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This message has been edited. Last edited by: bigeinkcmo,

Sanibel/Captiva. But we're rapidly approaching the high season and traffic can be... frustrating for such little islands.

There is plenty to do, however.

ETA: Missed the bit about already being booked into Tampa. Not sure you want the 2.5 hour drive to Sanibel. It's much easier to fly into Ft. Myers if that's where you're headed.

-Rob

that is north of us by a bit- so what we found was a TV show and website of things to do in FL, called How to do Florida He seems to focus on the Tampa/Bradenton areas and we did the Daiken Dairy with our kids and loved it. He doesn't over-hype, just gives good recommendations. Check out what he has to say.

I believe Estero River Outfitters rents kayaks and paddleboards. They are south of Ft Myers.
You can rent canoes at Myakka River State Park and see a lot of big alligators. There is a short hiking trail with a 25 foot high rope bridge and a 75 foot high tower.
There is a kayak trail and rentals at Ft. Desoto plus two fishing piers and nice beaches.
The Tampa Bay Port Authority has a free boat tour of the port that leaves at 9am on Wednesday and Thursday from the Aquarium.
Rent mountain bikes and go mountain biking at Alafia River State Park. No, really. Mountain biking in Florida.
Caspersen Beach or Nikomis Beach for sharks teeth.
Dakin Dairy has a neat tour.
The Mound House on Ft Myers Beach is interesting.
Edison and Ford Estates in Ft Myers.

Siesta key is fun place. Plenty of good eats within walking distance at Siesta village.

Anna Maria Island and Clearwater Beach might be worth a visit.

Don’t forget Sarasota and St Armand. Lido Beach is there. One of the finest beaches in the world.

I'll second the suggestion of Sanibel Island. What a beautiful piece of Florida.

Weeki watchee mermaid show was cool as a youngster....

google it

https://www.florida-backroads-...-grande-florida.html

Lowery Park Zoo used to be a dump. Over the years it has been refurbished and is a really, really nice zoo. The one handed (pawed) shit throwing gorilla is long gone though, sorry.

There is also Busch Gardens for the touristy/theme park part of the vacation. I wouldn't stray to far away from Busch Gardens though. It has shady areas only a few blocks away.

Not too far from Busch Gardens is the Museum of Scince and Industry, MOSI, it has a lot of hands on things for the kiddos and the parents enjoy it too.

You can schedule a lunch with Jehzsa to sample some Peruvian Fruit Bat.

Weeki Wachee Gardens or maybe Crystal River for a relaxing Old Florida vacation. You could kayak, hire a guide for inshore fishing, go the the mermaid show, drink and eat, rent a pontoon boat and the list goes on. Just a short drive north from Tampa.

If you want more amenities then maybe Clearwater Beach. Some very good restaurants and bars over there. An awesome cigar bar if you smoke. Dolphin tours, parasailing, fishing, sunset tours are all available.

Sanibel Ft Myers are hugely congested year round. I left Sanibel after 35 years because of it and in any contact with those still there the topic always comes up in a negative way. From 2005-2007.5 100,000 people moved to Lee County
Check for red tide before you go, unlikely in cooler weather.

quote:

Originally posted by FLhiker:
Anna Maria Island and Clearwater Beach might be worth a visit.

Love Anna Maria, my kids rent a waterfront condo every year and enjoy it.

How did Sanibel come through Irma? I remember being worried about that part of FL and having been there once, I didn't recall Sanibel having much high ground.

Irma made landfall to the South and stayed East of the island.

Airboat ride is always cool. East of Orlando is good. Everglades and Collier county probably good. Not sure of anything near Tampa. Alligators and wild, natural Florida. Something the girls SHOULD see in their lifetime.

Florida springs are really cool swimming holes to check out. Rock Springs and Blue Springs near Orlando are excellent. Several north near Ocala are nice too. Buy a pool noodle at Wal-Mart for everyone, or you will get tired, even strong swimmers.

Kennedy Space Center visitors center a good trip for all, East of Orlando.

Venice is a dump. Boca Grande is a jewel. I'd definitely take the girls to Boca Grande beach for a day. Beautiful, wonderful place. Siesta Beach has the nicest sand beach in the world, nice place, but crowded.

Can you fly in to Sarasota??
It is right their for Siesta Key and Lido. He have had a place in Sarasota since I was a kid so have done about everything in the area and my favorite is still Myakka River State Park a little bit inland but it is a cool place and the air boat tours are a lot of fun.
Lots of gators! I have not become brave enough to kyak or paddle board it yet but many do.

Breakfast you must eat at the Blue Dolphin Cafe in St. Armand’s Circle

Naples would be my #1 go to spot for a number of reasons. Beautiful water, restaurants, shopping, beaches, area.

Sanibel and Captiva are very nice also but less to do. Clearwater is nice also. Ft. Myers beach is nice IF you like things more rustic I guess.

WHATEVER you do, stay clear of MAD beach (Madeira Beach), it's full of crack heads.

Anna Maria Island is like Florida 40 years ago, other than the traffic. No high rises or chain restaurants. Egmont Key is a great day trip for snorkeling and hiking.