Something new to do in Southern/Central Florida?

[Lemur]

Hey there! Wondered if you might be able to help me with something.

I've been going to Florida for yeeeeeears now and will be going back in October/November with my brother and my three best friends (all between the ages of 30 and 40) for a road trip. I'm a guy by the way.

We'll be doing 3 days in Orlando at the start of the 10 day break, heading to Tampa and Ybor for a day or so then back to Orlando for the final two days.

We're looking for somewhere new to go, things to do etc between Tampa and the return to Orlando. Preferably South of Tampa... but all suggestions are welcomee. Obviously as time will be limited a trip to The Keys etc is out of the question as it'll be too far.

I don't like Miami, the last time I was in Fort Lauderdale I didn't leave my hotel as I was so sick (not fun) so don't know much about that area... we're not really "sitting on a beach" type people and love to try new things... so what can you suggest?

It can be in the middle of nowhere, as off the wall as you like. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

 

[DonaldRocks]

ever been to West Palm Beach? kindve like a smaller version of Miami.. and not as expensive... great shopping, dining and nightlife.. about 2.5 hours south of Orlando on the east coast

 

[Lemur]

That's a really great suggestion. Thank you. I've never been there before and it looks great.

Anymore suggestions anyone?

 

[sunshiner]

What are you looking to do there, thinks like Busch Gardens or Lowry Zoo in Tampa or something like Caladesi Island (rated one the best beaches in the USA) which you can shuttle out to, or even something like visiting the Gulf beaches like Treasure Island or Pasa Grille in St Petersburg. Just depends on what kind of activities you are looking for. There are also some wineries south of Tampa you can tour and Festival of Flights if you like airplanes

 

[cbg1027]

Have you ever been to Tarpon Springs? It's a mostly Greek community north of Tampa. It's famous for being the "Sponge Diving Capital of the World". Great place if you like Greek food.

Busch Gardens is fun...it's not Disney, but it's fun

There are lots of Aquariums in Florida, have you checked out any of those?

If any of you are in to NASCAR I would suggest checking out the Daytona Speedway.

St. Augustine is an awesome town! Oldest city in the US!

There are so many springs and rivers all over Florida. You could swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or my favorite - tubing!

 

[Lemur]

More brilliant suggestions. Thanks everyone.

I love Busch and it's already on the agenda. I love the idea of the wineries and Tarpon Springs sounds great.

Will there be NASCAR races going on in early November? Actually I can probablt check that myself. That would be awesome (although having just seen The Final Destination recently it's put me off a bit... ha ha ha).

Thanks everyone.. keep them coming!