[icrnk]

I'm flying one way to Orlando with my daughter (under 10 years old) (Father/daughter bonding vacation). We'll spend about 2 days at Universal studios (maybe 2.5 days) and then plan to drive back to Houston (over 5 days). I was wondering how far down Florida from Orlando we should drive before we start our drive back to Houston. Was thinking St. Petersburg since we'll probably stop at Seaside, South Walton County and Destin are, Pensacola and Perdido Key along the way. There is also Gulf Shores and Orange Beach but I figure we'll spend more time in Florida since we're starting in Orlando and could do those some other time. Not sure if Sanibel is worth checking out or too much backtracking. May spend one night in New Orleans or somewhere in Louisiana to split the drive back from Florida to Houston. I'm pretty bad at planning so I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by icrnk

I'm flying one way to Orlando with my daughter (under 10 years old) (Father/daughter bonding vacation). We'll spend about 2 days at Universal studios (maybe 2.5 days) and then plan to drive back to Houston (over 5 days). I was wondering how far down Florida from Orlando we should drive before we start our drive back to Houston. Was thinking St. Petersburg since we'll probably stop at Seaside, South Walton County and Destin are, Pensacola and Perdido Key along the way. There is also Gulf Shores and Orange Beach but I figure we'll spend more time in Florida since we're starting in Orlando and could do those some other time. Not sure if Sanibel is worth checking out or too much backtracking. May spend one night in New Orleans or somewhere in Louisiana to split the drive back from Florida to Houston. I'm pretty bad at planning so I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks

I think Sanibel is worth the drive, especially if you go farther onto Captiva, which is much less busy but just as, if not more, picturesque than Sanibel itself. There's a really neat Dolphin and sunset watch boat you can take that cruises through the Pine Island Sound. Highly recommended. If you take the 17 and then the 31 to I-75 it's roughly a 3 hour drive from Orlando. Should shave off some time as opposed to taking I-4 to 75, as I-4 can get pretty hellish when nearing Tampa, as can I75 in the Brandon area.

[kyle19125]

If you don't want the nearly four and a half hour backtrack to Sanibel-Captiva, you could check out Anna Maria Island which has a similar vibe and is just two and a hours away. That allows you to check out St Petersburg's attractions including the Pirate Ship Adventure and if inclined the nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium which is home of Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tail made famous in the movie Dolphin Tale.

https://captainmemo.com/
https://seewinter.com/#
The Island*-*Amisland | Anna Maria Island

[icrnk]

Originally Posted by Arcenal352

I think Sanibel is worth the drive, especially if you go farther onto Captiva, which is much less busy but just as, if not more, picturesque than Sanibel itself. There's a really neat Dolphin and sunset watch boat you can take that cruises through the Pine Island Sound. Highly recommended. If you take the 17 and then the 31 to I-75 it's roughly a 3 hour drive from Orlando. Should shave off some time as opposed to taking I-4 to 75, as I-4 can get pretty hellish when nearing Tampa, as can I75 in the Brandon area.

Thanks for the reply. Would 2 days be a good stay to check out Sanibel and Captiva. The Dolphin boat tour seems to be rated highly and also educational (always nice to give my daughter some fun ways to learn).

[wizrap]

I think 2 days would be just fine. Put Ding Darling Park on your list in Sanibel. One of the crocs (much larger & meaner looking than a gator, if you can imagine) showed up at our last visit. Impressive to see, but glad the rangers were on hand to make sure no one got too close.

[wizrap]

And go shelling!!! The beaches are gorgeous!!! And split one of the great dessert cakes with your daughter at The Bubble Room!!!

[TD*]

Definitely make a stop in Tallahassee on your way back. FSU campus is beautiful for your daughter, and Tallahassee has a lot to offer.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by icrnk

Thanks for the reply.

You're welcome!

[icrnk]

Thank you all for your replies. Should be a fun week.

[Arcenal813]

Originally Posted by Let it snow

Sanibel is overrated. Anna Maria island Or clearwater(north of St Pete) for beautiful beach. it's a waste time to drive Down to Sanibel. Take i-4 West and Drive to Tampa Bay

If you have time it i would suggest Crystal River which is like an hour north of Tampa. SR 19 is the fastest way i think from clearwater to cristal river. After that i would Drive East and Take i-75, the I10 in Lake city.

I would check some of the beaches in the pandandle Either Destin or Navarrete. If you have time it i would suggest Crystal River which is like an hour north of Clearwatwer

I respectfully disagree. Sanibel itself is nice, but Captiva Island is BEAUTIFUL.

While I do enjoy Clearwater and nearby areas, it is way too crowded at any given time. Sanibel and Captiva just feel like a different world to me. It reminds me more of a lush tropical island than anything.