What to see and photograph in Florida

[tommykjensen]

I am planning on going to Florida (Orlando area) in april next year. I have already been there 3 times, last time was in 2000.

Besides the usual tourist things like Disney, Universal, Seaworld parks what can be recommended?

What have changed in the area since my last visit in 2000 ?

Suggestions for Tampa and Miami area would also be appreciated.

[Scottes]

Busch Gardens very close to Tampa. Not just an amusement park - you'll like the wildlife.
http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgardens/fla/default.aspx

The bridge in Tampa is gorgeous, Sun-something. If you're not into bridges, please take a pic anyway because I love bridges. :-)

[tommykjensen]

The bridge in Tampa is gorgeous, Sun-something. If you're not into bridges, please take a pic anyway because I love bridges. :-)

I will try to remember that, maybe You can remind me sometime march next year... :lol:

Busch Gardens, I have thought of that but never got around to it on the last visits.

[Qurlyjoe]

I recommend a visit to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (http://www.camacdonald.com/birding/Hotspots/MerritIsland.htm).

Here are a couple of shots (non-digital) from a visit there in 1996.

alligator (http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/pics96/allig.html)

egret (http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/pics96/bird2.html)

sunset (http://qurlyjoe.bu.edu/pics96/sunset.html)

[PacAce]

Tommy. if you want to see the oldest city in the US, spend a day or two in St. Augustine. It's off of I-95 between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville. Not only can you see some pretty old architecture and a fort but I hear they have a bird santuary nearby where you can get lots of pretty bird pictures.

Ponce de Leon purportedly found the fountain of youth in this city. :)

There are a lot of Bed-n-Breakfast places where you can stay the night but I think advanced reservation is required for most of them.

[clorich]

It's the Sunshine Skyway. (longest cable-stayed bridge in the world with center only cables, I think)

If you're going to Busch Gardens, let me know. I'll meet you there.

Good photography can be had at University of Tampa (Russian architecture), Ft. DeSoto park (old fort), Cypress Gardens or Bok Tower near Orlando if they're open (lots of hurricane damage), and of course along just about any beach. If you like cheesey 60's tourist architecture, check out Gulf Blvd. in St. Petersburg. I'm sure I can come up with more if I spend some time thinking.

[PacAce]

If you're stay in Florida will only be in the Orlando area, you might also want to check out Gatorland. It's not too big a place and you can pretty much cover the whole park in about 2 or so hours if you're in a hurry although a more leisurely pace would probably reward you with better pictures of alligators, egrets and other critters there.

http://www.gatorland.com/

[Tiger1]

:D Tommy,

I live right at Fort DeSoto Park which was just refered to and look at the skyway bridge "every day".

There are loads of great photo opportunities here on the water along with the Don CeSar Hotel and many other fine architectural subjects.

PM me if you get close and I'd be glad to show you around this area,
St. Petersburg/Tierra Verde. (Look at your map) :D :D :D

Gene

[JoeTampa]

I agree with Ft. Desoto, Busch Gardens (fork over the $35 for the Safari tour - nice place to take a 100-400L!), and the other places that have been mentioned. Sanibel Island is also fantastic. The only problem you'll have is that most of the awesome photo spots are on the coasts - not near the centrally-located Orlando.

[chris.bailey]

If you get down to Miami then Miami beach and the Art Deco buildings behind it are a must. An airboat ride in the Everglades is superb.

[chris.bailey]

If you get down to Miami then Miami beach and the Art Deco buildings behind it are a must. An airboat ride in the Everglades is superb.

[tommykjensen]

Thank You for the suggestions, if anyone have more keep them coming :D

[fslshooter]

Kennedy Space Center will provide photo opportunities you'll not find anywhere else in the world. If you want to get away from tourists and shoot Florida scenery/wildlife go to Canaveral National Seashore. Here's a map. (http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/national_parks/canaveral_park97.pdf)

[tommykjensen]

Thanks, speaking of maps. Does anybody know a good resource for local maps of Miami, Orlando and Tampa areas?

