I'm 60. I've done Shark Valley a bunch of times on bikes - and I think you'd have to be nuts to walk it. Not because of the gators - but because it's more than a few hours in the nearly summer south Florida sun with no shade.

The gators will be nearer or closer to the trail - or even on the trail - depending on the weather and the water levels (south Florida has drought now so gators will be clustered near wherever water is). But I've never heard of any problems with gators anywhere in Florida unless: 1) you are somewhere near a large female gator with young ones in a nest (and they don't build their nests on concrete - the Shark Valley trail is concrete); or 2) you (or more likely your small child or dog) are wading in gator waters and looks like dinner. I've lived in Florida for over 30 years and cannot recall a single attack that took place on high dry concrete with an adult person. Robyn

P.S. Probably the bigger problem this time of year is fire in the Everglades - not gators. We're in NE FLorida and have huge fires both to the north and south of us. Be sure to check local weather conditions before you make plans.

I'll cast my vote for Shark Valley, having been twice. Bikes are nice, but I enjoy the guides on the tram. They spot things I wouldn't and know their names.

I've been winter and summer. In summer, it was incredibly humid and buggy.

Take the tram and then decide if you want to walk or bike after hearing a few stories.

Well, the OP is obviously long gone, but others may use this thread for suggestions

I would recommend a canoe trip down Peace River on the west coast. Camping is allowed, you can rent the canoes and be picked up at the far end. A great, relaxing trip! The only gators that are supported by the areas game are smaller, younger ones. And lots of otters playing in the water!

Another great suggestion are the springs near Gainesville - High Springs, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs - the water is crystal clear and 65 degrees.

Ocala National Forest is beautiful, filled with trees and a great wandering spot.

In South Florida, I liked going to the smaller keys - not Key West or Islamorada, but the lesser keys to fish, swim, or just watch the ocean.

I'll second the recommendation for Morikami Museum - they have a wonderful location and huge Japanese gardens, as well as the tea house and bonsai trees.

On the west coast, Venice is a nice community with wonderfully white beaches - do they still have petrified sharks' teeth there scattered around?

Cedar Key is lovely - I was there last April during an art show, and the island is reached by driving through a hammock of many small islands and fen.

I took my parents there (on a day when I did not do the hike) and they loved it. My mom was as freaked out by the gators as could be, but if you stay close to the parking area, you can see them but not have to get real close. We walked a little ways down the road and saw a deer and her fawn (?)(whatever Bambi was) close to the road and for her that made it worth the whole trip. We didn't take the tram but I would guess if she was sitting on the inside of people, it wouldn't bother her too much.

BTW - there is no getting the gators away from the trail. They have first rights to the place and humans are in their natural area.

Yes, I was nuts to walk the whole round trip but it was fun. I took a hat and several things of water and some snacks, and rested a bit at the turnaround tower. All in all it was good exercise.

It's important to remember that alligators are not nearly as dangerous as they are portrayed. As long as you don't get between a mama gator and her nest or the gator is starving to death, they will ignore you completely.

If you have some time and do not mine a drive, drive across the Everglades and up to DeSoto Park Beach south of St Petersburg. The sand is pure white and the water is amazing. And the beaches are near deserted (taal about getting away). There are, however, snack stands (like rest stops) throughout the park. Would suggest to bring your own food and drink along though.

This was definitely off the beaten path...a guided Segway tour of Fort George Island near Jacksonville.

http://www.ecomotiontours.com/ft_geo..._higlights.php

Nearby Fernandina Beach is also quite an interesting and historic town to visit.

Interesting suggestions, thanks all!

We couldn't make it as the weather didn't cooperate but it's in our list for our next FL trip.

I recommend Washington Oaks State Park just north of Palm Coast on the northeastern shore of Florida.

The beach is covered by coquina rock which is a rare find on the Florida coast.

I adore St. Augustine and Amelia Island. Thornton Park in Downtown Orlando is good for an afternoon or a saturday morning.