[corvidae]

I am a student for the next three years at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

I am thinking that while I'm down here I will want to travel during the summers. What are the MUST DO things for us to do before we leave? Not interested in theme parks.

I am thinking maybe a trip this summer to the Keys, the Everglades and maybe Dry Tortugas NP this summer.

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by corvidae

I am thinking maybe a trip this summer to the Keys, the Everglades and maybe Dry Tortugas NP this summer.

Yes on all of those.

I also saw pictures of Rainbow River (I think that's the name) and it looks absolutely beautiful. It's in north or central FL, I think.

[FlyMIA]

All those. Also:
Make sure to go Snorkling in Biscayne National Park.
I would definetly want to check out Miami/Miami Beach when your 21.
Check out Saint Augistine
If your interest per you have Kennedy Space Center close by.

I know you said no to theme parks but they really can be fun no matter the age.

[jambo101]

Daytona Bike Week is fast approaching..
Kayaking down any of Floridas rivers.
Visit the Everglades and do an airboat tour.
A day at Websters Flea Market over by Brookesville.
Go out on a Tarpon Fishing boat.
Visit the Space Center.
Do an evening casino cruise
Basically too much to list
Use Google to find things that interest you "Florida Things To do"/events"

[pcbgirl99]

you must go canoeing/kayaking down a river. econfina or cypress springs in northern florida are pretty.
also go to wakulla springs. they have awesome glass bottom boats.

[Coconut1]

Let me add, when you look at the different FL state parks, call about their kayak/canoe rental rates.

The only one in SoFla that I know of that's state run (other parks lease out concession business) is Hugh Birch and although you can't go too far in the canoes (the river is overrun with lily pads) it's only $5 for an hour as opposed to the $15-$25 per hour many of the other parks charge. Makes a big difference in the budget!

[beachmouse]

Go see the manatees up close at Homosassa Springs. It's a day trip from Tampa.

[pcbgirl99]

you can kayak on the hillsborough for cheap with a USF ID. at least, you could when i went there.

[FL2MT]

Spend a hot summer day tubing / snorkeling / swimming in one of the freshwater springs that allow it.

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by beachmouse

Go see the manatees up close at Homosassa Springs. It's a day trip from Tampa.

If you do get up that way in the back of the parking lot for the Weeki Wachee mermaid exhibit is an outfit that rents Kayaks and canoes to float down the Weeki Wachee River, takes about 4 hours and costs $30 to rent the boat.weeki wachee river - Google Search