What are some nice places to visit in Florida?

My family decided on a whim that we should go to Florida in the next week. I'm 15. We were going to go to Disney in Orlando, but the tickets are all booked up for the amount of people we need on the flight home. So that's pretty much out. Are there any other fun places/cities in Florida you would recommend in case Orlando doesn't work out? And what there is to do there? I was wondering if maybe Miami was a better option... Does anyone know what it's like and what there is to do there?

Public Comments

1. If you like finding cool shells, go to Sanibel Island. It's in the top 3 best shell areas and it's very pretty. Also Key West is gorgeous. Snorkeling is a must there! Miami is great as well. Wherever you decide to go, have fun!
2. You can tour Cape Canaveral and the rocket launching areas, and the buildings. They take you out to the launch pad in a bus, and there is a lot to see there. In Daytona, there are lots of things to see. North of Tampa is Tarpon Springs and many nice beaches there. Also the Sponge divers have a nice place to learn about how they harvest the sponges! Orlando has a lot of things to see and do. Disney world is at Kissiminee, near Orlando. As for Miami--well--its full of foreigners, and lots of crime, and is awfully hot in summer!
3. It seems that majority of family-friendly attractions are located in Orlando area - Disney, Universal, Sea World etc. If plane ticket home is the only issue, you could drive to nearby city and fly home. Daytona Beach, Tampa, Sarasota, West Palm Beach airports are within driving distance. Otherwise, you could fly into Jacksonville and visit St.Augustine area and take a trolley tour to Colonial Spanish Quarter, Flagler College, Lightner Museum, oldest house/school/historic jail house, Castillo de San Marcos...etc. There are also Ripley's Believe it or not, Alligator Farm, and St.Augustin Lighthouse and museum in the area. You can also do a day trip to Kennedy Space Center and learn about space shuttles and astronaut. Miami is fun but you might want to wait til you are 21 so you can fully (and legally) enjoy their fabulous nightlife and parties. Have fun!!