[rachie88]

I am hoping to take a vacation over Christmas to visit my sister and her family who are moving to Mobile, Al. Me and my husband are looking to take maybe 4 days at a beach in Florida for a nice, relaxing but romantic vacation where there is great seafood! We are driving from Virginia to Mobile and would prefer a place that is not too far off the driver back up east (aka within a few hours of the route). I would LOVE to get to key west with my hubby but that is just way too far away. Any other good options that will be pretty warm the last week in December?

Thanks!

[jghorton]

SE or SW Coast (south of Orlando) ... and check the weather reports. The Keys and Miami are warm, if you can stand the chaos and crush. That leaves: Sanibel, West Palm, Boynton, Ft. Myers, Naples, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale. (Many parts of Florida are surprisingly brisk that time of year ... while North Florida is like So. Alabama/Georgia). -- Of course, you can alway opt for the theme parks instead of the beach.

[Hawaii4evr]

You have to remember that even South Florida (including the Keys) can get chilly during the winter, and water temperatures are only about 72F during that time of year in deep South FL...that said, generally the weather down there is nice. I'd choose somewhere like West Palm Beach, as it is the furthest north "Caribbean-like" city in FL that you seem to be looking for. I'd avoid Naples/Ft. Myers, because the Gulf of Mexico in winter is colder than the Atlantic Ocean, so you won't really be able to swim at the beaches there (water temps in the Gulf will be in the 60sF, while the Atlantic in South FL should be in the lower 70sF).

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by jghorton

SE or SW Coast (south of Orlando) ... and check the weather reports. The Keys and Miami are warm, if you can stand the chaos and crush. That leaves: Sanibel, West Palm, Boynton, Ft. Myers, Naples, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale. (Many parts of Florida are surprisingly brisk that time of year ... while North Florida is like So. Alabama/Georgia). -- Of course, you can alway opt for the theme parks instead of the beach.

I agree regarding Keys and Miami, although the Fort Lauderdale area would probably be the best bet being just 30 minutes north of Miami and equal in terms of climate. Smaller towns such as Delray Beach would be a good focus as they're less crowded. I would however opt out of the theme parks (which are in chillier Orlando anyway) if seeking a more romantic getaway, as Disney never seems to put me in that mood anyway.

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[rachie88]

Thanks for your responses! Yeah, I love the Florida keys, I'm just thinking it might too far to drive since I'll have to drive back up north to VA, maybe not though! I will definitely check out West Palm Beach.

[miamihurricane555]

Originally Posted by rachie88

Thanks for your responses! Yeah, I love the Florida keys, I'm just thinking it might too far to drive since I'll have to drive back up north to VA, maybe not though! I will definitely check out West Palm Beach.

yeah west palm beach is the northern limit of 70f winter water temps and it's also not so crowded. I think it's your best bet.

[FlyMIA]

If you want to have your best shot at warmish weather. Highs in the 70s and sometimes even low 80s you need to go to Southeast Florida. Palm Beach being the most Northern Spot. Flights are probably not cheap but you could look into driving to Orlando or Tampa and flying to Key West. You could also fly from the Panhandle down into Miami.

[bmw335xi]

Miami Beach or Fort Lauderdale would be best for you.

[rachie88]

I've also looked into taking a cruise or something leaving from a port but I don't know. I don't want to leave much later than the 26th because I really have limited time, we aren't looking to spend a huge amount, and cruises seem questionable in terms of ethics.