[Shadozer]

my husband and i would like to take our vacation in florida this year. we were thinking sarasota or tampa. we're in our mid 20's. went to sarasota 2 years ago and it was absolutely beautiful! although didnt seem like alot to do as far as night life, then again we didnt really do go out of our way to find it either. would you recommend tampa or sarasota for a vacation? never been to tampa, are the beaches as lovely there as sarasota? OR would you recommend another area?

[Central Illinois 1]

Originally Posted by Shadozer

my husband and i would like to take our vacation in florida this year. we were thinking sarasota or tampa. we're in our mid 20's. went to sarasota 2 years ago and it was absolutely beautiful! although didnt seem like alot to do as far as night life, then again we didnt really do go out of our way to find it either. would you recommend tampa or sarasota for a vacation? never been to tampa, are the beaches as lovely there as sarasota? OR would you recommend another area?

I would recommend going back to Sarasota and staying at Siesta Key near the Siesta Village area. One of the best beaches in the world and lively nightlife at the Daquri Deck, Gilligans, and the Beach Club. They are all right together on the main drag. Its a good time! Places to stay within easy walking distance include the Beach Point Resort and the Siesta Key Resort.

[SXMGirl]

You will enjoy Siesta Key and the beautiful beach. Lido Key is also nice and St. Armands is nice shopping. Just make sure that you don't go during red tide. I don't know how often or even if it occurs yearly, but it's impossible to go in the water because of the dead fish and the smell.

[ZaraZoteBuccaneer]

Shadozer, I'm a father of three and have been to SWFL on vacation just after spring break 2 and 3 years ago. We were in our upper 20's then and brought the little ones with so with that being said I couldn't get as much night life in as I wanted to.

However, you asked about the beaches... they change a bit in character as you go up and down the coast but it is still very very nice in both Tampa and Sarasota. I found much more luck with shelling as I went closer to St Petersburg and parking was relatively cheap there too. Sarasota has a whiter color from all the quartz that washes up as you reach Siesta Key, somewhat more people are down there enjoying it and slightly gentler waves. There are some fun places in Sarasota to hang out and just relaxe around a younger crowd like Gilligans on Ocean Blvd or the Beach Club further up the street. I'm sure that the wild parties can be found in the big city like anywhere but do you really need to go far for a few drinks, music and some rolling tides? There's often drum circles and fire-eaters, live bands and other things to be found around if you look hard enough.
Further south the sand gets darker and almost black. You might have to drive a half hour or so but it makes for a great day trip to places like Venice Beach to search for prehistoric sharks teeth, walk the pier to see a fishermen reel in a catch and have a bite to eat. Good luck with your vacation!!

[dmccauley]

I live in Sarasota so I guess I would recommend it. My cousin was just here and she is in her 20's. I recommended Gilligans and the village they had a blast especially during happy hour its 2 for 1. You can also drive to Venice and go to Sharkys on the Pier hang out and drink great drinks on the beach then stay for the entertainment at night.

[Suncoast Guy]

I would definitely say Sarasota. Sarasota has a lot of things to see and do (like the Asolo Theater, the Van Wazel, the Bay, etc). Sarasota is also close to miles and miles of beaches. Tampa is just too dumpy.

Sarasota would be the best choice. Have a nice vacation!!

[Lilybeans]

Tampa! You can always go to the beach, you can go to Ybor, nightlife, musueums, the Dali Museum, and you've already been to Sarasota.

[Suncoast Guy]

Originally Posted by Lilybeans

Tampa! You can always go to the beach, you can go to Ybor, nightlife, musueums, the Dali Museum, and you've already been to Sarasota.

And every right turn is a dumpy area full of crime. OK...

[ZaraZoteBuccaneer]

Shadozer - when are thinking of taking your vacation?

[gypsychic]

Sarasota, no question. you can always drive up to Tampa if you want to see something there. Compared to Sarasota, though, it's no comparison! haha - just my opinion.