all along, it was pitch black...we laugh about it now!

[juliebrooks35]

We spent a week in a villa in Rotonda West near Port Charlotte last year which which was a lovely change to the hustle and bustle of Orlando. Nice beaches nearby including Gasparilla Island which is a very beautiful place to spend a day and was only a short drive away.
We used the area as as a base to visit Sarasota, Fort Myers & Miami. US41 through the Everglades from Naples to Miami is a fantastic drive with Nature Reserves and Native American villages along the route.
We usually make the drive to Mount Dora (North West of Orlando) which is a very pretty lakeside town with lots of restaurants, antiques and speciality shops and the friendliest people ever. July the 4th is a great day in Mount Dora with live bands on the stage, games throughout the day and free entertainment for kids(bouncy castles, horse riding, face painting etc) ending with fireworks over the lake.

We definitely like to spend some time away from the theme parks and shopping malls discovering the real Florida.:)

[Lizzybear]

Some great ideas in this thread :goodvibes We want to visit Clearwater next time too, we'll probably only stay in Orlando for a week to do WDW and then travel to Cocoa Beach (for KSC), Clearwater, Miami and possibly Tennessee too (always wanted to visit Graceland and Dollywood!)

[Tammy Stringer]

When we first "did" Florida in 1988 we landed in Miami and went up the east coast - across to Orlando and then down the west coast including the Everglades, before ending up going down The Keys. We eventually ended up on a short cruise and stay in the Bahamas.

Some of the things I would recommend: -

We did the Tamiami trail and enjoyed the Everglades with all the wildlife and airboat rides etc.

We also love Captiva and Sanibel island on the west coast - lovely beaches, wildlife and laid back island lifestyle. Likewise when we stay at Vero beach we love exploring and enjoyed trips on the indian river. The contrast of the beaches and surf on the east coast compared to the gulf of mexico is great.

Kev enjoyed Key West more than me - to me it was a bit too full of tourists but still a great place to visit once in a lifetime. Seeing the sunset in Mallory Square is very atmospheric

As everyone says there is so much more to Florida than just Orlando - whereever you decide to go I'm sure you will love it.

Tammy

[DebIreland]

These responses are fantastic, thanks a million everyone. Such great ideas - I'm blown away. I'm convinced now that we'll do a lot more than Disney next time and make the most of Florida. :woohoo:

we really love the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area. It's about 90 minutes from Orlando on the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches on Anna Maria Island are incredible, beautiful soft white sand and clear water. If you google some photos you'll see what a great town AMI is!

Oh wow! I checked out photos and it's incredible!! Looks like paradise. What an amazing place to spend a few days!!!

BTW, 2010 will be here in no time! And you'll need all that time to plan :thumbsup2

Exactly!! That's what I like to hear. ;)

Hi Deb,

Really like Naples, although it's many years since we have been, it's so quiet and refined.
Not a lot to do but that's sometimes not a bad thing.

Oh I agree, it sounds very relaxing. I'd forgotten about Naples actually. You hear about these places in movies and yet, I hadn't thought of it in my Florida plans. Thanks!! I wonder why it's called Naples - obviously after the Italian city - perhaps many Italian immigrants settled there.

I would say 5 days maximum would be enough.
In my honest opinion, different class to Cocoa Beach.

4-5 days would make a perfect non theme park break!

We also like Clearwater and St. Pete's mainly because of the great beaches

Definitely a must-do for next time. I was sorry we couldn't make it there on our last trip but the boys were so keen on going to Kennedy Space Center that Cocoa Beach was a perfect fit as our beach/swimming trip.

to a degree Miami it's the place 'to be seen' etc , South Beach is well worth a visit and like I say the shopping is probably the best in Florida...still don't think it's for children though.

I know what you're saying. I'd like a quick visit though.

Not sure we will return yet to any of these, would really love to but I don't think Joshua would get that much out of it.

