Florida vacations spots?
 

We are long overdue for a family vacation and are thinking about Florida next year (me, my wife, our 2 kids and their boyfriend/girlfriend all 22-25 years old). We typically have gone to the Treasure Island area, but the kids want to try somewhere else for a change. Any suggestions? Looking at booking 3 condos/hotel suites so everyone has their own space when they want. Location and condo recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Two areas that I visit are Panama City and Daytona Beach. Both have plenty to do and day trips with a variety of things to see. Daytona probably has the most to see outside of the beach, St Augustine to the north and the space coast to the south. Can't help you on condo recommendations though.

Hard to beat Key West for a week of entertainment. We always stay in B&B's and once we get there and park the car, we rent bikes to get around. The traffic is gridlock much of the time and parking is at a premium, so we zoom on by on the bikes. Plenty of scooter rentals too, if power is your preferred mode. Plenty of things to see and do there too.
We spent 2 weeks in Sarasota 2 yrs ago and there is plenty to keep busy with there too, but way overcrowded and noisy for a country couple. We rented a home thru VRBO, so no help with a condo.
We are going back to Homosassa next Feb. I prefer the more quiet and layed back atmosphere, but the wife misses direct access to the gulf. Bit of a drive south to find that, if desired. Again, VRBO rentals.

Having lived in SW FL for the past 25 years, I know a little about some of the place. What, exactly, would you like to do while here? Boating? Golfing? Attractions? Quiet or active? I may be able to give you a little information if you'd like.

Thanks Guys!

Mark, for my wife and I, beach, restaurants, a little shopping maybe. The kids will want to go to some attractions and activities, but they can drive a couple of hours if necessary. Just your typical week in the Sun vacation. Thanks!

For the best beaching try Roatan Honduras....

I would say for you and your wife, Naples is awesome, and if you include the facts that Marco Island is right next door and Sanibel and Captiva are within an hour drive, you get great beaches and restaurants, not to mention the amazing car museum, The Revs Institute, located in the middle of Naples. For the kids, it's a little less exciting, lol, however there are some water parks not too far, and an airboat ride through the everglades is always a pretty cool experience. You can also rent a boat and go out to Keewadin or one of the other islands that are a lot of fun.

Agree. We went to Marco last year with my daughter and son-in-law (27 yr olds) and had a great time. Rented a boat and spent the day on Keewadin - it was the best part of our trip.

Thanks guys…took a quick look and Naples looks nice. Need to do some hotel research…

Sanibel and Captiva were hit hard from the hurricane...it will be a few years before they are back on track. Ft. Meyers beach was also impacted....

Sarasota area is really nice...good combo of beach, ocean, inter-coastal and mainland options.

-wilma

Thanks. Another friend recommended Sarasota as well. Looking at that also.

St. Armand’s circle in Sarasota is amazing! Food and shopping, walk to the beach!
Buddy

It does also depends on the time you want to go and what you might want to tourist to.

Our kids rent a VRBO for two weeks every winter, they can walk to St Armand’s Circle from the house. Lots to do around there, great restaurants, close to Siesta Key, etc, but it is busy and traffic can get pretty bad.

We’re in Bradenton over the winter, but I’d look at Anna Maria Island. They’re a step back in time compared to some of the islands and towns that are wall to wall condos and extreme traffic.

Anna Maria doesn’t allow structures over two stories, so there’s no giant condos and similar monstrosities blocking the sun and access to the beaches. Miles of beach on Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Longboat Key, all within a short drive. Tampa is within an hour, or so. Disney within a couple hours.

Anna Maria is more laid back, but we went out there 2 years ago in Feb to see the sunset and sat in traffic for 45 minutes to go 3 miles. With only 2 bridges and they are draw bridges that open for ships, serving those islands it was bumper to bumper cars in the evening. Once we got back across the Cortez and stopped for supper at the Marina restaurant, they said the bridge opens on a schedule and we must have got caught in the back up from that.

Another vote for Anna Maria Island if you want a slower "old Florida" experience. Low density, great beaches and restaurants, and most people get around the island in a golf cart. Our good friends own a house there, so we get down there a fair amount. Nearby golf, fishing trips, close to Tampa and easy fly into Sarasota airport. I seem to recall a muscle car museum near the Sarasota airport.

Second that on Anna Maria Island if you want an "old Florida" experience. We just bought a house in Saint James City (south half of Pine Island) for the old Florida feel as it's quiet and way less hectic than where the grandkids live in Cape Coral.

You are tempting fate. Has it been rebuilt or another project for you to rebuild ?

Thanks guys...appreciate all of the suggestions!

We sold our house on Marco (too hectic since COVID) and went over to the east coast. Melbourne Beach area is like Marco was 25 years ago. Beach not crowded in season. Fishing is good. Downside - not as much for the kids to do.

Was built in 2019 and was one of the few houses in SJC that didn’t take on any water due to the higher elevation. We were willing to roll the dice on another cat 5 hitting any time soon but guess you never know.

That should nice, being that new. We had a 3 week rental booked on Berkshire Rd, just north of you for last Feb. The house survived, but the ground level apartment we were going to be in did not.

Anna Maria Island is a Kool place to Chill. One of our members has a home on the Island.

Great beach / ocean fun, very good restaurants and they have a Monkey Bus to get you around.

It’s less than a hour from the drag strip in Bradenton and it’s usually open with National Events.

Thanks guys. I’ve never heard of most of these places! I’ll check them out for sure. Another friend recommended the Hyatt at Siesta Key Beach which appears to be pretty close to Anna Maria Island.