Florida - What not to miss?

[Kayaker72]

Hey everyone,

28th - We plan to visit the Everglades areas (from Homestead), take an air-boat tour. Not sure exactly what there is to see. Suggestions very welcome.

29th-2nd - Orlando area. Plan to go see Canaveral. Wife/Daughter will go to Universal (for Harry Potter) one of the days, leaving me and my dad to a photography day. This site lists 7 photography hotspots... which would you suggest (or what alternative) for early March, that doesn't involve a hike? Anything else a must see in Orlando area?

3rd-4th - Tampa/Clearwater. Hoping to do a dolphin boat at Clearwater, and spend some time on the beach. Any other suggestions for this area?

Of that list sites around Orlando, I've done 3-4. Merritt Island is a drive. The hikes are optional. I would try to get there early in the morning or late at afternoon for best light, but plenty of a wide variety of birds. Mike (Busted Knuckles) knows it better than I do, but that would be the obvious option if you do not want to hike. Circle B Bar Reserve (I actually found from the comments section) is great, but it is a hike. Joe Overstreet road is also a drive and I really enjoyed it the time I did do the drive. But Merritt Island is another league. I've also heard good things about Orlando Wetlands, but it opens in mid-Feb so I've missed it. There are birds in and around Disney, and I got 1-2 shots I like there, but unless someone knows someplace more specific to go, I would consider others better "destinations."

In terms of entertainment for tourists, "Disney Springs" (formerly "Downtown Disney") is worth a walk through. As you might expect, the entertainment factor is high with the food being pretty good as well.

My only other comment might be too late to incorporate, but Sanibel Island is one of my favorite places. Great combination of wildlife (Ding Darling preserve), beaches, shells, and restaurants. Also, you can get a boat ride to Cabbage Key, which is rumored to be the inspiration of "hamburgers in paradise."