Coming to Florida and looking for advice

:headscratHey all. I am coming to Florida April 6th with my wife and kids for one week and looking for some info. We are staying outside Jupiter and doing the Disney/Universal thing but have a number of "down days" so was hoping to get some thoughts on what to do. Is there a beach area that is a must, other must see for kids (10-15yrs), shopping areas for wife, and (most importantly) any bike shops that would be recommended for clothes and parts. Also, since nothing but snow and cold here, any areas can check out bikes (ie. hangouts). Thanks alot to everyone who can help this frigid Canuck.:thumbup:

Well if I remember right, Jupiter is down near West Palm Beach? I live in Deltona, bout 30-40 minutes from Disney/Universal right between Orlando and Daytona..so Im not too familiar with what's down there. West Palm does have nice beaches, but the best are on the west coast of Florida on the Gulf. Daytona Beach isnt too bad as long as you dont go there during events (Bike Week, Nascar, Spring Break). The beach there is pretty nice. The best bike shop around here I guess would be Seminole Powersports in Sanford. They always have the gear and parts I need in stock, pretty big store too. There are other shops/dealers around, but I go there. http://www.seminolepowersports.com/ As for shopping...there are numerous outlet stores near the disney/universal area right off of Interstate 4, and also the Millenia Mall. (Super fancy/expensive). Gotta remember your going to one of the biggest tourist places in the world. Always something to do. I dont know of any huge bike nights or hangouts, but the Barn in Sanford has a pretty good bike night wednesdays. http://www.thebarninsanford.com/index.html I dont have any kids the age of yours, but my two year old loves sea world. Youll probably end up finding more to do here than you think. Also if your up for a drive, u should check out St. Augustine. Its a pretty cool place...also has a Ripleys Belive it or not museum. Dont know if any of this will help you, but figured Id throw my .02 in. Good luck and post up what u ended up doing when u get home.

Thanks pezcore i really appreciate your taking the time to give the details. Will definetely look into the Sanford area. Great to have chance like this forum to connect.

If you make it up to St Augustine, several things the kids will like - see the Fort downtown on the waterfront, which is actually right next to the Ripley's museum. The Alligator Farm is cool. For the whole family, don't miss Salt Water Cowboys or Gypsy Cab resturants - some of the best food you will ever get at decent prices. If you're boat savvy, hit Devil's Elbow and rent a skiff for half a day, the Intercoastal waterway is fantastic right now, lots of dolphins and beauty to see. The beaches in St Aug are some of the nicest around. Hope these help.

If you have a full day of downtown, Sarasota has the number 2 rated beach in Florida, and a few years ago it ranked in the Top 10 in the world. Siesta Key beach in Sarasota, FL is a tourist destination of crazy proportions. They also have Suzuki of Sarasota (great shop) with a dyno. PM me if you want more info/directions. It's about 2 hours give or take from Orlando.

have fun man disney is a blast!!

old-town in kissimmee / orlando for cars or bikes-----thur.......

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the tourist info. Sarasota is now part of the plan.