Vacation with family in Florida

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

Like every year I am arranging my bosses summer vacation. This year he is going to Florida again, so I am now looking into flights and hotels.

I am going to hire him a car, so him, his wife and the two kids (8 and 12 years) can drive around Florida and stay here and there. I definitely want to send them to Sanibel Island for a few days, but other than that I am not sure. They went to Miami Beach and Key West two years ago, so I am trying to come up with something else.

They really enjoy travelling around, staying for a night or two, maximum four days in one place. I am going to prepare a route for them with the hotels booked and the information about sights and activities.

I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations for me, where they must go while in Florida? Sights, activities (they are very sporty), restaurants, nice hotels (upper middle class to high class hotels), good shopping.

Any suggestions are gratefully appreciated

[*JG* 2]

Too bad they weren't going a month ago.....Spring Training is a lot of fun.

[Ban Hammer 14,791]

disneyland orlando?

[churipu 4]

Hi Julie,

I do not know Florida all that well but my In-laws live there and they showed me around a bit...I am totally in love with St. Augustine, it's supposed to be the nation's oldest city(in fact it's also known as the "Ancient City"), and one of the nation's most charming. It is also not that far from Ponte Vedra Beach, an upmarket tourist area famous for its resorts and golfing.

Well I am sure Fl residents will be more help but I totally loved those 2 places so I thought I'd toss my 2 cents.

Oh well...needless to say I also loved the parks in Orlando.

[LaL 418]

We did a "tour" of FL for our destination wedding/honeymoon.

Where are they flying into? You mentioned Sanibel - gorgeous place, but aside from the biking, very sleepy (and verrryyy old). Naples is an upscale city (and personally, one of my favorites), most is new, tons of boating and things to do. Sarasota is also very beautiful lots to see. All on the west coast so the sunset side, white sand beaches, and no driving on the beach. And all within 2 hours or so of each other (good hopping around)

If this is around the route you are planning - I can give you a bit more direction as to the more "fun" things to do.

[Jenn! 918]

I've done an airboat tour through the Everglades - that was fun!

[Krikit 1,166]

I absolutely recommend Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota area. (Their white sand beaches are AMAZING.) The Capri Inn is a beautiful small boutique hotel. (Though I see their website is unavailable at the moment, but definitely take a look.)

St Augustine is a lovely place to visit. We stayed at the Casa Monica and it was lovely too.

[*JG* 2]

I forgot to say, I loved Universal Studios and Downtown Disney. Although I haven't done it in Florida, swimming with the dolphins in Jamaica was an incredible experience. I know you can do that in the Orlando area.

[HAL 9000 96]

Key West, Bahia Honda State Park for camping and fishing, Everglades, Key Biscayne -> Alligator Alley on to Naples, Venice, Sanibel, Ft. Pierce, Sarasota/Bradenton -> I-4 to Orlando for Disney and Universal -> Route 50 to Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast -> I-95 up to St. Augustine -> I-10 to Pensacola and the gulf beaches...

South to North and West of the opposite way...

This of course neglects the hour-3 hour drive north region north of Miami (Pompano, Vero, Boca)... that you can make up quite easily seeing Venice and Naples. Venice in my opinion is outrageously better than Naples.

[Ban Hammer 14,791]

I've done an airboat tour through the Everglades - that was fun!

hey i did that too in i think 98. got a refrigerator magnet too

did your boat operator have some grackle come land on his hand during the tour?

[NavarreMan 10]

You might try the Florida panhandle. Destin is a top attaction these days and quite upscale. Fishing and amusements abound. Great dining!

[amiquechu 0]

You might try the Florida panhandle. Destin is a top attaction these days and quite upscale. Fishing and amusements abound. Great dining!

I'll second that. Fort Walton Beach/Destin would be a great place for a family. That and Orlando/Disneyworld. I've been to both...if money's an issue, I would go FWB/Destin. If you want something the kids will never forget, go to Orlando/Disneyworld. If I had to choose though, I would go FWB/Destin. It's more relaxed and has plenty for the kids and the adults.

[Ms. Squirrel 11]

Ohhhhh thanks do much guys!

I will definitely look into all the places you mentioned!!

[amiquechu 0]

Too bad they weren't going a month ago.....Spring Training is a lot of fun.

Spring break, too. But not so much for families.

[Carlawarla 1]

One of my favourite FL vacations was flying into Orlando, renting a car, and driving up the east coast with many stops along the way until we got to St. Augustine, where we spent a few days. Then we drove back across to the Gulf side, and spent a few days travelling up the Gulf side of Florida (the OTHER Florida hehe) and ended up spending a few days in Cedar Keys. This was a sleepy little fishing village (only sleepy during off season). We then drove up the Gulf coast to the Panhandle. Lovely vacation.

Neither one of us are interested in the Disney and/or touristy areas. We love to stay in unique hotels, B&B's, and inns.