[Ocuri]

First time poster here,
I am heading to Florida with two friends for the holiday period, December 23rd to January 7th. We are looking to get a break and get away from the Canadian winter and just relax. Things are loosely planned at this point but here are some facts:

- We will be spending time in and around Orlando, Tampa and Miami and anywhere in between.
- All three of us are 21 years of age.

Based on what I mentioned, can anybody bring forth any suggestions on activities for us to do. Any type of suggestions are welcomed here; big attractions, small local events, fun clubs/bars, daily activities, interesting sites, casinos and so on... you get the point, ANYTHING.

I had a look at the rules but still unsure if I should be asking for such information in this forum, so please don't be so harsh if I posted anything I shouldn't have.

Thanks for the replies,
Canadian student

[julz]

Lots to do in Orlando.The theme parks are great for all ages but I'd recommend Islands of Adventure or Epcot for the older "kids".Downtown Disney is great for nighttime entertainment.You can also find plenty to do on International Drive (Indoor Skydiving Adventure,Ripleys Museum,Outlet Stores,Miniature Golf,Haunted Houses,etc.,etc.)The water parks are incredible if you're up for a day in the sun.I'm not too familiar with Tampa, only Busch Gardens comes to mind.Again, a fun-filled day.Miami is great for shopping and the beach.Head to South Beach and you can't go wrong.Hollywood has the Hard Rock Casino with lots of bars,dining,shopping,gambling and again just a lot of activity.Maybe you can check out their website and catch a comedy or concert.Lots to do here in Fla.You won't be bored.

[Prichard]

Easy things to do would include City Walk at Universal (clubs, bars and restaurants), Downtown Disney Pleasure Island (dance clubs, etc.). Personally, I like Sea World.

Downtown Orlando has pleanty of local nightclubs, and venues with live local music. I wouldn't waste my time on International Drive. Daytona is one hour north east of Orlando, and has some fun nightclubs on the beach, but it is a "rougher" are than Orlando. If the weather is nice, the popular beaches near Orlando are Cocoa, New Smyrna and Daytona, all within 1 hour's drive - Cocoa being the closest if you are staying in the Disney area.

South Beach is the place to go in Miami. I'd just spend most of my Miami time doing whatever there is to do on South Beach. If you are really into authentic blues bands, you might want to go to a little local club called "Tobacco Road", if its still there - you'll have to get directions.

Tampa has Busch Gardens - good roller coaster rides, but if you go to Universal in Orlando, skip Busch Gardens. In fact, I'd probably bypass Tampa and go to Clearwater on the Gulf during the day, and then go back to Ybor City at night in Tampa.
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It all depends what y'all like to do. If you like "clubbing", then all three cities will have more than enough to drain you physically and financially. If you just want to lay on the beach all day, then spend one day in Orlando and head to South Beach - I wouldn't want to chance it being too cold to do the beaches in Central Florida. If you like camping, cannoeing, and nature, then there is more to do in Central and North Central Florida. If you want to rent Jet Skis, I'd suggest the Intercoastal in Cape Canaveral (Bananna River) off of the Beach Line. Might be a little cold for that without wetsuits.

Between Orlando, Tampa, Miami, the east coast beaches, and the west coast beaches, you shouldn't be able to get board in a lifetime.

[Ocuri]

This information is great thanks for the replies...

We have a place to stay right in between Tampa and Orlando so that's why we place on visiting both places...

Then we plan on moving on to the south and do Miami + the keys...

[flaggirl]

If you are heading to the Keys then go all the way! I mean go to Key West. It is worth the drive. Spend a couple of days there and do the Duval Crawl.
That is where you go down one side of the street and hit all the bars then do the same down the other side. Be sure you have a full belly for drinking. There is so much to do down there during the day and night. Be sure to go to Mallory Square at sunset to see the magic & cat shows. Take it from a girl in her 20's who was born and raised in South Florida, go to Key West.
After all, What happens in Key West, Stays in Key West!

[Ocuri]

Originally Posted by flaggirl

If you are heading to the Keys then go all the way! I mean go to Key West. It is worth the drive. Spend a couple of days there and do the Duval Crawl.
That is where you go down one side of the street and hit all the bars then do the same down the other side. Be sure you have a full belly for drinking. There is so much to do down there during the day and night. Be sure to go to Mallory Square at sunset to see the magic & cat shows. Take it from a girl in her 20's who was born and raised in South Florida, go to Key West.
After all, What happens in Key West, Stays in Key West!

AHA! That was very inviting and very enticing, thank you for the comment, makes that much more interested to go there!! And at the moment, it does look as if we'll be spending a few days there too !