Central Fla Thu-Sun: what photo opportunities?
 

I will be in Florida this week, Thursday to Friday. I would like to take some time for pictures: can nayone suggest things to photogfraph?

I am staying eithe rin Tampa, Orlando or on the space coast. Have not made up my mind yet.

Michael

Kennedy Space Center not only has all of the space program to photograph, the base is also a fantastic nature preserve. There is a state park just N of I 4 East of Orlando with a Manatee population in a beautiful setting. I can't recall the name. Hopefully another poster will provide. Hotels at Cocoa Beach are often reasonably priced providing beach and ocean settings.

Went to Kennedy Space Center Friday, awesome ! But I am a space nerd....In central FL there are some wildlife places, gardens to go as well, and on the Gulf Coast the Sunshine Skyway bridge offers a great view along with sparkling beaches. There are things in all 3 places. I would stay central and drive 45 min to the Space Coast and then an hour- hour/half to Tampa so you can do it all.

stumpworks73 may be thinking of Blue Springs State Park, which is a wonderful place to see manatees. However, this is not really the best time of year to find them there. I did luck out one year and see a mom and calf there as late as May, and the park itself is beautiful. You can take a guided boat tour out on the St. John's river from Blue Springs (and other locales) to look for great wildlife photo ops (alligators, turtles, lots of birds...).

The Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge (around the Kennedy Space Center) is another good suggestion for nature/wildlife photos.

A few other suggestions:

Cool neighborhoods:

Ybor City in Tampa

Winter Park in Orlando

Downtown area of Mount Dora (north of Orlando)

Botanical Gardens:

Leu Gardens in Orlando

Theme Park-related:

Downtown Disney (free parking and admission)

Citywalk at Universal Studios (have to pay to park, but admission is free)

Have a nice visit!

Absolutely Leu Gardens! It is beautiful any time fo the year - www.leugardens.org

Thanks, that gives me lots of options.

Now the hunt for a hotel - preferably one on the beach, and with Internet access - which is not that easy!