What to Do in Florida?

[CuppaKid]

OK so today i bought some plane tickets, im going to be in florida from Feb 18th-25th staying in the St Petersburg area
WHAT CAN I DO THERE?
i mean besides the theme parks and the beaches lol, Ive been many times before but this is the first time out og country for the person im going with


any ideas will be greatly appreciated. . .

[chestnut]

Shopping is great in Florida.

If you visit the new premier outlet, they have the Tag Hauer and Hugo Boss outlets there, great discounts.
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=17

I once bought stuff from the Nautica store for $5 for long sleeve shirts (The thick embossed stuff). Also they have the Disney outlet here where you can get stuff at discounts.


The Mall at Millenia is like an indoor 5th avenue, all the brands like LV, CD, are all here, but not really at a discount. (Must visit Cheesecake factory if you haven't before)
http://www.mallatmillenia.com/html/

Ofcourse there's always the race track, like Daytona.

You may want to go to The cirque de soleil in downtown disney.

Or take a trip to the everglades and see crocs.

www.flausa.com for more ideas.

[Carnage]

I know you said besides the theme parks, but if you want to have a quick thrill then I'd suggest the Kissimmee Sky Coaster.

Probably one of the scariest and thrilling things you can do, if you're in to that.

Basically they put you in hang glider suits, hoist you up 300 feet, and then you pull a rip cord, free fall 300 feet, and then swing back and forth.

If you live near the GTA and have been to CAnadas Wonderland it's the same thing as Extreme Skyflyer, but twice the height.

Link (http://www.orlandorocks.com/info.asp?location=kissimmee&type=Rides&attraction=skycoaster)

[meka15]

If you wanna see a neat little place I suggest Ponce Inlet, a small place that has a little store and you can see the water from theere and a restaurant with alligator burgers on the menu. You could also try a dolphin excursion cause they are great.

[MTL]

Kennedy Space Center is cool in that area. If you go further south, you can rent a boat a go fishing near the keys.

[callous]

If you get really bored, check out the town of Celebration, it's in or near Orlando unfortunately. It is the wave of the future where towns are small and close knitted. Lots of tiny homes that looks straight out of the 50's and 60's and its own self-contained town center with 50's looking shops and theatres.

Worth taking a look because it is catching on in a big, big way. It's owned by Disney btw.

[Lauzy]

Kennedy Space Center is cool in that area. If you go further south, you can rent a boat a go fishing near the keys.

The Kennedy Space Center is actually pretty boring unless you're interested in space and space related things...

Make sure you check out the imax movies and be sure to take the tour to see the launchpads

[d_jedi]

Kennedy Space Center is cool in that area. If you go further south, you can rent a boat a go fishing near the keys.

Too bad you can't see shuttle launches anymore :-<

[MTL]

The Kennedy Space Center is actually pretty boring unless you're interested in space and space related things...

Make sure you check out the imax movies and be sure to take the tour to see the launchpads

I suppose it could be to some. But, if you have any interest in space exploration, technology, or history... it's definitely worth visiting at least once. When I went, they were preparing the new live-in modules and Canadarm for the ISS, so it wasn't just historical junk. The place is pretty interactive. It was a cool change from the Disney kiddy parks.

I agree, seeing those ships on the launch pads, you really wish one of those billion dollar shuttles would take off (and possibly blow to smithereens) ;)

[ash101]

If you drive, you can go to Orlando (Disney, Universal Studios, Sea World). It's about 1hr and half to drive.

[bargain shopper]

Just curious, where are you staying in Florida (hotel?) and how much will it cost for one week?

[hallen]

I'm going to Florida in a few weeks with a group of 6, we found the best deal was to rent a house, we rented one for $1000 cdn for 8 days with private pool, and lots of extra ammenities. IT will also save on cost of meals as we will prepare at least one a day at the house. And lots more room then a hotel and you aren't preyed upon by those vendors at the hotels.

Found Delta Airlines to give the best price on a flight. And cheapest way to buy disney tickets was through the Disney Store, however if you want hopper passes you have to order 2-3 weeks in advance otherwise they have the basic passes available.

After visiting Florida before I think Disney, Seaworld, and Busch Gardens are the main stays, if you're paying to get into Disney go to MGM Studios and don't bother with Universal much of the stuff is very similar and kinda a competition between similar rides to make one better than the other....anyway just my 2 cents!

Anyone know of any good currency conversion places in Florida though?

[ash101]

Just curious, where are you staying in Florida (hotel?) and how much will it cost for one week?
Hotels in Florida are much cheap, actually. Like Days Inn, Best Western, Ramada Inn, price always under US $50/night for 4 ppl max. Sometimes, you can find some 2 stars hotel for US $30/night with free breakfast.

[MTL]

I'm going to Florida in a few weeks with a group of 6, we found the best deal was to rent a house, we rented one for $1000 cdn for 8 days with private pool, and lots of extra ammenities.

Anyone know of any good currency conversion places in Florida though?

Renting a villa with a large group of people is the best idea. It will be cheaper, more fun, and much nicer than any hotel you will find in that price.

Why don't you exchange your money before you go? You'll waste time looking for a place, and get a bad rate at the same time.

[GT108]

Anyone know of any good currency conversion places in Florida though?

Casinos are a pretty good place to get a good rate on money exchange.

[girlstar]

I second the Mall at Millenia. It's the most beautiful mall I've ever seen, architechually from the inside out. Amazing. It's not ALL highend they have Forever XXI, Hollister, Burdine's (Macy*s in FL), Crate and Barrel etc.

[mr.sub]

Island Of Adventures

[CuppaKid]

Just curious, where are you staying in Florida (hotel?) and how much will it cost for one week?
sorry it took me so long to reply i was in florida when you posted :|
it cost me nothing cause i stayed with my grandpa

[CuppaKid]

while i was there:
- i went on a dolphin cruise, it was fun but got cancelled halfway through because of the fog so i got a refund and still got to see some dolphins
-a paddle wheel boat dance and dinner, i had a coupon so the ride itself cost me 10 dollars and the dinner was like 10 dollars
-visited many of the state parks, theyre very nicely kept and you can see lots of wildlife (including gators up close and personal) for free
-visited Johns Pass, lots of shops and two beachs
- St. Petes Pier, very nice also had an aquarium which has a free day on tuesdays (i think) they also have the boat from Master and Commander there which you can tour (for a small fee)
-Clearwater Aquarium, was 10 dollars and i got to see sting ray shows, otter shows, dolphin shows as well as all the othe sea creatures they had there including sea turtles


I stayed in St. Petes area where they have an excellent (and cheap) bus/ trolley route. For three dollars you can ride all day from South Clearwater down to St. Petes beach

[eelfliw]

Every trip to Florida isn't complete without a visit to the local gun club/shooting range to fire off a few hundred rounds in different types of guns.

[weizel]

Try the "Wagon Wheel Flea Market" in Seminole, Florida which is not far from St Pete's. It's an outdoor Flea Market so it's a fun way to shop and enjoy the sunshine.

Here is a link for info :

http://www.allusfleamarkets.com/states/fl/WagonWhl/index.htm