Florida in Winter
Nov 10th, 2008, 08:50 PM
#1
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Florida in Winter
Hi:
We are planning to go to FL for a 10 day vacation covering christmas and New year eve !!
We are from CA so very much wondering how the weather would be and what all can be done at this time of the year in FL.
We dont want to cover too many places and make it a hectic trip..
We are interested in:
Very scenic drives
Scenic beaches (better than San Diego and LA)
Moderate activities (small hikes, biking, kayaking..)
Any not to miss events
A great party place to spend the new year eve.
Good historical monuments..
We dont have kids and looking for young family fun !!
We are planning to go to FL for a 10 day vacation covering christmas and New year eve !!
We are from CA so very much wondering how the weather would be and what all can be done at this time of the year in FL.
We dont want to cover too many places and make it a hectic trip..
We are interested in:
Very scenic drives
Scenic beaches (better than San Diego and LA)
Moderate activities (small hikes, biking, kayaking..)
Any not to miss events
A great party place to spend the new year eve.
Good historical monuments..
We dont have kids and looking for young family fun !!
Nov 11th, 2008, 04:12 AM
#2
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You don't say where you are staying in Florida. Sanibel/Captiva offers everything you say you are looking for.
The drive down the Florida Keys is one of the most beautiful anywhere.
Likewise you can hike the old seven mile bridge. Kayaking is available.
New Years Eve will be bizarre in Key West; an event at South Beach; and a tourist spectacular at Disney.
Have fun.
The drive down the Florida Keys is one of the most beautiful anywhere.
Likewise you can hike the old seven mile bridge. Kayaking is available.
New Years Eve will be bizarre in Key West; an event at South Beach; and a tourist spectacular at Disney.
Have fun.
Nov 11th, 2008, 04:19 AM
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asking what the weather in Florida is like during December is almost like asking what the weather will be like in California -- San Diego? Lake Tahoe?
It's a surprisingly big state and north to south makes a LOT of difference in temperature.
I've never considered Florida that scenic -- guess it depends what you're looking for. But I'd think in terms of the south end of Florida -- the Keys and the Everglades for more of the activities and the warm weather you may be hoping for.
It's a surprisingly big state and north to south makes a LOT of difference in temperature.
I've never considered Florida that scenic -- guess it depends what you're looking for. But I'd think in terms of the south end of Florida -- the Keys and the Everglades for more of the activities and the warm weather you may be hoping for.
Nov 11th, 2008, 04:32 AM
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I think you will enjoy your trip to Florida, but first I think you need to do some basic research...quickly.
Florida is a large state and the weather is so diverse (as is California's). Generally, North Florida (including the panhandle) is colder than Central FL and South FL. Overall, winter is much less stormy and the humidity is lower.
My perspective is Central FL/Orlando area and the weather is outstanding at that time of year. As a native Californian, I can honestly say that it is nicer than in Southern California.
If it is history you want, pay a visit to St. Augustine - America's oldest city. During the holidays, Nights of Lights <http://www.getaway4florida.com/nights/> is especially interesting.
Orlando offers tons of things to do outdoors, but alas, there are no beaches closer than 1-1½ hours away.
I am sure other FL Fodorites will tout their areas and the points of interest there. However, I still think you need to act very quickly and narrow your focus ASAP. Once you do that and perhaps make some airline and hotel reservations, then we can offer specific recommendations for the areas where you will visit.
Florida is a large state and the weather is so diverse (as is California's). Generally, North Florida (including the panhandle) is colder than Central FL and South FL. Overall, winter is much less stormy and the humidity is lower.
My perspective is Central FL/Orlando area and the weather is outstanding at that time of year. As a native Californian, I can honestly say that it is nicer than in Southern California.
If it is history you want, pay a visit to St. Augustine - America's oldest city. During the holidays, Nights of Lights <http://www.getaway4florida.com/nights/> is especially interesting.
Orlando offers tons of things to do outdoors, but alas, there are no beaches closer than 1-1½ hours away.
I am sure other FL Fodorites will tout their areas and the points of interest there. However, I still think you need to act very quickly and narrow your focus ASAP. Once you do that and perhaps make some airline and hotel reservations, then we can offer specific recommendations for the areas where you will visit.
Nov 11th, 2008, 05:00 AM
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Quickly is right! The economy and tourism are down this year, but normally you could have a hard time finding nice places to stay over the week between Christmas and New Year's at this late date.
Nov 11th, 2008, 05:42 AM
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The other problem is that if you want a big party place, it won't really have the scenic hiking you are looking for. Florida in the winter is filled with, well, a more mature crowd. If you are looking for absolute crazy fun, then you can't beat South Beach in Miami. But if you want the nice hiking and kayaking, then the west side of the state is better. Stay at or south of the Naples-Ft. Lauderdale latitude if you want decent temperatures.
Maybe Key West is the place for you. Scenic and party.
I can't for the life of me think of any historical monuments in the entire state of Florida.
Maybe Key West is the place for you. Scenic and party.
I can't for the life of me think of any historical monuments in the entire state of Florida.
Nov 11th, 2008, 06:19 AM
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"I can't for the life of me think of any historical monuments in the entire state of Florida."
kelliebellie, you really must visit St. Augustine and see the Castillo de San Marcos <http://www.nps.gov/casa/> and Fort Matanzas <http://www.nps.gov/foma/>. Unlike Disney, they're the real thing!
kelliebellie, you really must visit St. Augustine and see the Castillo de San Marcos <http://www.nps.gov/casa/> and Fort Matanzas <http://www.nps.gov/foma/>. Unlike Disney, they're the real thing!
Nov 11th, 2008, 06:57 AM
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I was thinking there has to be something Ponce de Leon somewhere. Augustine, of course! It looks lovely, but not sure when I'll get the chance. We could hit it on a driving trip, but I've sworn off driving to Florida for the rest of my life. Michigan to Florida is not a trip for the car sickers of the world. I'm so done with that!
Nov 11th, 2008, 08:01 PM
#9
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Thanks for all the replies.. I will be making reservations soon.. Right now, based on some research, I plan to go to Key West, Miami, Kennedy Space Center and Orlando. I plan to be in Orlando for Christmas and Key West for new year eve.. I'm willing to skip Miami for Everglades.. I read Miami is more suitbale for folks who are into art and museums. I really dont care about tall rise buildings right next to beaches
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