Finding the "real" Florida

[ependydad]

We are avid Disney-goers. And, I know that makes some people roll their eyes so hard that they see their brains. So, I'm trying to figure out plans for a "real Florida" tour from late February to early May.

Problem is, I don't really know what "real Flordia" is... nor do I have reservations so most state parks are out. Additionally, a 42' fifth wheel is limited in what parks can take us. But, we are good with RV parks and don't mind paying up to $60-70/night (though, my ideal is sub $50/night for hookups). I know it's snowbird season, but figure I can find places to squeeze in. We'll look to spend 2 weeks in each location.

But, things that in Florida that I know of...

We may need to rendezvous with family around Sarasota for our first stop.

I'd like to do something with Miami and the Everglades, but I don't know if that is 2 weeks each or together. I do know that I definitely want some Miami beach time. I miss the salt and playing in waves. We didn't get that this past year like we usually do and I'm jonesing.

I've read of crystal clear waters in rivers and manatee watching. That sounds like something my family would enjoy.

For warmth, I think I'd like to mostly spend it south of Orlando. But, I really don't know when that warms up.

So... ideas? Possibly itineraries? 😄

[FULLTIMEWANABE]

X2 on Crystal River and we use Birds of a Feather to go out and interact with the Manatees curious by our presence and especially the babies. Best interactions we've personally had were at very beginning of November, but they should be around still when you intend to go.

If you love beach, check out Boca Grande - Gasparilla Island = one side is where the tarpon are caught as the crab washes out from Charlotte harbour, and the other side is like being on a Caribbean Beach = stunningly beautiful. We enjoy exploring around the island and take a picnic for the day (private charges to cross the bridge onto the island and a small donation for the park). See lots of tortoise and iguanas here as well as many birds.

We have a house in Sarasota and we love exploring the man made as well as natural areas. Loved staying at Oscar Sherar SP and exploring (armadillos aplenty!), Turtle Beach, Venice Beach (sharks teeth), Englewood shelling. Myakka State Park we love to head to and Kayak and view all the gators sunbathing around us. Likewise further south Naples down to the Everglades and Miccosukee Indian reservation promity. Being on the water and exploring various inlets, mangroves etc is a wonderful way to experience the Gulf side right down into the keys. Take an airboat ride into the Everglades.

There's not much snorkelling opportunities until you get down to the keys and go offshore in a boat typically, but we'e enjoyed snorkelling around Point of Rocks Sarasota = just off Stickney Point and Midnight Pass Road (check a map!).

We are not ones for paid private parks, but one we highly recommend and donate to is NE of Sarasota = The Big Cat Habitat - it's a wonderful few hours for a fair entry price, run by the remaining Circus family the Roseiros.

Kayaking/Canoing around the canals, mangroves etc around Sarasota and all the way heading south on the gulf is a fabulous way to become at one. Google will be your friend here, and enroute there's some neat farmer/craft markets to experience.

Hope that helps. There's also a Casino enroute from Fort Myers towards the Everglades that allows free O/N camping, we like to stay at just before heading into the keys, if that appeals to mix things up a bit for a night.

Venice Pier = no fishing license required to fish off here we have been told in case any interest in that. Also you might enjoy experiencing the North and South Jetties (food is basic but we love going to POPs to sit and have a burger overlooking dolphins entertaining us, congregation of snook and various birds around). The Jetties is where most folks go to see the sunsets each night. There is a drumming event weekly at one of the beaches = think it might be Siesta Key (baby powder sand).

Hope some of these help you. On the Atlantic side, we love Fort Lauderdale over Miami moreso and enjoy working our way up to Palm Beach stopping at little places enroute.

Enjoy - now I wanna come with you!!! SD.

[Steeljag]

Shhhhhhhhh, don't give away the secrete spots!

[agesilaus]

OK first thing, you are planning on going during the snowbird season, at least for Feb-Apr so expect elevated prices in the CG and difficulty in finding a site. At least below Orlando and near the coast lines.

Florida has many fabulous springs, most are now the centerpiece of a State Park. I'd recommend Manatee Springs State Park (may have manatees), Blue Springs State Park (manatees), Rainbow Springs State Park which also has the crystal clear Rainbow River.

