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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:02:31 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Another good suggestion although not that many animals to see unless the manatees are around. We didn’t see a one. @sebastion inlet there is a tide pond in the park But osprey is right, it could be blowing balls, and water temp is prolly 65 |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:11:05 PM EDT
[#2]
thanks for the suggestions. we are going next month, and its kind of a power trip, just flying down thursday, and back sunday so we only need to take one day off and its before spring break when prices for flights nearly tripled.
we do the zoo and aquarium thing too, we took him to the shedd right before covid crap began, but he seems to have more excitement just flipping over logs in the woods looking for snakes and salamanders, so seeing any ocean life will be fun. watching him discover something is what i get the most enjoyment out of and i just want to reinforce his current interests. so gatorland is taking care of the zoo type thing, and we like the airboats on the way to cape canaveral area for "exploring". |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:11:22 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I was in Crystal River a few weeks ago and it was awesome. Its usually a very busy time of year because it is manatee season, but covid has resulted in many fewer visitors. I'm not sure when the season ends, but the inside is 72 degrees, year round and the manatees come in in mass. I think your little buddy would get a kick out that. https://www.kingsbaylodge.com/images/manatees/Kayak-With-Manatees-Crystal-River.jpg https://www.floridasmart.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/manatee-crystalriver-ig-jborum321.jpg thanks, that does look cool |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:14:13 PM EDT
[#4]
Lucky for you that you are escaping MI snow and not TX snow or you would be getting hammered.
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:14:36 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: thanks, that does look cool Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I was in Crystal River a few weeks ago and it was awesome. Its usually a very busy time of year because it is manatee season, but covid has resulted in many fewer visitors. I'm not sure when the season ends, but the inside is 72 degrees, year round and the manatees come in in mass. I think your little buddy would get a kick out that. https://www.kingsbaylodge.com/images/manatees/Kayak-With-Manatees-Crystal-River.jpg https://www.floridasmart.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/manatee-crystalriver-ig-jborum321.jpg thanks, that does look cool https://www.gomanateefest.com/ Crystal River Manatee Festival March 27 and 28 if your dates work. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:16:50 PM EDT
[#6]
Playa Linda beach at the national seashore in Titusville. Lots of nature stuff there. Can see manatees and dolphins at the inlet.
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:19:27 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Don't send people to my fishing spot Or swipe the GPS off your boat. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:21:23 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/41568/shells_jpg-1830732.JPG Another vote for Sanibel Island - Lighthouse Beach. The beach is made out of seashells. I was down there last month and found the above. Also found a couple of conchs in the water that still had crabs in them. Turned those loose. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/41568/Sanibel_Lighthouse_Beach_JPG-1830707.JPG I read that Sanibel was also ranked in top 10 sunsets fir Florida |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:22:32 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Playa Linda beach at the national seashore in Titusville. Lots of nature stuff there. Can see manatees and dolphins at the inlet. Just stay away from the nude beach , it's freaking nasty ! |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:29:02 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I read that Sanibel was also ranked in top 10 sunsets fir Florida Sounds like a sales pitch  Sunsets can be good as long as you can see it. This is from our hotel on Lido Beach. The clouds can make or break a sunset. They were pretty close to perfect this evening. Attached File |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:33:16 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sounds like a sales pitch Sunsets can be good as long as you can see it. This is from our hotel on Lido Beach. The clouds can make or break a sunset. They were pretty close to perfect this evening.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/126641/20201019_185645_jpg-1830779.JPG Just looked up Lido beach nearest big town is Saint Petersburg. From my tourist reading all top 10 Subsets were gulf side or Key West. Destin, Clearwater, another island I forgot the name of but none for the Atlantic side |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:38:49 PM EDT
[#12]
Maybe not exactly what you were asking for but Tampa has an excellent, albeit expensive Aquarium downtown. Also there's a gigantic dinosaur park in Plant City. We took our little boy there around Christmas time and he loved it. It was literally like going back in time to the dinosaur age. The habitat there is perfectly fitting for how you would imagine dinosaurs would have lived and the dinosaurs are very well done and realistic. Like a zoo for dinosaurs. Really cool honestly.
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:46:42 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Take a day and drive down and spend a night in or around Siesta Key. https://www.evergladesoutpost.org/ Never been to Siesta Key but have heard great things about it. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:47:36 PM EDT
[#14]
The breakwater and beach at Ponce Inlet can be interesting. There is a wildlife center there that is kid friendly.
