Going to go to Flordia in a bit, and while Everglades and John Pennekamp are definately on the to do list I was wondering what other good places there are to go to see the beautiful outdoors. Any really good places for photography or hiking or bird watching? Also any hints of how to see the everglades? (Won't have as much time there to go exploring as I would hope.

Um, Becky, it's Florida. FYI.

::blushes:: thanks sam, yeah my mind knows, my fingers on the other hand...

ugh! I just realized that I spelled it wrong twice. Sorry everyone!

Becky, you haven't got a lot of time,
you might like Ding Darling Preserve,
on Sanibel Island, more birds there
than most see in a lifetime, it's great.

A second vote for Ding Darling Nature Preserve. It's a drive-through park, and you just pull over and get out of the car when the inclination hits you. If you have kids, make sure you go into the information center before you drive the park. They can pick up a wildlife BINGO card and when they get a BINGO they'll be given a little prize. (My kids made out, and they were each given a Ding Darling pencil, a nature print (nice - we framed it!)and a sticker.)

Besides all of the birds, the waters are just teeming with life. We were so amazed that we could just stand there and see so many fish jumping around in the water.

Just be sure to go early or later in the day. We went midday, and the heat really got to me; I could barely muster the energy to drag myself out of the car to see the sights, and I'm a real nature lover.

Check out the key deer in the Keys. Best to spot them at dusk, somewhere around Big Pine Key (and south).
The Keys also offer great photo-ops. If you have an underwater camera, you'll get some great shots along the reef. And then there are the unsets!!
The Everglades, to me, are a bit of a disappointment. If you like swamps, check out Okefenokee in south Georgia. But since you'll be in Florida, instead, look into renting an airboat with a guide to take you into the Everglades (although airboats are somewhat disliked by environmentalists). If you want to see alligators, just go to any golf course -- they normally just hang out there. I guess they like the taste of golfballs.

I thought this was a travel site, not a spelling bee. (Tomm needs to get a life.) Anyway, consider the Cape Canaveral area -- lots of alligators and birds, including eagles.

If you go to the Everglades, I would suggest hitting the western side. The eastern side (Miami) has more grasslands and the western side (Naples, Everglades City) has more mangroves. But I would visit during the winter months, so that you won't be eaten alive by mosquitoes. What you'll find is a pristine environment, but not a "swamp" like some might think. Louisiana swamps are beautiful in a different kind of way, but are very different than the Everglades. I think being in south Florida and not seeing the Everglades would be like visiting north Arizona and not visiting the Grand Canyon, as both really are national treasures.

Beckie, I've been there several times and I enjoy hunting rabbits, fox, and deer. I especially enjoy treats at night and sleeping with my dad. He's so kind and good to me. Don't forget to take me with you and pack some good food for me too.

Scout - Just a little sick, huh? Wowwee, what a message. Get help ASAP. Makes me want to wash my hands real quick.

Florida State Parks have a website - do a search to find it, We went to blue springs state park north of orlando last summer, very quiet, hiking trail, and info about Florida history. Have fun!

Hommossausas Springs (spelling probably not correct.) Manatees & other animals. They're so cute!(north of Tampa). I saw dolphins in Key West.Cute town to check out for a day or two. In Florida you'll probably see stuff just about everywhere that's not too populated. Wishing you a great trip!!