Things to do in Florida?

[B. McBannerson]

My wife and I flew here last night to see her relatives, but we have a few days to slum it.  In Ft Lauderdale, but don't mind driving. 

Suggestions?  Did Cape Canaveral probably 15 years ago.  Miami a few times.

Never done the Keys, worth it?

[real chili 83]

Key west is a gas

[ATL MU Warrior]

the keys are definitely worth it.  Beautiful drive but if an accident then monumentally bad traffic. 

Drive across to Naples on Highway 41 to see alligators sunning themselves on the road.  Forget about Alligator Alley (I-75), you won't see anything while cruising along at 80-90 MPH and with all the wildlife fenced off.

Rent a boat and spend some time on the water. 

[Galway Eagle]

Bath salts

[GooooMarquette]

The Keys are definitely worth it if you have time.  Key West is awesome, and even the drive is beautiful. 

[nyg]

The Keys or Islamorda, which is a shorter drive and a nice place.

South Beach at night, go to the Clevelander, just crazy party atmosphere.

Hard Rock Casino is close and very good.  They have a wonderful array of outside bars/restaurants.

Like baseball, go to Marlins Park, great stadium. Get cheap tickets and move down. They play Oakland Tuesday/Weds.

[Golden Avalanche]

My wife and I flew here last night to see her relatives, but we have a few days to slum it.  In Ft Lauderdale, but don't mind driving. 

Suggestions?  Did Cape Canaveral probably 15 years ago.  Miami a few times.

Never done the Keys, worth it?

Best thing to do is book a flight home. Florida's a death trap. 

[B. McBannerson]

Best thing to do is book a flight home. Florida's a death trap.

Thank you for the advice, but wife's family is the calling here and we will be here for the week.  Sounds like the Keys might be in the cards. 

[MUBurrow]

I like the keys a lot, but just a heads up that it's pretty choose your own adventure. Not much in the way of beaches, since they're all small rocky islands. Might wanna book a place ahead of time if you're spending a couple days - quality really runs the gamut. Best way to do it, imo, is go the the casual bars the locals like, and pick your activities based on the signs above the urinals in the can. Best way to find some lifers that really know where to go for your wildlife tours, etc

[real chili 83]

Get a guide and go tarpon fishing.

If you happen to mosey over to the Sarasota area, the grill at the New Pass Bait Shop has out of this world burgers.


http://www.newpassgrill.com

[Dr. Blackheart]

Keys Fantasy Fest, ai-na?

[Sir Lawrence]

I love the Keys, but it's a hike, even from Ft. Lauderdale.

I'd spend a big chunk of a day walking the Boardwalk in Hollywood.

http://www.floridashollywood.org/hollywoodbeachbroadwalk.aspx

South Beach in the evening. Then just relax on the nice beach in Fort Lauderdale.

[nyg]

If you go to the Keys.....

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/travel/best-dive-bars-the-florida-keys/YgA5lBm9Ya8Edq8ilG7fTM/

[StillAWarrior]

Hell, I'll try to jump in on the action here.  Heading to Orlando tomorrow.  Going to be there for a week.  We're going for a volleyball tournament, and only spending one day in any of the parks (my youngest is a Harry Potter fanatic, and we couldn't say no -- particularly since she was too young to remember our one trip to Disney).

Anyway, we're looking for places to eat if anyone has suggestions.  When on vacation, I'm a big fan of staying away from chains if possible.  We're totally open to driving away from the theme park area and into Orlando proper (i.e., 25-30 minutes away from the parks).  I've already identified some interesting options from the Orlando Sentinel "best of" awards, but would love other suggestions.

And before any Disney fans chime in...yes, I know that there is great food to be found at the Disney properties.  Been there, done that.  I'm a big fan myself, but we're looking to go a different direction this time.

[T-Bone]

Not exactly for the family.
https://www.youtube.com/v/4i4TF4QY96E

[nyg]

Hell, I'll try to jump in on the action here.  Heading to Orlando tomorrow.  Going to be there for a week.  We're going for a volleyball tournament, and only spending one day in any of the parks (my youngest is a Harry Potter fanatic, and we couldn't say no -- particularly since she was too young to remember our one trip to Disney).

Anyway, we're looking for places to eat if anyone has suggestions.  When on vacation, I'm a big fan of staying away from chains if possible.  We're totally open to driving away from the theme park area and into Orlando proper (i.e., 25-30 minutes away from the parks).  I've already identified some interesting options from the Orlando Sentinel "best of" awards, but would love other suggestions.

