Birthday Plan Help

[u/gatornugs2929]

I'm turning 40 in January. I've lived in Florida since 1998, and I have lived in Citrus County, Orlando and Gainesville. I've been to St. Augustine A LOT, Daytona, Tarpon Springs, St. Pete, Jacksonville, don't like Tampa. I went to Boynton Beach with my ex and that was cool but that's mostly residential. I went to Miami a few times but didnt get to see much nature and I'm not sure if there IS much to see, I also never go to go to Miami Beach so I'm not sure how that is either. My main interests are going on trails, seeing wildlife, and I love coffee snacks and cats.

I'm eyeing the Everglades, because I've never been there, but St Marks preserve in Tallahassee looks cool, too. I am trying to see nature and wildlife I can't see normally at home here in Gainesville. We thought about doing the everglades AND key west, but it's just so much driving.

I just wanted to see on here if anyone had suggestions for other locations to check out that I may have missed and could consider.

Thanks!!

[u/Eastern-Tip-9338]

eyy january is perfect time for everglades, the mosquitos are not so bad and you can actually see more wildlife when water is lower. did shark valley last year and the birds was everywhere. key west on same trip is too much driving for sure, maybe save that for another time. if you want something closer check out cedar key, its like 1 hour from gainesville and the trails there got tons of shorebirds and sometimes dolphins in the bay

[u/gatornugs2929 → u/Eastern-Tip-9338]

true true about cedar key. we just dont usually get to see a bunch of fish when we were snorkeling and islamorada looks cool- but we were like STILL three more hours from the everglades! ah. (we both work full time and are already chronically tired, lol)

[u/Midgetized829 → u/gatornugs2929]

Right now is the perfect time for St Mark's with the monarch butterfly migration coming through the area. In January, I would go farther South. Have you been to the canyon in Ocala?

[u/gatornugs2929 → u/Midgetized829]

Do you know the best trail to see the butterflies? I might do this tmrw. Ive been wanting to do the Florida trail loop with cathedral of palms. Would you recommend any other specific trails? Thanks! No ive been to Ocala a million times but actually didn’t hear there was a canyon

[u/Midgetized829 → u/gatornugs2929]

The only time I went to the monarch migration we drove all the way out to the location of the monarch festival and parked as close as we could (it was packed the day after) and walked the rest of the way.

In Ocala theres a man-made limestone quarry. I haven't been, but they have ziplining and all the pictures look amazing!

[u/Sandinmyshoes33 → u/gatornugs2929]

I live in The Keys and January is usually a windy month which ruins the visibility when snorkeling. If you want to visit The Keys for snorkeling come in the summer when the water is clear and warm. January through March are usually windy and rough for water activities.

[u/Pheonixrisn2k]

Going to flamingo Island inside everglades national park was really nice and serene the last time I was there. I heard afew storms may have taken it back some. It's like you're not even at the southern tip of the state.

[u/StilesmanleyCAP]

Everglades is always a fun time

[u/FinanceSufficient131]

Why don't you like Tampa? How about Clearwater area

[u/hopefulgalinfl → u/FinanceSufficient131]

I live in Tampa & don't like it...the traffic has become unmanageable & dangerous. Venice.....Myakka State Park...quite non commercial!!!

[u/FinanceSufficient131 → u/hopefulgalinfl]

Everywhere in Florida they drive like animals

[u/hopefulgalinfl → u/FinanceSufficient131]

Truth

[u/Appropriate_Foot_636]

The Upper key’s are amazing. I’d suggest camping at John Pennekamp state park and taking a trip on the glass bottom boats also tons of snorkeling and kayaking opportunities in the park. St. Marks is great as you suggested also all of the little gulf beach towns have similar preserves and or amazing springs . This year Im camping at Blue springs state park for my birthday in February. Enjoy whatever you decide. Happy birthday it’s a big one

[u/gatornugs2929 → u/Appropriate_Foot_636]

which blue springs? Gilchrist?

[u/Appropriate_Foot_636 → u/gatornugs2929]

Volusia county. Manatees will be thick at that time

[u/PinkyLeopard2922]

See if you can get on the ferry for a trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. This has been on my bucket list forever but anytime I am going to be that far south, it is already sold out for the days I am there. They also have very limited overnight camping permits but I'm sure those go even faster than the ferry reservations.

[u/PreservingThePast]

I imagine you have gone on all the trails at Paynes Prairie State Park. Have you gone to Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park?

[u/imhungry4321]

Consider spending a day or two in Everglades National Park, then driving down to Key West and hopping on the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park.

Make sure to book your ferry reservation in advance.

[u/Cafe_Con_Leche1324]

Cape San Blas? Gorgeous beaches.

[u/FelineSoLazy]

Assuming you’ve done all the springs and caves in your area….Torreya up by Tally? Crescent city for manatees? Marineland for wildlife. Siesta key or destin (idk post isaas) I’m in the Flagler area and it’s got soooo many trails and princess place preserve a lot of wildlife. And the whole east coast is drivable from here. Many day road trip options.

[u/Appropriate-Fail1268]

The Keys or Naples are great in January