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:56:26 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Never been to Siesta Key but have heard great things about it. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Take a day and drive down and spend a night in or around Siesta Key. https://www.evergladesoutpost.org/ Never been to Siesta Key but have heard great things about it. I like Lido far better than Siesta. St Armando is right there. Easy walk from the Holliday in. The other hotel have shuttle vans. There are some great restaurants there. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 2:56:31 PM EDT
[#16]
This place is closed right now, and I wouldn't drive to Tampa Bay just to visit this site, but the Manatee Viewing Area in Apollo Beach is great for kids.
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Posted: 2/18/2021 3:00:09 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sea World Discovery Cove is the answer. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 4:25:01 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Definitely. He can snorkel with all sorts of salt water fish, rays, sharks, etc. I don't know anywhere else you could be guaranteed of having that experience in Florida. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Sea World Discovery Cove is the answer. looks like you are supposed to be 6 to feed rays, swim with dolphins etc. he's 4, so he hasnt snorkled either, he will jump in where he cant touch though with his swim wing things |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 4:37:18 PM EDT
[#19]
If you go anywhere near Daytona march 5-14, it is bike week, just a warning.
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Posted: 2/18/2021 4:37:37 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/41568/shells_jpg-1830732.JPG Another vote for Sanibel Island - Lighthouse Beach. The beach is made out of seashells. I was down there last month and found the above. Also found a couple of conchs in the water that still had crabs in them. Turned those loose. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/41568/Sanibel_Lighthouse_Beach_JPG-1830707.JPG Be aware that sand dollars are protected in FL. I've never seen anyone arrested but I have seen some serious ass chewing on the beach where I live when tourists swim out to the sand bar and bring back some live ones. The same for the little conchs. Whe they breed there's thousands of them close to shore and you can get fined for messing with them as well. OP, if you make over to Tampa area I'd highly recommend canoeing the Hillsborough river. it's an unmolested streach of old FL river that is crstal clear and full of gators, birds, turtles, etc...I've done it maybe a dozen times with firends and family when they visit and I never get tired of it. Really something to see. As mentioned any of the springs are nice to visit as well as rainbow river to swim with the Manatees. The Manatee viewing center in Apollo beach is also a nice stop especially this time of year. It's been chilly here, in the 60's and 70's, so you may also want to take a drive down south through Alligator alley and visit the Seminole reservatio tourist stuff or even the keys. No nee to go to key west. Big pine, islamorado, etc...are nice. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 5:19:43 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Marineland in Flagler. https://marineland.net/ Ormond is a nice beach, not too crowded. Some shells to pick up. that is a neat place - I took my mom to see the Dolphins when she came to visit from Germany |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 6:20:05 PM EDT
[#22]
Rock springs run is a spring fed river close to Orlando. At kings landing they rent canoes and kayaks.
It is about a 2 hour or so paddle. The water moves good so it is little work. Lots of wildlife to see there. You pull out at Wekiva Island, they have a bar and food truck there (but I have not been in while and not sure if covid changed it). Kings landing will pick you up there and bring you to your vehicle.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 7:59:05 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Be aware that sand dollars are protected in FL. I've never seen anyone arrested but I have seen some serious ass chewing on the beach where I live when tourists swim out to the sand bar and bring back some live ones. The same for the little conchs. Whe they breed there's thousands of them close to shore and you can get fined for messing with them as well. OP, if you make over to Tampa area I'd highly recommend canoeing the Hillsborough river. it's an unmolested streach of old FL river that is crstal clear and full of gators, birds, turtles, etc...I've done it maybe a dozen times with firends and family when they visit and I never get tired of it. Really something to see. As mentioned any of the springs are nice to visit as well as rainbow river to swim with the Manatees. The Manatee viewing center in Apollo beach is also a nice stop especially this time of year. It's been chilly here, in the 60's and 70's, so you may also want to take a drive down south through Alligator alley and visit the Seminole reservatio tourist stuff or even the keys. No nee to go to key west. Big pine, islamorado, etc...are nice.  Doesn't surprise me. Guess I shouldn't mention that starfish I found... Didn't keep it as it was still moving around. We also drove down to Key West passing through what I think was Alligator Alley. Took the Loop Road Cypress National Preserve off of 90 and saw Alligators right off the dirt road in almost every pool near a culvert. Pretty cool that you can get that close to them (for free).  