Exploring Florida on vacation..

[Mecca]

I've been down here since Monday morning and so far I've been in Ft Lauderdale, Miami, all the Keys but mainly Key West, did an everglades tour and now I'm in Sarasota just outside of Siesta Key.

First time down here, any other suggestions?

[Darien25]

Circles Waterfront Restaurant in Apollo Beach is an excellent choice for seafood as well as having a nice, outdoor experience. We ate there a few days ago and also went down to the beach afterwards and didn't notice any red tide issues.

[mililo4cpa]

Originally Posted by Hoopsdoc

We’re leaving Sunday morning for 3 days at universal and then 3 days at fort Walton beach. Is the red tide near either of those 2 places?

Also, any tips on good restaurants there would be appreciated.

Fresco's is right around the corner from Universal off Turkey Lake Rd....small family owned Italian place, doesn't look like much, but the food is fantastic and priced very reasonable.....make reservations or you won't be able to get in....good for entire family

Touristy: Go down I-drive (International) for all sorts of chain stuff, and there is a Melting Pot on Sand Lake.....wouldn't recommend any of it personally, but if you have family in tow, it may be ideal.

If you're looking for high end, there's a ton of places up and down Sand Lake (about 5 mins from Universal).....Eddie V's, Ocean Prime, Christinie's, personal favorite is "H".....ran by a couple of Turks, and they run a really tight ship....it is costly, but the presentation and food is amazing.....they do a table side service, which is a lot of fun.....again, very costly. But all of this is 5-10 mins from Universal.

[mililo4cpa]

Originally Posted by Spott

Delmonico’s has great Italian food and it’s not too far from Universal. The owners are from upstate NY and it’s probably my favorite restaurant in Orlando. Seito Sushi is very good too. Toothsome’s Chocolate factory at Universal is pretty cool, but the last time I went there about a year ago the menu was cut back because of covid. I assume it’s back to normal now. No red tide in either of those areas and the beaches in Fort Walton are super nice.

I would concur with all of this as well!

[Darien25]

Originally Posted by burt

I'm a fan of Siesta Key.

We prefer Siesta Key as well. Clearwater Beach is crowded all the time and parking/traffic can be a nightmare there.

[Deberg_1990]

Originally Posted by Spott

The touristy stuff is cool. Toothsome’s is definitely a fun place and if you are taking kids they will love it. You’ll probably need a reservation at any of those places I mentioned so definitely call ahead. Toothsome’s normal menu is like a book so if they are back to normal, then you should have plenty to choose from.

If you were going to Disney, Epcot has a couple of really good restaurants too. I used to work in Pensacola and am very familiar with the beaches up there, but don’t know much about the restaurants in Ft Walton area.

Was just at Universal 3 weeks ago. Yes, definitely make a reservation at any city walk restaurant. It will make your life better.

Oh and Velocicoaster is amazing.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by doomy3

At Disney now, and heading to Madeira Beach (St Pete/Clearwater area) on Monday. Any info about the red tide there? What are the chances it may move out by then?

No chance. But, it may be a lot less of an offensive smell on the western side of the peninsula. I'm guessing you'll notice it but wont ruin your beach day.

During red tides the rip currents are a lot worse, but still rare. Just remind your kids on how to behave if they get caught in one.

Went out to my dock this am and still tons of dead fish all around my dock but I'm on the eastern bay side.

[Rams Fan]

Originally Posted by Mecca

Daiquiri deck is down the street from where I'm staying so I've already been there.

Daiquiri Deck is fantastic. Went there in March.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Darien25

We prefer Siesta Key as well. Clearwater Beach is crowded all the time and parking/traffic can be a nightmare there.

Clearwater is a way way over rated beach. I've only been once in 11 years. No parking, You have to walk a 1/2 mile out to get in water above your waist.

Siesta Key has the quartz sand. Doesn't get hot and feels like walking on baby powder. Best beach in the USA and in some lists the world.

Ft. Desoto is a national park. It has the best beaches in the TB area. Plenty of parking. $5 a car load. Camping. 2 major beaches. Dog beach. You want to go where the locals go...... this is the place. Don't tell em I sent ya.

[Spott]

Originally Posted by mililo4cpa

Fresco's is right around the corner from Universal off Turkey Lake Rd....small family owned Italian place, doesn't look like much, but the food is fantastic and priced very reasonable.....make reservations or you won't be able to get in....good for entire family

Touristy: Go down I-drive (International) for all sorts of chain stuff, and there is a Melting Pot on Sand Lake.....wouldn't recommend any of it personally, but if you have family in tow, it may be ideal.

If you're looking for high end, there's a ton of places up and down Sand Lake (about 5 mins from Universal).....Eddie V's, Ocean Prime, Christinie's, personal favorite is "H".....ran by a couple of Turks, and they run a really tight ship....it is costly, but the presentation and food is amazing.....they do a table side service, which is a lot of fun.....again, very costly. But all of this is 5-10 mins from Universal.

I haven’t been to the H, but I’ve been to the other Turkish place in that shopping center before and it was pretty good. If it weren’t too far away, I’d recommend the places downtown that are within walking distance from Lake Eola.

[Mosbonian]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

Ive not heard of any “Red Tide” smell in the Orlando area. You should be good to go. Going to Disney World myself in about 10 days. Florida resident rates are $54. That’s too good to pass up.

I am a big Disney fan but there is no way I would go in June, July or August. Between the sweltering heat and the crowds I will pass no matter what the price.

You are a braver man than I.

[Mosbonian]

I have lived here in. Florida about 5 years now....and I have to say it's been a great place to live. My goal from now until the time I am "toes up" is to explore all the little things that I overlooked in all my travel thus far.

Most of what my wife and I have done is northeast Florida/SE Georgia, stopping at places most people overlook when planning a trip....a diner few know about...unique and eclectic shopping venues...pristine beaches where commercially driven construction hasn't invaded.

I find myself just as interested in the out of the way lake....or restaurant....or trinket/second hand shop as I do the normally advertised places.

Don't get me wrong....I do Disney and Kennedy Space Center....Daytona Beach and St Augustine...but nothing is better than heading out with a general purpose in mind and accidentally discovering something totally different.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

I am a big Disney fan but there is no way I would go in June, July or August. Between the sweltering heat and the crowds I will pass no matter what the price.

You are a braver man than I.

I'm use to it now. I'll regularly go out in the middle of the day/heat and walk 4-5 miles. If I can survive that Jacksonville game heat in 2019, I can survive any heat.

[mililo4cpa]

Originally Posted by Spott

I haven’t been to the H, but I’ve been to the other Turkish place in that shopping center before and it was pretty good. If it weren’t too far away, I’d recommend the places downtown that are within walking distance from Lake Eola.

gotta put H on the list, but be prepared to drop some dime on it

[SuperBowl4]

wear sunscreen

[Mosbonian]

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

I'm use to it now. I'll regularly go out in the middle of the day/heat and walk 4-5 miles. If I can survive that Jacksonville game heat in 2019, I can survive any heat.

That was a test of loyalty....it was telling that by the middle of the 2nd quarter that stadium was mostly red.

I am used to the heat here...it's the crowds and all that hot cement that exacerbates the heat. Plus as I have gotten older my tolerance and patience for waiting has waned.