I need information on Florida beaches, west FL, East FL and Key West. This is for a family picnic. What other attractions are there, beside Orlando’s theme parks, which are not on the menu.
Also, what is the best way to book hotels/motels. Since the program is not firm as to which dates will be spent on which area (East, West or Keys) so I think its best to rent hotel or motel wherever one likes. Need suggestions and recommendations. The dates can be fixed if getting a really good deal.
If you are in the Tampa area then check st.petersburg and clearwater beaches. There are art museums in St.petersburg, make sure you check them out especially the Dali Museum. The view of the st.pertersburg beach from 1-275 (howard-franklin bridge) is simply amazing and mesmerizing at sunset.
If you go further down towards naples (on I-75 or I-275), you will get seista beach in Sarasota. Sarasota has some amazing museums. If you are there then you should def. check out the ring ling museum.
There are other places in Tampa and vicinity but I am kind of blank at the moment.
Tarpon Springs is another amazing place to check, it is known for its sponge docks, greek cusine and some other stuff which I don't remember...lol... They obviously have beaches where you can find fresh/real sponge.
Oh and if you are interested in historical places then check St. Augustine. It is a small city, they have quite a bit historical stuff, art, music, beaches, etc. Many ppl love that place for honeymoons.
Thanks Lusi. The info will help. Any advice on lodging?
Aqeel I know Key West is good that is why I am going there as well. Homos are everywhere these days, have you seen anyone attacked or abused? Get real.
Thanks Lusi. The info will help. Any advice on lodging?
Aqeel I know Key West is good that is why I am going there as well. Homos are everywhere these days, have you seen anyone attacked or abused? Get real.
oh i meant to put a joke upfront.. sorry if u r offended
Smoothguy, whenever our family or friends come, they basically take logging in the Tampa area and drive to all these places and other places, they are basically on 1-1 1/2 hour drive. Instead of local motels, they mostly use the chains and I would suggest take logging in a place where you see few motels or inns in one area.
for some attractions in tampa you have,
lorry park zoo,
bush gardents…it is one of the largest zoo’s in the country… if you are in the city, you should def check it out.
adventure island
henry b. plant museum
ybor city museum
USF Botanical gardens
Besides kissimmee and orlando are also at 1.5 hr drive. If you haven’t visited the kennedy space center, then you should def. check that out.
Drive to Key West is beautiful, you're really gonna like it. South Beach of course is another tourist spot. It's very crowded at night though (restaurant,etc) but the beach is beautiful to hang out at around Maghrib.
South Beach is wonderful--especially lincoln road at night--very scenic..shops, mimes, few modern art galleries, all sorts of tourists strolling---there's a halal Turkish restaurant you might have to google the name cuz I forgot--but its the only halal restaurant....:)
Deco Drive--an architect's dream--pastel buildings from this period. Versace's mansion is here
Vizcaya is a gorgeous Italian Villa--lots of ppl get married there or go for photoshoots--beautiful place for a picnic!
The drive to Key West is long but definitely worth it--please have their famous Key Lime Pie....:)
Fairchild Tropical Gardens are these botanical gardens in Coral Gables....:)
The rusty Pelican is a drop dead gorgeous place to dine! There are glass windows all over and a deck-----the ocean sparles in front of you....
The Biltmore Hotel is a hotel once a hospital during World War I--beautiful to look at--there's a restaurant inside, but reallly pricey.....this place is supposedly haunted!
There's the Sea Aquarium if you wanna see Dolphin, Whale, and Seal shows
The Jungle island is a big tourist attraction.....
hmm Bayside (Bayfront Park) is the location of the uncoming film Dostana