[Scottes]

Tommy,

You might want to start with a google for "florida tourism" and more specifically "orlando chamber of commerce" and similar.

You might be able to get maps from them, or from AAA - American Automobile Association.

There's always mapquest.com and map24.com

You might also look at getting a program like Microsoft Streets & Trips.

[pradeep1]

If you are going down towards Miami, consider South Beach. The scenery there in terms of architecture, women, and interesting people is great photography material.

[Jack W.]

When I took my first trip to Florida (Miami Beach) in the early 70's, I went to Parrot Jungle. Assuming it's still there, it's great.

[jimtfoto]

My vote also goes to South Beach ... great Art Deco buildings ... and Gianni Versace's place ... try to make it to the Gulf Coast ... some of the most spectacular sunsets we've ever seen were over the Gulf Of Mexico ...

cheers,
jim

[IanD]

Tommy,
Grab a flight up to Montreal and we will take you on a Gitzo Tour :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Persian-Rice]

Old Canadian people.............. plenty of those in Florida.

Hmm I think i need to go to bed now :)

[tommykjensen]

Tommy,
Grab a flight up to Montreal and we will take you on a Gitzo Tour :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Careful with Your promises, I just might hold You to it someday :lol:

[Scottes]

Tommy,
Grab a flight up to Montreal and we will take you on a Gitzo Tour :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Careful with Your promises, I just might hold You to it someday :lol:

Let me know. I'll be there.

[tommykjensen]

If any of You were going to Orlando which of the helicoptor rides would You choose from following list (don't look at the price tag :wink: )?

http://www.airfloridahelicopters.com/orlando.html

[JoeTampa]

If any of You were going to Orlando which of the helicoptor rides would You choose from following list (don't look at the price tag :wink: )?

http://www.airfloridahelicopters.com/orlando.html


I'll be honest, none of them sound very appealing. Why anyone would want an aerial tour of the theme parks is beyond me. I can't imagine anyone except someone paid to photographs the parks being interested in such a service. It's not like you can compare the parks this way!

The last tour would be the most interesting, but I have to wonder what you can really see at that height. Maybe it's just me? I'd prefer an airboat tour of the Everglades down in South Florida, or the safari tour in Busch Gardens in Tampa, where you can get some good wildlife shots with a long lens. Even photographing the dolphins at SeaWorld!

Florida, IMHO, is a "ground" State, as opposed to, say, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, etc... A helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon... Now that sounds good to me.


- Joe

[Scottes]

I have to agree with Joe.

[MazerRakhm]

When we went there in June on of the places we stopped at was the Brevard Zoo (http://www.brevardzoo.org/). It's by no means the biggest zoo, but it's nice allowing you to get rather close to some of the animals. My daughter was able to feed a giraffe! :-) http://KSmith.smugmug.com/photos/6059570-M.jpg

[BruceC]

I live in the city just east of orlando. If you want to see some flat marsh with gators and such between Orlando and Titusville(where I live) are some Air boat rides that take you all over the st johns river. Cocoa Beach take 528 east from orlando. How about the springs in orlando! Great picture taking stuff there. Too bad I didnt have a camera when we went last time. There is Blue springs, silver springs. They have camping and that kind of stuff. Lots of old rockets standing tall at KSC, at least last time I was out there many years ago. Oh yeah, Orlando speedworld if you like racing.

[mdmedicgod]

If you do goto tampa from orlando. There is interesting structure to photograph. Its along the west bound side of I-4. You have to look at the power lines. There is power line structure that is shaped into the mikey mouse shape made of steel. Kinda of cool looking.

If you make it to tampa, then drive down to sarasota. There are some good photo ops of amish community in florida. Same amish dress and values, but the horses are replaced with 3 wheel bikes and roller blades!!