Non-Disney Florida Vacation: Where Would You Go?

First Choice would be the St. Petersburg /Tampa area. I have family there, there is so much to do, and if you can get your hands on a boat you can go to come great snorkeling places. We travel to St. Pete typically about once every year. My second choice would be Key West. My parents went there for a few days for their anniversary (18th)this year and they loved it. But St. Pete area is easily my number one. If anyone ever wants tips on beaches or what not then I'm your guy. I've been there about 10 times for about a week each and have done so much and had so much fun. Florida is a such a unique and fun place!

When I was a kid we went to St. Augustine and I'd love to go again. Then there is Sanibel Island where we spent 2 weeks, so many shells you wont believe. But I'd love to go the Keys and see Earnest Hemingway's home.

I would love to go to Key West! I have spent time at other places in Orlando and some time in Daytona, Tampa and Clearwater. I still love Disney property the best though!

Daytona Beach, especially during Feb. speed week, but anytime would be great. to drive right down the beach. Too commercialized I know, but still fun.

We like going to Treasure Island and North Reddington Beach area. The beach is quite and clean and there are several fun shops and tours in Treasure Island.

I thought Florida was Disney!

This will be our 4th trip in 4 years. This will be the first time we leave property and we are going to Universal, IOA and seaworld. I have always wanted to do those. What we are missing and I would like to still do is Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, and Key West.

I would love to go back to bush gardens, have not been there since i was a kid

If I go to Florida, I'm going to Disney World. It would just about kill me knowing I was THAT CLOSE and not enjoying the most wonderful, magical, awesomest place on Earth.

While my last two trips to Florida have been Disney only, my first two included non-Disney destinations. My first trip, when I was in 2nd grade, inlcuded Sea World, Busch Gardens, Cyrus Gardens and Kennedy Space Center. My second trip, when I was in 8th grade, included the beach. I can't remember which one.

I would love to visit the Keys.

I am going to Pensacola for Thanksgiving to visit my brother and his family. Pensacola beach is one of the prettiest beaches on the Florida panhandle.

Nice choice. Been here once and loved it.

Staying on International Drive and visiting all the non-Disney parks counts as a non-Disney trip, right? Even if I accidentily spent an afternoon shopping in DTD? I find it hard to go to FL and NOT do something a little bit Disney!

Thats what I always thought... but according to this thread... there are other things to do! Wow.......

Any of the great beaches. Loved the Keys, have heard great things about Daytona Beach and Pensacola.

I do have to admit though... if I was going somewhere in Florida other than Disney. It would be The Keys. Just seems like a great place to relax and have some fun.

I would go up to the American Legion in Vero Beach and drink some beers with some old Navy buddys.
Joe

PS Hey! That's what I'll do today.

Sanibel Island gets my vote. Beautiful beaches, awesome restaurants and lots of wildlife.

My in-laws are Legion members and my spouse is a SAL member. We love stopping by the local Legion on any trip and meeting the people there.

Well I've been to Miami and Clearwater and loved them both, next time I would like to spend some time in the keys

I went to Sarasota to visit my friend....gorgeous city! Lots of fun on the beach and great shopping in St. Armond's circle!

We LOVED Wizarding World of HP at Universal as well!

I love Disney, but I really love the "natural" sides of Florida as well. I love all the natural springs--I've gone to Crystal and Blue springs and some of the state/national parks and really enjoyed them, and would love to visit the Keys or islands as well. Florida is just such a beautiful place!

However, I did go on a mission trip to the Orlando area a few years ago--we were on I-drive almost the whole time and never went to Disney I have to say, it was a major bummer being so close and never going (even though obviously the service was the focus of the trip! At least take a free day!).

I am from Pensacola, FL and spent most of my life there so I was always in Florida. I would like to visit the Keys if I didn't go to Disney, but that will never happen!

Alumni in Hawaii

Vero Beach resort!! I've never been there and it's not WDW (just Disney owned!). Also, Port Canaveral isn't WDW either - Disney Cruise here I come

Another vote for Key West. We have only been a few times but loved it. We also like Vero Beach.

I am not real familiar with the E coast, but I can tell you our beaches over here on the W coast are great, starting with Clearwater where you can meet Winter the dolphin. We love Anna Maria Island, then down to Sarasota, Siesta Key is great and so is St. Armands Circle on LongBoat Key. This summer we are planning a mini trip to the Everglades as we have never been there. There is just a ton of non-Disney things to see in the Sunshine State!