Florida must-sees - advice please!

Do a Google search for `florida tourism' and read what the experts suggest you visit. What about the Kennedy Space Center?

When you are in the Keys make sure to see the miniature Key Deer on Big Pine Key.
As you drive through Big Pine Key, take a right at the only stop lights and then bear left on Key Deer Blvd. Go about four miles and watch for a large green utility box on the left at Gulf Blvd. Go left and just drive down the road slowly and you will be guaranteed to see some.
Everglades National Park: at the southern end after you enter take the first left to the Anhinger Trail which is only about a half mile paved and board walk trail where you will see more wild life in their natural habitat then any other place in Florida. the cormorants are so tame, that you can walk right up to them.
Also in the Everglades NP, half way between the southern end and the northern end take the tram ride at Shark Valley. We like to ride our bike around it, but with the kids that age, your best bet is the tram
Don't expect good beaches in the Keys or you'll be disappointed. the best ones are in Bahia Honda State Park.
Others above have mentioned good places, so I won't remention them.
I April most of the Manatees are heading back out into bigger waters, so it is hit and miss at Blue Springs State Park or three sisters Springs in Kings bay at crystal River.

If you were paddlers, I could give you hundreds of pristine beautiful places to go by yourselves where you see the "real Florida"

Jack L

You did not indicate the gender of the kids....
If Boys, you really do want to get to the Navy Air Museum at Pensacola.
Girls, not so much, but there is a lot of serious history there.

Matt

LindaAnn wrote:
I vote for a stop at Weeki Wachee! We were there last year--saw the Mermaid show and took the boat ride. I definitely think the children would love a day there...lots to see and do. My husband and I enjoyed it a lot.

Great visit. A springs is a must to any fl visit

If you can handle dry camping Juniper Springs Recreation Area
Reserve America link, just off Hwy 40 slightly southwest of Lake George, is terrific. We think it is the prettiest park we've seen. We hit it on a Sunday as the crowd was clearing out. To our understanding it is quite popular, so reservations might not hurt.

Safe traveling.

I'm an old native sans younger ones today until the 4 grand-kids get a little older. So, I probably appreciate "Old Florida" more than most of the younger generation. You'll enjoy Anastasia and the Oldest City, along with many of the suggestions you will receive on here. But, one fascinating attraction many miss is on the way to the Keys.

As you are heading south of Miami on South Dixie Hwy., give strong consideration to stopping off at the Coral Castle Museum. Featured on "In Search Of" hosted by Leonard Nimoy back in the early 80s, it's well worth the time. It's mystery captures the interests and imagination of both, young and old. Travel safe.

A second vote for Myakka River. The tree top walk is great and a lot gators. We live near Homosassa SP, the Manatee show is good, the zoo is soso. Lucifer the hippo there is a honorary FL citizen.

I vote for a stop at Weeki Wachee! We were there last year--saw the Mermaid show and took the boat ride. I definitely think the children would love a day there...lots to see and do. My husband and I enjoyed it a lot.

Maybe Roadside America, Florida will have something that interests your family.

Its a cruel joke but you will not see any Manatee at Manatee Springs SP.

Best Manatee viewing without a boat is at Blue Springs SP near Deland?Orlando.

While Manatee Springs is a nice park, it is very remote and not much else to do around it.

I'll add more later, short on time right now.