Florida, off the beaten path?
 

Florida, off the beaten path?

Ok, I'm flying to Miami next week. My questions are not about Miami itself instead about places around Miami (and the rest of Florida) that are NOT-TO-MISS.

I know about the Keys, Everglades, and Theme parks, but I'd like to hear reports from people who've been to other places (less commercial, less touristy places) (i.e. cities, towns, neighbourhoods, national/state parks, beaches, lookout points, and other natural or even architectural highlights) in the state of Florida.

Time is not an issue, but money is.

So what do you recommend that you've ACTUALLY been to and can vouch for?

Thx in advance...

real florida
 

I'd like to recommend, for getting out into the real areas of Florida, you can't beat leaving the Miami metro area and going up US27 out toward the glades and up to Lake Okeechobee.The are also many, many great state parks in the area, way too many to list. I'd recommend going to the myflorida.com website and go to the floridastateparks site . Choose an area and read further. There are also many great places east of Okeechobee in the Fort Pierce and Vero Beach area, not a far drive from the Miami/Dade metro area.If you had time, I'd recommend also the drive south to the keys, even if you didn't go all the way to Key West.Also, next trip, visit many neat not so touristy areas in the Tampa bay area and end with a day trip up to the Homosassa/Crystal River areas, known for manatees and crystal clear rivers, such as the Rainbow, and many springs all the way past Gainesville.

I visited Coral Castle years ago and have been meaning to go back to see if they've commercialized it and to what extent. I found it fascinating and it's not "touristy" (at least back then) and their website doesn't seem like they've overdone it. I can't see them getting that level of traffic anyway. It's a very different type of thing to see.

28655 South Dixie Highway
Homestead, FL 33033
(305) 248-6345
Just 31 miles south of the Miami International Airport

Other than that, it's really a matter of what you're looking for ... like to shop? there is the Sawgrass Mills, a huge outlet mall. Want to see the beach, there are plenty of options. Topekeegee-Yugnee Park is in Hallandale/Hollywood area and has a lot of boats and other things to do in the park.

Not sure how long you're staying, how far you want to drive and what you're looking for. Once you get out of the tourist places (and my apologies to you Floridians), Florida can be a boring kinda place. :)

Florida's a big state. What kinds of things are you interested in doing/seeing? Robyn

Florida boring?
 

All a matter of opinion, but thanks anyhow as many of us would say, too much of it has been overrun with people and developers.There is plenty of "real Florida" available if you look for it.I'd recommend any book by Jeff Klinkenberg titled as just that, "Real Florida" as well as the many writings of Carl Hiassen of the Miami Herald, check out his website for his thoughts on that subject as well as his many books also.You still can't go wrong with the Florida State Parks website.Orlando is unrecognizable to those of us who are natives except as a high priced tourist trap that is costly to locals also.

To the contrary, as a resident I'd say Florida's very best offerings are nearly all outside of the tourist areas. You just don't know where to go and/or you're not an outdoors type person. ;)

The Florida state parks site is a great suggestion. I'd also suggest getting away from the east coast if you want to avoid overcrowded tourist traps. Visit the quieter, wilder Gulf coast to see more of the "real" Florida. If you have the time, I'd recommend a visit to the Big Bend area between Cedar Key and Appalachicola. Lots of unspoiled paradise.

You say you know about the Everglades.... money an issue, etc. I am a Fla. native and much-time tourist in this "boring" state (per previous poster). Been everywhere, many times over. However, until about 3 years ago, I discovered a MAJOR NOT-TO-MISS. We had never taken the guided tram ride in Everglades National Park in the area called Shark Valley. 14-mile round trip, but we do it on bikes instead of the tram. Absolutely the top pick all over the South Florida area for us. There are bike rentals there (we bring our own). The tram guides are excellent. We fly past all the tacky Seminole Indian airboat concessions down Highway 41 and head straight to the unspoiled National Park. Gators like logs lying around everywhere. What a kick and cheapo to boot.

Linky:
http://www.nps.gov/archive/ever/visit/tramroad.htm

My two favorite places in FL
 

I love to brag about these two places!

First, Siesta Key beach. Rated in the top ten beaches in the U.S. About 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive North from Miami. Serene & easy to find. Beautiful sand & water....link:

http://www.sarasotafl.org/explore/to...FQwSgQodbAdqFA

Second, Ocala's gorgeous natural spring called Rainbow Springs. Once you take the exit from I-75, the drive is absolutely gorgeous! Rolling hills & horse ranches. The spring is manicured with walking trails, water falls & canoeing. It's free (there's a donation box). This drive from Siesta Key straight North to Rainbow Springs will be another 2 1/2 hours. WELL worth it....link:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/rai...gs/default.cfm

Enjoy Florida, I love it! :cool:

I agree 100%! Shark Valley is very interesting. It's on US-41, which is 8th Street in Miami = Calle Ocho in little Havana.

The drive on US-41 to wards Marco Island, Goodland and Naples is nice too. A famous photographer, Clyde Butcher, has his "shop" there. Later you pass "US smallest post office".

A couple places my wife likes to drag me to,..to connect back with nature are ..Haulover Beach and the US 41 drive to Naples....At Haulover Beach she has to drag me back to the car ....Good luck!!:cool: :cool: :p :(

For a relaxing day and some culture try this place: http://www.morikami.org/
Not a bad drive from Miami and the prices were reasonable.
They have some interesting history regarding the Japanese who settled in this area of Florida.

If you really want to save money, and spend more time, do the 14 mile trip walking. I have done it (once and only once) and I must say, there is nothing like the thrill of trying to get past a 15 foot gator sunning himself on the path without waking him or being seen as a threat. Especially when there is a 10 footer on the other side of the road just a few feet past the first one.

More great places.................
 

Thanks, TPAbound for the additions of Siesta Key and Rainbow Springs. I'd like to say a great idea posted is also Cedar Key , take US 41 when you leave Rainbow Springs,go north a few miles to Williston and take US 27 west to Bronson.When you get to the crossroads there at SR26 take it west to Cedar Key.When you leave Cedar Key, if headed back to TPA, take SR26 to US 19, go south to Crystal River and Homosassa Springs especially see the springs and famous fishbowl.You'll see thousands of fish and manatees at the park, check this out also at the state parks website.You can't go wrong,head back to TPA by going a few miles south on 19/98 and cut off on the Suncoast Parkway toll road that ends just west of the Tampa Airport.That IS seeing real Florida.I am a native from the Tampa Bay area and think we are all blessed with places like this. (and it's a relaxing drive too for the most part)

Siesta is a great suggestion, probably th ebest beach in Florida, but I don't know that I'd call it "off the beaten path".

I might also suggest a visit to the Corkscrew Swamp near Ft. Myers.

I'm going next weekend with the family, and convincing my folks to come along, but having a hard time with Mom as she doesn't like the idea of being too close to alligators... how do they keep them away from the trail? I need to explain her that the alligators won't get too close to her!

I'm considering either Shark Valley on east side of the park or Gulf Coast by Everglades City. Any preferences/suggestions?

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. :D

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.