I know what you're saying but I'm sure Joshua wouldn't mind Mom and Dad going somewhere they like too though. :) I know the practicalities would be difficult but you should try to get in a quick trip to one or more of these places. When our boys were very young we were on holiday in Italy and it quickly became apparent that many of the things we wanted to see/do weren't gonna work with the kids so DH and I took 2 days each to go off on our own and see the sights of Venice etc. Haven't done that since - but honestly it was great. :lmao:


We were doing a tour once and were in Naples and we drove across to Miami at night along the Tamiami Trail - right through the Everglades - Julie was a nervous wreck by the time we got to the other side, I have never seen so many bugs and every 200 yards or so something would run out in front of the car. You could see pairs of eye's in the trees and bushes all along, it was pitch black...we laugh about it now!

:lmao: I would be howling like a baby.

We spent a week in a villa in Rotonda West near Port Charlotte last year which which was a lovely change to the hustle and bustle of Orlando.

Sounds wonderful!! Even the name 'Port Charlotte' sounds so pretty. :flower3:

US41 through the Everglades from Naples to Miami is a fantastic drive with Nature Reserves and Native American villages along the route.

Wow!! I find anything to do with Native American culture/history fascinating. This sounds like a wonderful car trip.

We usually make the drive to Mount Dora (North West of Orlando) which is a very pretty lakeside town with lots of restaurants, antiques and speciality shops and the friendliest people ever. July the 4th is a great day in Mount Dora with live bands on the stage, games throughout the day and free entertainment for kids(bouncy castles, horse riding, face painting etc) ending with fireworks over the lake.

Oh my goodness, all this info is just amazing. I would never have known about these places. Thank you!!

we'll probably only stay in Orlando for a week to do WDW and then travel to Cocoa Beach (for KSC)

My boys really loved KSC and it still regularly comes up in school etc. They're so proud that they were there. Be sure to take in one of the imax movies!! :goodvibes

Clearwater, Miami and possibly Tennessee too (always wanted to visit Graceland and Dollywood!)

Wow! Great plans!! :thumbsup2

When we first "did" Florida in 1988 we landed in Miami and went up the east coast - across to Orlando and then down the west coast including the Everglades, before ending up going down The Keys. We eventually ended up on a short cruise and stay in the Bahamas.

What a fantastic itinerary. And very adventurous and brave too for your first trip!! We are explorers by nature but funnily enough we became so obsessed with Disney that our 2 trips were dedicated by and large to that. Can't wait to branch out a bit.

the Tamiami trail and enjoyed the Everglades with all the wildlife and airboat rides etc.

We also love Captiva and Sanibel island on the west coast - lovely beaches, wildlife and laid back island lifestyle.

The Everglades and Sanibel Island come up a lot - I really must do some homework!! Love the sound of the laid back island lifestyle.

when we stay at Vero beach we love exploring and enjoyed trips on the indian river. The contrast of the beaches and surf on the east coast compared to the gulf of mexico is great.

I wondered what Vero Beach was like. Did you stay at the Disney resort there? I'm wondering is it up to the standards of luxury resorts in the area or are you paying extra because it's Disney. The area does look very nice. I like the sound of the indian river.


As everyone says there is so much more to Florida than just Orlando - whereever you decide to go I'm sure you will love it.

Tammy

Thanks Tammy. I can't wait to go back. We'll be more confident and less Disney-obsessed (just a little less!!) on our next trip and I'm already so excited about making the most of the visit to Florida!

[JohnnySharp2]

I think Cocoa Beach is popular because it's closer to Orlando but I honestly feel the extra drive to Clearwater is worth it.

[TinkTatoo]

When we first "did" Florida in 1988 we landed in Miami and went up the east coast - across to Orlando and then down the west coast including the Everglades.......

We did something very similar on our first two trips. We flew into Miami and out of Orlando and our second trip we flew in and out of Orlando but only went to MK once. :eek: We covered a lot of ground up and down the East and West coast stopping wherever we liked and drove across the Tamiami trail and as Tammy said, enjoyed the Everglades with all the wildlife and airboat rides etc. My memory is not that great but I know some of our favourite places were Naples & Fort Lauderdale.

Now we always include a trip to Vero Beach in our plans and this year we're trying our fist Disney Cruise.

