I'm visiting Kissimmee in October and, having been there several times, would quite like to explore the area and take in a few beaches. Can anyone tell me approximately how long the journey would be from Kissimme to the Florida Keys and is it a realistic journey to make with a couple of kids in tow!
Or another thought would be to go to Sarasota.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
What might be described as the "Keys" is around 140 miles long so, obviously, the northern Keys are much nearer to Orlando than Key West although still a very long trip.
The Keys are great but I wouldn't recommend a trip from Orlando unless I was staying at least a couple of nights there (with or without kids in tow). Sarasota or any of the main Gulf Coast resorts are much more realistic for a short trip.
If travelling with children and only looking to take a day trip to the coast then I would also opt for somewhere like Sarasota or one of the other fabulous beaches on that coast.
We did the keys in november last year staying at Key Largo for a couple of nights. We went down on highway 27 took just over 5 hours,we came back along the turnpike from Miami, much easier drive and saved an hour.
We travelled down to Key West on our second day, this took nearly two hours but it was a lovely easy drive which we all enjoyed.
It is a long drive but very different and most enjoyable.
Eric
I think realistically its going to be too far to drive to the Keys. Perhaps next time we will schedule in a week out of our hols to explore the Keys.
My husband is pretty keen to have a look at the beaches on the East Coast - Tampa Bay maybe. Does anyone have any recommendations for good beaches, restaurants, shopping etc on the East Coast? Diane.
We have been to the keys but we did stay there for 6 nights and went to Key West and Ismalorada (middle area) the drive back was about 5 hours but a great trip but definitely not a day trip.
Jan&Steve
On the east coast near Kennedy Space Centre is Merritt Island which has been recommended to us by someone who goes there regularly. It is a national wildlife refuge and also has a very nice beach.
On the west coast (Tampa, gulf coast) we like Siesta Key and Venice Beach espcially Sharkey's which is a casual restaurant right on the beach, by the pier.
Oops indeed Clare, Tampa Bay IS on the west coast! I'm a bit geographically challenged and relying on info from hubby who is obviously just as bad as me!! [msnembarrased]
Anyway, thanks for the information to everyone who replied. We've got a few choices to make about where our excursions are to be to. I think that visiting the Keys is out for this trip as it will be too far. I really would like to see Anna Maria Island after reading the recommendations from forum members.
After spending the last couple of visits to Orlando spending some time at the Theme Parks we're looking for a bit of a change this time and trying to explore more of the area.
Diane.
We love Blue Springs State Park. The manatees overwinter here and we saw some last October when we were there.
Lyn
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