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 9:13:36 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I read that Sanibel was also ranked in top 10 sunsets fir Florida Sanibel/Siesta Have the cleanest, white sand beaches in the world. I have family with a 2nd home on Siesta Key that I go down there a few times a year. Siesta Beach is worth a trip to Florida just for the beach. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 9:22:00 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sanibel/Siesta Have the cleanest, white sand beaches in the world. I have family with a 2nd home on Siesta Key that I go down there a few times a year. Siesta Beach is worth a trip to Florida just for the beach. Respectfully Sanibel is not close to Siesta. Sanibel sand is not that great. Lido and Siesta have great sand. |
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Posted: 2/18/2021 11:49:59 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Respectfully Sanibel is not close to Siesta. Sanibel sand is not that great. Lido and Siesta have great sand. Been awhile since I have made the drive between the two. I don't remember it being almost a 2 hour drive. When I go down to Siesta I usually stick close to the area or out on the water in a boat. |
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Posted: 2/19/2021 12:36:16 AM EDT
[#27]
@apierce918
I don't know, but he is one cute kid. He could be on commercials! |
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Posted: 2/19/2021 12:59:06 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: @apierce918 I don't know, but he is one cute kid. He could be on commercials! Thanks, he’s a ton of fun |
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Posted: 2/19/2021 10:40:19 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Respectfully Sanibel is not close to Siesta. Sanibel sand is not that great. Lido and Siesta have great sand. I'd have to agree. My understanding is that Siesta's sand is a result of erosion quartz in the Rockies that drains down the Mississippi and is deposited on that beach by the currents in the Gulf. It is spectacular. |
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Posted: 2/19/2021 10:50:01 AM EDT
[#30]
In the 90s when I would go visit Sanibel you could hear the cigarette boats at night full throttle trying to out run whoever... Cant see shit looking out over the water, just the engines roaring...
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Posted: 2/19/2021 11:11:14 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Been awhile since I have made the drive between the two. I don't remember it being almost a 2 hour drive. When I go down to Siesta I usually stick close to the area or out on the water in a boat. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Respectfully Sanibel is not close to Siesta. Sanibel sand is not that great. Lido and Siesta have great sand. Been awhile since I have made the drive between the two. I don't remember it being almost a 2 hour drive. When I go down to Siesta I usually stick close to the area or out on the water in a boat. Sanibel's pluses are you are able to walk miles on the beach and much less crowding. There is great shelling there as well. Nice restaurants too but they are spread out quite a bit. |
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Posted: 2/19/2021 11:30:34 AM EDT
[#32]
What part of Orlando are you staying in OP ?
If you are time compressed you may want to factor how long it's going to take to get out of town. |
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Posted: 2/20/2021 11:31:00 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What part of Orlando are you staying in OP ? If you are time compressed you may want to factor how long it's going to take to get out of town. Near Lake Buena Vista |
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Posted: 2/20/2021 11:46:04 AM EDT
[#34]
You tourists should feel safe in Florida because the tourist lobby pays our elected assholes (of both parties) to prevent Florida from being an open carry state. They don't want a tourist to be scared of being shot when they come to Florida. They may not get enough money if the tourists are scared.
Your tourist money working hard keeping Florida safe. Have fun in that Orlando shithole. |
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Posted: 2/20/2021 12:39:57 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You tourists should feel safe in Florida because the tourist lobby pays our elected assholes (of both parties) to prevent Florida from being an open carry state. They don't want a tourist to be scared of being shot when they come to Florida. They may not get enough money if the tourists are scared. Your tourist money working hard keeping Florida safe. Have fun in that Orlando shithole. We voted those assholes into office in your state too |
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Posted: 2/20/2021 1:01:52 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Near Lake Buena Vista Fairly easy access to both coasts but beware that Tampa is easily 10 times busier than anything due East of Wally World. You could be having lunch at Port Canaveral inside an hour of where you will be staying. |
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Posted: 2/20/2021 7:49:22 PM EDT
[#37]
I haven't been here, but have heard good things about this place. It is not too far from Orlando.
https://wildfloridairboats.com/?utm_source=redirects&utm_medium=wildfl.com&utm_campaign=301_Redirects |
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