Where to visit Florida gulf coast?
Dec 15, 2012 10:52:42 #
I will be visiting mom over Christmas and have free time from wed (26) - sun (30). Mom is in Melbourne and I'm thinking of heading over to the west coast. I've seen lots of photos from you guys, and was looking for ideas. I'll have rental car but will need motels too. Thoughts?
Dec 15, 2012 12:59:45 #
Dec 15, 2012 13:04:43 #
Dec 15, 2012 13:33:20 #
The Everglades id a good place for photography. And the beaches from Naples to Clearwater are beautiful. Tarpon Springs is good for a day trip.
Dec 15, 2012 22:20:09 #
corkscrew swamp, inland from Naples, one of the best sites in Florida, best time to be there Decemeber through end of may. Saw my first bobcat there and got photos of it. PM me if you decide it's on your list, will give you some hints also Ft. Desoto in St. Pete, I can give you the skinny on that site too, it's up there high on my list of places to go and is good if you have people with you not into photgraphy, they can lay on the beach or get goodies at the snack shop. Merit Island is another good place, that might be a good day trip for you, save the expense of a motel. If any peak you interest send me a message, wherever you go I hope the weather is nice and you have a fun vacation.
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Dec 16, 2012 07:18:07 #
DDR
Loc: Virginia Beach, VA
Head for Fort Myers then Sanabel Island. Continue on to Captiva Island, have dinner at the Mucky Duck then prepare to take pictures of the most beautiful sunsets on earth!
Dec 16, 2012 07:18:09 #
cosmo54 wrote:
I will be visiting mom over Christmas and have free time from wed (26) - sun (30). Mom is in Melbourne and I'm thinking of heading over to the west coast. I've seen lots of photos from you guys, and was looking for ideas. I'll have rental car but will need motels too. Thoughts?
You have received excellent suggestions on places to visit in the West Coast. I suggest also if you have the time to visit Panama City with beautiful beaches and Destin. You will have great photo opportunities at these places. Enjoy beutiful Florida!!!
Dec 16, 2012 07:29:19 #
I live in Sarasota, and you can go to this website as it may have the information that you want (South and West guides). As far as motels, plan your trip, and decide how much driving per day. Using a map, you can determine where you may end up for the night, and plan accordingly. Us AAA as well if you are a member. I hope this helps, PM me if you want more specifics. http://floridabirdingtrail.com/index.php/trip/trail_guides/
cosmo54 wrote:
I will be visiting mom over Christmas and have free time from wed (26) - sun (30). Mom is in Melbourne and I'm thinking of heading over to the west coast. I've seen lots of photos from you guys, and was looking for ideas. I'll have rental car but will need motels too. Thoughts?
Dec 16, 2012 08:44:15 #
Also look at the Merritt Island Refuge which is just north of where you may be staying. Gary
Dec 16, 2012 08:53:23 #
I also have lived in the Sarasota area and highly recommend it. Myakka State Park, just to the east of Sarasota is on the river...lots of wildlife and natural landscape. Stump Pass State Park in Englewood, south of Sarasota (you'll need a GPS) is wonderful too. But the sunsets on the gulf coast are spectacular. Wherever you decide, make sure you are on the beach at sunset. you will be blown away, guarenteed!
Dec 16, 2012 09:17:11 #
Thanks so much everyone! I have been to Merritt Island many times, so I thought I'd give the west coast a try.
Dec 16, 2012 09:33:50 #
cosmo54 wrote:
I will be visiting mom over Christmas and have free time from wed (26) - sun (30). Mom is in Melbourne and I'm thinking of heading over to the west coast. I've seen lots of photos from you guys, and was looking for ideas. I'll have rental car but will need motels too. Thoughts?
Just south of Naples gets really nice too... From Sebastian inlet south the Ocean is very nice.. In Jupiter you have the Blowing Rocks Preserve... if you are going to go to the West Coast, like the others said, Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, and the Naples area are all very nice, and then there is the panhandle, with St. George's Island and then the beaches further west..
Dec 16, 2012 09:43:06 #
From Melborne you can take rt 60 through yehaw junction and go through some central FL wilderness. It will lead you to Tampa where I'd recommend visiting Ybor City(lots of photo ops there). Continuing west on 60 will end you up on clearwater beach where you should have dinner at Frenchi's cafe(on the beach)and photograph a sunset. If you have the time, take old rt 19 north to Tarpon springs and visit the sponge docks(fabulous Greek food). You will need several days to do all this. There are many motels but one would have to know your budget restraints to make recommendations.
Dec 16, 2012 10:14:01 #
kathylee
Loc: Cleveland, Ohio and Clearwater, Florida
The photo ops are endless here on the west coast. Wherever you go you will find something to photograph. I will be leaving for Daytona for the week or you would be welcome to spend a night or so with us in Clearwater.
Dec 16, 2012 10:14:27 #
kathylee
Loc: Cleveland, Ohio and Clearwater, Florida
The photo ops are endless here on the west coast. Wherever you go you will find something to photograph. I will be leaving for Daytona for the week or you would be welcome to spend a night or so with us in Clearwater.
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