drjayjani has indicated that this thread is about USA
Give us a little more information. What kind of things do you enjoy? Are you more of a city person or a natural outdoors kind of person? How interested are you in seeing the "real" Florida? "important" is a subjective word and people really have different expectations of Florida. Florida is so completely different, both in landscape and culture, depending on what part of the state you're in.
Check the NASA site to see if a space shuttle is scheduled to launch while you are there,definitely a memorable event.
Thank you jambo 101 and EaLaSpada for prompt reply!I am a city person, really like to explore like a local! on the other hand, my wife likes hiking, kayaking etc. so I guess i will have to balance between both!
and jambo 101, nasa space shuttle launch is a great idea and is already on my list!
Best place to view a shuttle launch is the causeway leading out to the Launch center in northern part of Titusville,get there early as the whole area fills up quickly on launch day, sleeping in the car should be considered as most motels jack their prices up when there is a launch..
This is a good example of of the differences in Florida and how subjective it can be--next to Orlando (where I live), I'd say Miami is about the worst city in Florida! However, if you like cities, Miami is definitely the most urban of all Florida cities. It has art, it has interesting architecture, it has ethnic diversity and it is at least near to the Everglades. I also find it the most hostile and completely superficial city in Florida, but as you won't be there for long, it probably should be fine. The other major cities in Florida are Orlando, Tampa, and my hometown, Jacksonville. Jacksonville is the most "southern" of these cities, and the most dismissed. It has a great local art scene, some lovely shopping areas and the most extensive park system in the country--some places are unbelievably beautiful. Tampa is an interesting city, with an unique mix of Cuban and Southern culture. That Tampa to Sarasota area has great Gulf beaches, a fantastic art scene (it's home to many famous artists like Theo Wujcik, James Rosenquist and others) and an impressive community theatre.
Unless you are going to Disney or Universal, I would avoid Orlando like the plague.
In general, keep in mind that in Florida, the north is "the South" and the south is the "the North". Some other cities I recommend are St. Augustine, Tallahassee and Pensacola. St. Augustine is, of course, the oldest city in America and a lovely, sleepy town it is (though a little touristy on St. George street). Tallahassee and Pensacola are definitely "Old South", with Pensacola even feeling a little like New Orleans in architecture. But don't leave out even smaller towns, where you will definitely get the feel of the real Florida. Take back roads to cities when you can, and stop when something strikes your fancy.
As for the natural world, I'm a little biased, but I think Florida is about the most beautiful and unique state there is. The panhandle is one of the USA's biological hotspots, with still enough pristine land to support an amazing array of wildlife. North of Orlando to the Tallahassee area is covered in amazing crystal clear springs. The dry/wet prairies of South central Florida stretch out forever, dotted with cabbage palm hammocks. Cypress swamps abound in peninsular Florida. Even our beaches are diverse, from the dunes around the "Redneck Riviera" to the mangrove-covered cays of Southwest Florida and the Keys.
I suggest that you pick some cities that you'd like to visit and let us know. I'd be happy to point out natural areas close by that you can enjoy, and also some more details about the cities if you're interested. I've lived here all my life and have a lot of useful and possible useless knowledge to impart.
By the way, many have suggested the shuttle launch. Whether or not you get to see an actual shuttle launch, Canaveral National Seashore is a great place to visit. Beautiful, fairly uncrowded beaches, hammock trails, lagoons, a manatee watch point and you'll usually get to see the shuttle from a distance too--it's one stop shopping!
I'd say Miami is about the worst city in Florida!
The other major cities in Florida are Orlando, Tampa, and my hometown, Jacksonville. TampaUnless you are going to Disney or Universal, I would avoid Orlando like the plague.
In general, keep in mind that in Florida, the north is "the South" and the south is the "the North". Some other cities I recommend are St. Augustine, Tallahassee and Pensacola.
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Many towns/cities such as Miami have a downtown section then a totally different beach section,other would be Daytona and Daytona Beach,St Petersburg and St Petersburg Beach to name a couple.
I've lived in Florida for many years and never heard of the reversing of North/ South directions
I'd also avoid Orlando as there are better choices if going to Florida,go to Key West instead..
thanks jambo 101 and EaLaSpada.
Tell me more about things to do in florida keys...
i am planning to spend one night two days in key largo and from there i am going to drive down to key west. should i stop by on any other spot in between? i plan to spend 4 nights in key west.
thanks
If you are going to be in Key Largo do check out John Pennekamp State Park..
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