[Floridabound09]

Sea World first then spending a week on the Gulf side from Clearwater down to Marco Island to enjoy the beautiful beaches along that stretch, with emphasis on Ft Myers, Naples, Sanibel and Siesta Keys areas.

Will check out a couple homes we are looking at around Central Florida for relocation in 2 years on the way back.

Sunrico !!!

Great post and poll.

Thank for the tips as well.

[mystree]

Going to Naples in October!

[Donna-50]

Probably Disney or Seaworld this year. I have kids so that is what we usually do. Haven't been to disney in about 5 years so probably do that.

[pianogal]

We don't spend our summer vacations in Florida. We will be heading towards the mountains - not sure which ones yet.

[Floridabound09]

Originally Posted by pianogal

We don't spend our summer vacations in Florida. We will be heading towards the mountains - not sure which ones yet.

Smokies are beautiful in July !!
Blue Ridge Parkway atop the mountains is also a real treat.......

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

We're heading to Oahu & Maui in October for an anniversary getaway! Can't wait, our first time. We may do a little mini-getaway to Amelia Island this summer too.

[Floridabound09]

Originally Posted by sunrico90

Some ideas:

Amelia Island-- in the northeast near Jacksonville-- has lovely beaches, a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters, a quaint town with historic sections, delicious sea-food, and two fine resorts that welcome families.


Space Coast--45 minutes from Orlando is 72 miles of shore known as Florida's Space Coast: the place where the moon launches blasted away from earth, and site of the shuttle launches today. Big draw here is the Kennedy Space Center, and beautiful beaches. Less known are the eco-tours: this area has saltwater estuaries, marshes, and 250 sq. miles of wildlife refuges.

Orlando/Central Florida-- How much more fun can one city take? Here's our picks for fun in Orlando, from character meals to Blizzard Beach waterpark, Universal Studios to Sea-World's elite sister, Discovery Cove (a Caribbean experience in the middle of Florida.)

Sanibel Island
Off the west coast and near the bottom of the Florida peninsula areSanibel Island and Captiva Island: two beautiful islands for nature lovers. No beach pollution; visitors find miles and miles of beaches perfect for kids because of the gentle waves and shallow shoreline. The islands are famous for shelling, too.

Bluewater Bay Resort, Niceville, Florida
Located on the "Emerald Coast" in Northwest Florida, and voted "One of America's Top 10 Family Resorts" by Family Circle. 36 holes of golf, marine, biking and hiking trails, 4 pools, playgrounds.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
This giant 2400-acre resort has a beach side on the Emerald Coast (Gulf of Mexico) and also a bay side, with many activities: kids' sailing, kids' tennis, kayaking, putting course, Jolee Island Nature Park with pirate-ship playground, and a Kidzone with programs for ages 4-6 and 7-12. Watersports include body-surfing and Boogie boards (complimentary). Kids might also enjoy the Junior Golf Academy, with excellent instructors. Best way to get around this huge giant resort is on bikes. The centre of gravity of this huge resort is the picture-perfect Village of Baytowne Wharf.


Wakulla Spring
In a state park in the "Panhandle" near Tallahassee is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Swim or snorkel in the natural pool above the spring; see alligators on a river boat tour; or do a glassbottom boat ride; dine and/or stay at a historic lodge; take nature hikes.

Thank you as always for your expert info !!!

Have been the Destin allot and never stayed at Sandestin, awesome place from the website.

[dataman1]

I went to Ft.Myers to visit my fiances brother Apr 12th-16th, and had a great time. We went to Ft.Myers beach for a day. It isn't much to look
at but the water was a nice temp., there were tens of thousands of people
there (beach a little dirty/from spring breakers etc) but it was nice. Fun if
you are younger or want alot of excitement etc.

Sat. we drove around Sanibel and Captiva and sat on a very nice
stretch of beach there where there was barely anyone. Again very
hot and sunny and was just what I wanted (coming from St. Louis, MO)

Ft.Myers at least the area where we stayed was very nice. People seemed
very friendly, neighbors wave at each other, and there was a very nice
grocery store called Sweetbay that I was very impressed with. There was
some very bad drivers here and there but overall it was nice.

One last thing, for the party people or those who like nice things....I suggest
flying into Fort Lauderdale, then staying at Hollywood Beach for a few nights
then drive to South Beach or The Keys. That is what we usually do. In fact my brother is trying to con me into going back down there with him in June.

[cariad]

We are going to take the Key West Express to key West after memorial day. Never been on the express or to key west. Will stay at a B&B there and then come back to explore sanibel and captiva.

[jhlcomp]

We live on the east coast of Florida and love to take the quick drive into Naples, Marco Island, Sanibel, and just up the coast. It's a fast trip for us since we live in Weston which is west of Fort Lauderdale. It's a totally different world from the east coast.

We love walking the white sand beaches, the pace, and the general ambiance. This is where we go to unwind.