There are tour operators which provide snorkeling and Scuba trips of the Rainbow River. You jump in at the head of the river and float downstream with the current. The boat follows along.

For canoe/kayak, tube trips check out Juniper Springs (in the National Forest) and Ichnetucknee Springs State Park. Also the Peace River near Arcadia Fl. The local Canoe Outpost organizes trips where they drop you off upstream and pick you up downstream. The Peace River is a good place to find fossil sharks teeth and other fossils during the canoe trip. In fact there are Canoe Outposts all over the state the do the same:

Link

Once you are north of Orlando and in the middle of the state you should be able to easily find campgrounds with open sites.

The state has over 90 state parks now, so many that I cannot keep up with the new ones. Even if you can't camp in one they are still good for a visit.

State Parks

Homasassa SP is a guaranteed place to see manatees since they have a captive herd of manatees that are injured and can't be released to the wild. They also have a lot of other critters since the park was a privately owner attraction that was taken over by the state. Silver Springs SP and Weeki Watchi SP are two more attractions bought by the state. They are in the same general area.

There are also many state parks on the coast lines for swimming. Some have camping and some don't but all will be difficult to get a site in.

Ybor City and Tarpon Springs are two towns that somewhat retain their old character. And St Augustine is another.

Near Sarasota is Myakka River SP, you will see more alligators than you ever dreamed existed in that park. They also have a sky walk which is a walkway up inside the trees. Lots of birds. If you like birds then Ding Darling NWR is just south of Sarasota:

NWR

Strangely enough the St Augustine Alligator Farm is a fantastic place to get withing touching distance of nesting water birds (egrets herons ect)

And speaking of gators, the Everglades NP Shark Valley location off of US 41 has many fearless gators and birds. They have a tram tour which will take you around the loop trail or you can rent a bike.

Sarasota also has the Asolo State Theater which was a theater from Italy that was taken to pieces and rebuilt in Sarasota. And the Ringling Brothers Circus Museums.

[ependydad]

Thanks everyone. Good stuff so far!

I am able to skip the Keys for now. We did Key West last year for Christmas and will go back there at some point.

[dahkota]

There are still spots available in Florida State Parks during that time but you may have to move a little more. The reservations will open up in the south end of Florida in April and May as the Snowbirds fly north.

You will fit in Jonathan Dickinson State Park - it has full hookup sites and wide open spaces - not much in tree cover or privacy though.

St. Augustine is a really nice place to visit - a lot of history - but you may not fit in Anastasia State Park - quite a few trees to dodge.

Check out the area around Ocala (fed and state park campgrounds). Lots of rivers with manatees in March though maybe not later in the spring. We stayed at Blue Springs (might be too tight for you) and saw dozens.

In May you should be able to get into Pennecamp State Park. It is at the top of the Keys and has FHU.

Your size will limit some of the state parks with the 'old florida' feel but you should be able to find something after March without many problems. Don't forget the panhandle, which gets busy starting in March (Fort Pickens is a great campground in which you should fit).

[Big_Katuna]

The springs are a treasure. There are several around Ocala, the Suwanee and Crystal River. There are state and Federal parks near or on many of them. The water stays the same temp year round; about 72 degrees. You can rent canoes and kayaks on many. You can swim with Manatees at Crystal River. Most places forbid approaching them but you can get near.

There are also many beautiful rivers with lots of wildlife, birds and scenery. The St. Johns, Intracoastal Waterway, Suwannee, Myakka to name a few.

[lj2654]

Rock Crusher Canyon RV park in Crystal River is a great place to see some of old Florida. Manatee's will still be in abundance during that time. They have many tours that will take you out to see them and snorkel also If you want. Old Homosassa is a great area to see some of original Florida as well as Cedar Key, a bit North of there.

Also a small campground is in Chassahowitska, Fl has some nice sites. We live about a 10 minute drive from there. They have canoes and small jon boats for rent, and a spring you can go to by water.

Nature's Resort in Homosassa is also a good spot....pontoon boats, pool, marina, and lots of scenery to see.