Top 3 places outside Orlando

[*cath*]

So am hoping to go in Sept 09
Apart from the usual parks and Cape Canaveral etc... what top 3 places in the state are a must see?
Thanks

[Celica190]

If you're into beaches, the top beach in the US is to the south of St Petersburg - Fort de Soto Park North Beach.

I'd imagine it depends on how far you're prepared to travel, really. St Augustine is supposed to be lovely and there's always the Everglades or the Keys.

[Michelle]

There is a great sticky at the top of this forum Cath, take a look gives you loads of ideas to do away from Orlando.

Ths is the thread Here

[Guest]

bok tower gardens
winter park
thornton park historic area, off colonial drive park. walk down to the farmers market at lake eola. have a picnic lunch or walk back to thornton park and eat at the wonderful pizza place. (sundays only for farmers market)

[tiggers friend]

St Augustine is a good day, bit of a drive (130 mile; 2.5 hrs) but well worth it if you like history, take the tram ride.
Mount Dora, a bit closer 50miles; 1 hour. Nice small town america, quirky shops, lake trip.
Winter Park - nice shops, galleries and museum. Also take the Scenic Boat Tour.

You could try Clearwater Beach, St Petes Beach (or the beaches in between) and St Peterberg is also worth a visit.

[*cath*]

Thanks guys, some nice places there!

[Guest]

Hi,

If you have a coupe of days to spare head to Sanibel onthe Gulf Coast. The beaches are perfect and the wildlife is amazing - a large part of the island is a nature reserve.

Otherwise, Mount Dora is nice (good antiques / collectors fair sometimes), Winter Park, Blue SPrings State Park (not to be confused with Crystal Springs). If ou go in the winter the manatees are there until the water heats up elsewhere. Google Blue Springs (I can't post the link here I'm afraid).

Have fun!

[rnoon]

For me it would be Clearwater, Blue Springs National Park and canoeing on the Hillsborough River.

[Guest]

sarasota ... we loved the place

[Smileyk]

De Leon Springs. You can canoe the lakes and see the alligators and turtles and birds, then afterwards you can swim in the pool and then you can make pancakes on your table in the old Sugar Mill plantation house. Cool!