Other than Disney/theme parks

[Twilight Terror]

Okay, so this is a bit of a blasphemous post, but what do people like to do in Florida that is NOT Disney/Universal/SeaWorld/general Orlando attractions??? Trying to add a bit of variety to our travels this year. We will have a car, so can go wherever, as long as it's within reasonable driving distance!

 

[jtlover]

Other than parks we do lots of shopping

 

[Twilight Terror]

Unfortunately, we are not a big shopping family. We did spend the afternoon at LBV Factory Outlets, went in every shop, and came away with a Gap Hoodie, some Old Navy children's dresses for me (despite being 25!), and some smelly balls for shoes!

I just want to try and add in something just a little different, especially as we are DVC and will be going every year for the next 48

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Over the years we have been lucky to go all over Florida so whilst we still stay in Orlando these days it is nice to go further afield.

We have always liked Clearwater Beach, just under a 2 hour drive, like others do plenty of shopping, there are some nice state parks in Central Florida so we always pay a visit at least once to one of those,we also like to simply relax and spend some quiet time with Joshua by the pool - especially at the villa.
Winter Park is quite nice nearer to Downtown Orlando, with art galleries and boutiques.

We sometimes just pack up a picnic and just drive off 'somewhere'.

Would love to got back to Miami & Fort Lauderdale to be honest, though they are bit far away I know!

 

[swift]

Have you been to Kennedy Space Center?

 

[Pegasus928]

I would definately recommend Old Town. There is a unique feel to the place and it really comes alive at night with car and bike rallies, live music and some real adrenelin rides (SkyCoaster and Slingshot to name 2). It also has a lot of shops that are totally different to what you would find in the malls.
As it is also on the 192 there are plenty of options for food if you fancy eating out.

 

[buzz242]

We spent a day at Daytona Beach, we went to the Racetrack first and did the Tour which was very interesting and then spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach. While we were there we also visited the biggest Harley Davidson shop in the World ?? as DH is bike mad. I'd definitely recommend Kennedy Space Centre if you haven't been there too. We also went in a hot air ballon on one of our trips which was fantastic. The airboats at Boggy Creek are a great place to visit for half a day, we took a picnic with us and just chilled as it was so peaceful.
Look forward to hearing other suggestions as we need ideas for our next trip.

 

[Boodle]

Okay, so this is a bit of a blasphemous post, but what do people like to do in Florida that is NOT Disney/Universal/SeaWorld/general Orlando attractions??? Trying to add a bit of variety to our travels this year. We will have a car, so can go wherever, as long as it's within reasonable driving distance!

Go to Winter Park and do the boat tour - it's lovely! It's on Morse Boulevard i believe.

 

[Twilight Terror]

Have you been to Kennedy Space Center?

We have been there, but the last time we went, it was 3am to watch a launch, so nothing was open apart from some toilets!

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Go to Winter Park and do the boat tour - it's lovely! It's on Morse Boulevard i believe.

We have done this a couple of times over the years and always enjoy our little trip

We also like to go to Celebration both during the day and at evening.

There are plenty of state parks about 1hrs drive away - or a day out at the beach can be good

 

[rabit]

Okay, so this is a bit of a blasphemous post, but what do people like to do in Florida that is NOT Disney/Universal/SeaWorld/general Orlando attractions??? Trying to add a bit of variety to our travels this year. We will have a car, so can go wherever, as long as it's within reasonable driving distance!

we went to St.Augustine a couple of years ago, real history ,the first european settlement in US. a real gem and miles of beautiful beach.also Sarasota where we had dinner in an Amish restuarant wonderful food and service .

 

[Twilight Terror]

we went to St.Augustine a couple of years ago, real history ,the first european settlement in US. a real gem and miles of beautiful beach.also Sarasota where we had dinner in an Amish restuarant wonderful food and service .

Oh, that sounds like fun! We would much prefer a little culture and history over beaches and shopping any day.

 

[fuse04]

whilst still a park it is very special and that is Dicsovery cove? Whilkst we have not done it ourselves you can do airboat rides and as alreadt mentioned beaches east and wets although I believe West is better

 

[Rosie]

On my wish list are;
An airboat ride
Mount Dora
Celebration
Peabody Duck parade
Silver Springs to see Mannatees
A trip to a Citrus fruit farm
A visit to the Rodeo
How many of these will remain just wishes I don't know as once I get to Orlando I just want to do parks!

 

[Netty]

try silver springs-great day out!
http://www.silversprings.com/

also why not go to a state park, we have been to
De Leon springs and made pancakes
http://www.planetdeland.com/sugarmill/index.htm

also we went to wekiwa state park-take your cozzie as you can swim in the natural spring! they have canoes etc there as well
http://funandsun.com/parks/WekiwaSprings/wekiwa.html

 

[Flight]

Do not miss the chance to visit the Kennedy Space Center.

 

[Ware Bears]

I like St Pete Beach, Fort de Soto park and also a visit to Clearwater Aquarium.

 

[tony64]

The weekly Rodeo isn't on at Silver spurs any more. There are some national rodeos that tour but you'd have to check to see if one was anywhere near when you visit. I love rodeo and watch it on extreme sports,I'd love to see it in the real.