The real Florida

[Sunset_Princess]

I am a seasoned Floridian but even in my cast member days, I didn't explore Florida half as much as I would have liked to and stuck to Disney property a lot of the time with the occasional saunter here and there. I have done St Augustine, Clearwater, St Petersberg, Cocoa Beach, Satellite Beach and Daytona. This year we will have our 21 moth old daughter with us and looking to explore a little more of Florida. Not necessarily travelling far but also nothing against an hour or so drive.

Can anyone recommend anywhere a little different to explore?

 

[chmurf]

Ocala forest north of orlando (de leon springs and places around the national forest)

Crystal river north of tampa to see and swim with manatees

Drive down the backroads to lake Okeechobee, some nice sceneries along those ''less travelled'' roads

Those are a few leads you can explore and see if it fits your plans

I would have mentionned the strawberry festival at plant city but it has just finished (march 3rd - 13th)

Also have a look at the US part of tis board, you might find more from the ''locals''

 

[wilma-bride]

Most of the places I would suggest would be more than an hour's drive. There aren't (as far as we have discovered) many interesting places that close to Orlando. St Augustine is definitely worth the 2 hour drive, although wouldn't be particularly interesting for a toddler. We took a boat ride in Winter Park last summer, which was quite enjoyable. That is about a 45 minute drive.

 

[chelseas mom]

Mount Dora. Easy drive 45 minutes on 429. Beautiful lake with Quiet Boardwalk, Gilbert park has a large playground that includes a wooden creative play area under huge oak trees. Tons of quaint shops and restaurants.

 

[Karlius]

We really enjoy a visit to Winter Garden City on our trips. Not too far from Disney either. http://orlando.about.com/od/citiestowns/p/wintergarden.htm

 

[1andrea]

We loved Winter Park and enjoyed the shops and the little boat ride there :0) xx

 

[bex7583]

We loved the Everglades and all the nature stuff, kids seem to remember it more than the parks.
Boggy creek do airboat rides not far from the theme park

 

[dixonsontour]

I have nice memories of taking 22 month old DD to Bok tower. It is a lovely place and DD had freedom to wander around. Down hwy 27.

 

[dixonsontour]

Celebration is also nice for a stroll and the fountains are fun for kids plus ice cream at kilwins.

 

[Pootle]

I also like Mount Dora and Bok Tower. Other suggestions would be Harry Leu Gardens and another vote for Winter Park, but we like to take the train from Sand Lake road - easy free parking and you get off right in the centre of the shopping/cafe district of Winter Park.

Something we tried for the first time this year and loved it; De Leon Springs - via the lovely university town of DeLand. You pay $4 per car to enter the park and people bathe in the springs year round. There is a great pancake house - The Old Spanish Sugar mill - right next to the springs where you are brought jugs of pancake batter (wholemeal and plain) along with blueberries, bananas etc and you cook your own pancakes inset griddle at the table.