What can we do in Florida (outside Orlando)?
 

Hi.

Can anyone advice on sightseeing/fun stuff to do outside Orlando? We're in Orlando for a week in Sept. It's our 4th visit and we've done the theme parks, Miami and the Everglades. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks.
LL

St. Augustine would be a wonderful place to go.

ttt

You could easily drive to Cocoa Beach for the day, or tour Cape Canaveral/Kennedy (whichever they call it now!).

Why stay in Orlando for the 4th time, if you've already done the parks??

I give another vote to St. Augustine. We spent two days there and it wasn't enough. I loved the Spanish Village living history museum and visiting the fort. We went on a Saturday and enjoyed the tour by the park ranger and the firing of the cannons. We went to Anastasia Island State Park and had a nice day at the beach and enjoyed the light house. We're protestant but enjoyed seeing the Greek Orthodox shrine. There is an outlet mall and some other museums. There are some fun restaurants like Salt Water Cowboys (saltwatercowboys.com)

Check out: historicstaugustine.com

Thank you for realizing there's more to Orlando than theme parks and being willing to explore!

Some ideas depending on your interests:

History - definitely St. Augustine - it's a don't miss

Outdoor recreation - many wonderful state parks where you can canoe, hike, etc. are very close by. Check out http://www.floridastateparks.org/FindaPark.cfm

Art - Winter Park, home of the Morse Museum, an unbelievable collection of Tiffany glass, pottery, paintings, etc.
http://www.morsemuseum.org/ Winter Park is also a great town for shopping.

For a taste of "old Florida" and if you like antiques, try Micanopy. Not sure exactly how far it is from Orlando - at least an hour as it is nearer Gainsville. Lots of neat antique stores. There was a movie filmed there (Doc Hollywood). And if it means anything to you, Marjorie Rawlings lived there (author of "The Yearling").

I have a 3rd vote for St. Augustine and the surrounding areas. I live in Florida and I try to visit there once a year for a getaway. I would also recommend the Ichetucknee Spring near Gainesville. It's about a 7 mile all natural spring that you can rent tubes to float down. It's great on a hot day.

You can take a kayak trip on the waterways around Cape Canavarel and see manatees. I was so surprised to see how many wonderful natural parks Florida had. I spent a whole week OUT of Orlando when I was with my husband on a trip TO Orlando.

Vera

Sanibel Island has wonderful shelling and the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. We love it there.

Try going to the Gulf Beaches. All the kids are back in school so it should be nice. If you head to Tampa/St Pete you could hit the Florida aquarium/St Pete Pier/Dali Museum/ Devil Rays Baseball/Fishing?Baywalk. There is tons to do besides the beach.

We love the Gulf Coast - Sarasota has amazing beaches - especially Siesta Key. We also love Sanibel, and really enjoyed renting a house on North Captiva. This island is accessible only by boat (or private plane), and it really felt like we were away from any tourist shlock. Very relaxing.