And before any Disney fans chime in...yes, I know that there is great food to be found at the Disney properties.  Been there, done that.  I'm a big fan myself, but we're looking to go a different direction this time.

No clue re: Orlando restaurants, but on side note, my neighbor drove up to see the new Avatar Theme Park at Universal and said it was outstanding.  Just opened a month ago. 

[StillAWarrior]

No clue re: Orlando restaurants, but on side note, my neighbor drove up to see the new Avatar Theme Park at Universal and said it was outstanding.  Just opened a month ago.

Thanks for the tip.  However, it's not at Universal; it's at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  If it was at Universal, I'd try to hit it on the day we're there.  I can't imagine that Harry Potter world will take all day.  At least I hope not.

[dgies9156]

My wife and I flew here last night to see her relatives, but we have a few days to slum it.  In Ft Lauderdale, but don't mind driving. 

Suggestions?  Did Cape Canaveral probably 15 years ago.  Miami a few times.

Never done the Keys, worth it?

I own a home in Vero Beach so I have spent a lot of time in Florida recently.

1) Cape Canaveral and the KSC is outstanding. The best part of KSC is the actual engineers who designed and oversaw the construction of the space shuttle and the earlier programs are part of the tour and available. ReaLly nice project.

2) The beaches. I like the ones up toward the Treasure Coast because they're quieter.

3) Baseball.; If you like it, the Marlins park is new and interesting and the Class A affiliates of the teams that train in Florida play there. Usually good fun at a low cost.

Hint about Florida this time of year -- Get your outdoor fun in during the morning as it may rain heavily in the afternoon. Also, I'm not much of a Disney fan but my kids tell me Universal is to die for.

[Sir Lawrence]

I own a home in Vero Beach so I have spent a lot of time in Florida recently.

Is the Ocean Grille still open in Vero Beach?  That was a great place.  But it's been at least 15 years.

[nyg]

I own a home in Vero Beach so I have spent a lot of time in Florida recently.

1) Cape Canaveral and the KSC is outstanding. The best part of KSC is the actual engineers who designed and oversaw the construction of the space shuttle and the earlier programs are part of the tour and available. ReaLly nice project.

2) The beaches. I like the ones up toward the Treasure Coast because they're quieter.

3) Baseball.; If you like it, the Marlins park is new and interesting and the Class A affiliates of the teams that train in Florida play there. Usually good fun at a low cost.

Hint about Florida this time of year -- Get your outdoor fun in during the morning as it may rain heavily in the afternoon. Also, I'm not much of a Disney fan but my kids tell me Universal is to die for.

Re: the baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals A team (Palm Beach Cardinals) and the Marlins A team, (Jupiter Hammerheads) play at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. 

4or5 or SW: Now if you wander up to Jupiter or West Palm, I can help you out with suggestions.   

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Thanks for the tip.  However, it's not at Universal; it's at Disney's Animal Kingdom.  If it was at Universal, I'd try to hit it on the day we're there.  I can't imagine that Harry Potter world will take all day.  At least I hope not.

Last time I visited about 4 years Universal IOA I spent half the day in Harry Potter land.
I'll actually be there again this summer.  My kids only wanted to visit Universal and had no interest in any of the other parts.

[Lennys Tap]

I'm in Naples right now, 4 or 5. Beer summit at my place followed by a round at Bear's Paw? My guess is the event would result in one of the longest (and funniest and/or strangest) threads in Scoop history,

[wadesworld]

I'm in Naples right now, 4 or 5. Beer summit at my place followed by a round at Bear's Paw? My guess is the event would result in one of the longest (and funniest and/or strangest) threads in Scoop history,

So you are 4or5yearstojudge?!

[Lennys Tap]

So you are 4or5yearstojudge?!

LOL - good one Wades.

[dgies9156]

Is the Ocean Grille still open in Vero Beach?  That was a great place.  But it's been at least 15 years.

Yes it is. But it has been eclipsed by several other outstanding restaurants. Citrus Grillhouse is spectacular.

I have to admit I like Bobby's. Long-time Vero restaurant that was the Dodgers place before they pulled up for the west coast. Now just an incredibly popular local hang-out. Retired Dodgers still come in regularly.