So my family's owned a house in Orlando since before Disney, and we've hit all the theme parks quite a bit at this point haha. Dad's getting his first vacation since I was in middle school, so we want to show him a good time!

We're gonna be down there for a week and a half or so in January, what do you guys recommend for cool new things to do? It's my dad, my sister, and me, all 21+. I think we might go down to the Keys for a couple days maybe, other than that I have no good plans! Oh and hit up KSC, last time Dad and I were there it wasn't all done up like it is now.

What does Dad like to do? Makes a huge difference in what to recommend. And is it keep dad happy? Or are you looking for things to do?

And are you basing in Orlando? Are hotels/prices a factor? January is one of the most expensive months for lodging.

It's have some new experiences as a family, with what he wants to do as the focus haha. He's kind of sick of the beach. We're going the wrong weekend for the Rolex 24 at Daytona which is a bummer. We've done the Richard Petty Driving experience at Indianapolis before.

We're going to be based in Orlando, we have a car and house there, fine with staying in a hotel elsewhere for part of the trip, like in the keys. I'd like to do some MS to pay for extra hotel rooms ideally.

Fishing is big in FL.

Have you been to St. Augustine? It's the oldest city in the US, interesting to visit. You could do a Bahamas cruise....

How much of Florida have you (or Dad) seen outside of the theme parks?

St Augustine is always a good recommendation. If you drive south from Orlando toward the Keys, I would stay off the interstate. Take the scenic route & stop at Bok Tower, Lake Okeechobee, & the Everglades. Florida has a lot to offer beyond the beach & theme parks, but it's hard to offer recommendations without knowing what kinds of things you are interested in. (Carillon concert or airboat tour? Kayaking through the mangroves or swimming with manatees?)

I rather like the slow road up and around the Panhandle - some lovely bits of Old Florida well off the beaten track.

Cheesy, but fun, near Orlando:
You Drive Airboat: http://www.theotherorlando.com/conte...4/airboat.html
Ice Bar Orlando: http://www.icebarorlando.com/
Gatorland: http://www.gatorland.com/

Back to Nature:
Ocala National Forest. Hiking, canoeing, kayaking: http://www.fs.usda.gov/ocala I especially like Juniper Springs.


A bit of Old Florida:
Cedar Key - on the west coast, west of Ocala: http://www.cedarkey.org/

St Pete has a revitalized downtown, some great restaurants and bars. Salvidor Dali Museum is there. Then you could run down to Sarasota and visit the Ringling Museum, if into art.

I see they're razing the St. Pete Pier. I suppose that's no great loss to some but I'll miss it.

Kayaking can be enjoyed across the state but one great place to try it is Crystal River. We went out with these folks to kayak among the manatees.

You haven't mentioned golf. By that, I have assumed you don't play. However you are surrounded by courses. I don't play myself but I'm sure someone could make a recommendation.

If you gamble, there are casinos, jai alai and greyhound racing.

If golf is what you're after:

Eagle Creek (a little east and south of MCO) is one of my go-tos


Another fave (it's a haul, but worth the trip) is World Woods. Not in Orlando, probably around 1.5 hour drive each way - but worth it. If your group are players, Pine Barrens course. Rolling Oaks is the "sister" course, Oaks is "prettier" and not quite as challenging, but still a good talent check.

Cypress Ridge is another keeper.

Out of the Disney courses, Osprey Ridge is the only one worth playing. Magnolia may be famous (PGA stop), but it plays stupid long and the layout is uninspiring, the only neat feature is the "Mickey Mouse" bunker. They bulldozed Eagle Pines (Dye design), which was their best, but Pete's courses aren't "resort" material

YEP!!! Should start demolition on it any day now.

Also in St Pete, you can watch indoor, air conditioned baseball at the Trop and never have to worry about getting rained on during the summer. Here's the link to the schedule (http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/schedul...lendar=DEFAULT). There are several great burger places too close to downtown.

Also, would highly recommend St Augustine! Mrs Cruze and I got married in Memorial Presbyterian Church a couple of years ago. Downtown can get a little crowded from all the tourist. Isn't as slow of a town as it used to be several years ago.