Next year we're not really including Orlando in our plans as we have a villa for 2 weeks in the Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area, then we're heading over to the west Coast for a week with a few days in Orlando at the end.

[Hilary]

Most of the places on the Gulf Coast that we've visited have already been mentioned, but I'd also recommend a trip to Crystal River, NW of Orlando, for the excellent manatee-spotting :) I know you can see them elsewhere as well, but it's pretty much guaranteed at Crystal River and Homassasa Wildlife Park. I think a few days would be long enough here.

Our other favourites to stay for longer include Port Charlotte and surrounding area, Cape Coral and Estero Island / Fort Myers Beach. For visiting the Gulf Coast, but not necessarily staying for long, a trip to the Everglades is a must as well as Sanibel and Captiva, Bokeelia on Pine Island, Sarasota and Naples.

We haven't been much further than Vero Beach and Sebastien Inlet on the Atlantic coast, but they are both very pretty - although I don't think you can beat the Gulf Coast for tranquility and that 'tropical paradise' feeling :sunny:

[Tony Toon]

Hi, I am planning a trip to the west coast myself and asked advice from an old friend who is a Florida resident. I've posted some of his suggestions.....

..... the Florida Keys, stay on Big Pine Key. It is about 30 mins to Key west but less expensive. You are also very close to Looe Key, which has an Underwater Sanctuary. The Keys are a must-see if you have never been there before.

http://www.thefloridakeys.com/bigpine/index.html



........ Sanibel/Captiva, which is on the West Coast of Florida, is absolutely beautiful! Suggest the South Seas Plantation. This part of the world is like Paradise on Earth!

http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/

We've now made our plans which includes returning to Orlando for a few weeks - can't wait!

Tony

[Tammy Stringer]

I wondered what Vero Beach was like. Did you stay at the Disney resort there? I'm wondering is it up to the standards of luxury resorts in the area or are you paying extra because it's Disney. The area does look very nice. I like the sound of the indian river.



Thanks Tammy. I can't wait to go back. We'll be more confident and less Disney-obsessed (just a little less!!) on our next trip and I'm already so excited about making the most of the visit to Florida!


Deb - Vero beach was lovely - we stayed at the Disney resort and the sound of the ocean especially at night is something that can't be replicated. We also like the pool and the Green Cabin room for evening drinks. We have only ever stayed here twice - both times on points so don't know what the rack rate is - I would imagine that you would pay extra as it is Disney but there is also the option of renting points from someone if you want to try it.

We didn't look around any other hotels in the area. Disney's Vero beach is really quite secluded and you would need to drive to eat out etc., if you don't want to eat there every evening.

Not sure if you have looked at Kev's website but there is some stuff on Vero beach on October 2000 day 6 onwards - and on the video April 2006. Also Sanibel/Captiva are 2001 and 2004 on there

http://kevinstringer.co.uk/index.htm

Tammy

[paulh]

a bit further than clearwater is Sarasota,loverly beach we prefer it to clearwater
Paulh

[ALBA]

My SIL keeps on saying they've done florida when in reality they have visited orlando 3 times...I love orlando but there is so much more to see in Florida.

We had visited St Augustine a few years ago for a weekend and enjoyed it so much we did a tour or florida last year to try some new places out.

We had a few days in orlando then travelled down the west coast to..
Siesta Key...lovely beach, so bright and white, sand was as soft as flour
Marco Island...quite relaxed and laid back would definitely visit again
Key West..we'd visited a few years ago on the cruise ship and decided to stop for a few nights. Found some nice places to eat and drink that were away from the main tourist area.
Fort Lauderdale...loved Las Olas Blvd
Vero Beach....like the atmosphere at the disney resort
....then a few days back in orlando.

The touring was tough going, especially as we were travelling with a 1.5yr old and we only spend a few nights in each place, but it was an intro so we could see places along the way and decide where we'd like to return to.

Alba
:)

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

I thought Naples with gorgeus. Definately worth a visit.
Clearwater seems favourite also,and St Pete's.:goodvibes