in2it54

Hi all.
I'm looking at a weeks worth of vacation. From Oz and have done 5 days in NYC previously, also done a RV run down the West coast (including Vegas).

Now, I can wrangle a week in July 2014 (I'm booked in and out of JFK).
I'm thinking (roughly) :
Jump the HS train down to Washington for a night (see the WH).
Next morning, lunchtime-ish, Amtrack it on a overnight sleeper down to Orlando.
Pick up a hire vehicle, see Kennedy Space stuff, then meander down towards Miami.
A City Flyer from MIA (or somewhere) back to JFK on the day of USA departure (which is at 11pm).

Can you help me fill 3 days once KSC is done. I'll have wheels.
Likes : flying and anything to do with it, cold beer, beach time, natural beauty (err.... as in mother nature), $100 per night accommodation
Non-likes : amusement parks (except, for a drive-by), ridiculous crowds

Orlando Vic

My very opinionated opinion is that St. Augustine is much more interesting than Miami. It's approximately 2 hours NE of Orlando via interstate highways I-4 & I-95. A few links:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave.../st-augustine/
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave...2.photogallery
http://www.staugustine.com/visit/
http://www.visitflorida.com/St_Augustine
http://www.getaway4florida.com/

in2it54

I'm starting to get a feeling for this from Links and other threads.
I'd like a Everglades daytrip for one of the days - I'll be able to compare it with Croc Dundee and Kakadu.
A day on on one of the beaches seems a must - reading and drinking coffee.
A Miami shopping morning on the day I'm flying out
I also see there is a airshow scheduled for Pensacola Beach while I'm in the area - any comments, worth a look ?

Orlando Vic

Be aware that Pensacola and Miami are approximately 675 miles apart.

flymia

Yea Pensacola and Miami are no where near each other. If you like beaches and nature Miami will be great. I say one day for a relaxing day on the beach and hanging around Miami Beach. Another to the Everglades. There is also Biscayne National Park which is a coral reef, you can do Snorkling there.

Plenty of shopping too. Tons of large malls. One of the biggest and cheaper outlet malls is right near MIA too.

pbiflyer

For flight related stuff sort of near KSC - Fantasy of Flight.

For Nature, there is a nice drive through the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, right near KSC.

For beach and beer and minimal crowds and cheap lodging, you can't really beat Cocoa Beach. The Four Points is decent, close to the beach and within your price range. There is a Hilton, Hampton Inn, and Courtyard also. Lots of good little bars/restaurants.

pbiflyer

One last thought in the Cocoa Beach/KSC area. There is a fish camp a bit inland, with airboat rides and a nice deck on their bar/restaurant.
Lone Cabbage Fish Camp

Also, great fishing, kayaking, scenic drives along the Banana River and the Indian River Lagoon.

ChevyCruze

[QUOTE=pbiflyer;21857305]For flight related stuff sort of near KSC - Fantasy of Flight.

Heard it's kinda cool, but is a ways from KSC.. maybe a 2hr drive or so. Not far from Disney though. If you plan on doing Fantasy of Flight, make a trip over to Tampa to see Ybor City and have a rolled cigar. Cigar City Brewery is also a popular place with many different brews on tap.

ChevyCruze

OP, why not just fly from Washington DC down to Orlando, unless you want to take the scenic tour? Is probably cheaper and less time consuming than 17+ hours on Amtrak.

Also, $100 / night in South Florida is kinda low pricepoint, particularly if location and amenities are important to you. You'll be lucky to find a place on the beach less than $150 a night.