Help plan my trip to Florida (not Disney!), please?

Minnesota! · Feb 10, 2016

Help plan my new trip, please?

So, for a few months now, we have had a trip planned for Spring Training. Flying into Tampa, seeing a few games, visiting my cousin, staying in Treasure Island. Everything was planned, booked, paid for.

At work yesterday, husband’s boss took away the approved vacation request due to some understandable circumstances. So frustrating, but whatever…I live my life that whatever is supposed to happen, happens.

So, we scrambled today to find another week where the kids had at least a day off, was cheap, and still makes me feel like we are escaping MN during the cold, ha!

We are flying into Orlando, but have no desire to stay there. We are willing to drive up to about 3 hours from Orlando.

Our only requests are:

Beach, seafood, and some fun stuff to do. Flying into Tampa for the previously planned trip, staying along the Gulf Coast was a no brainer. But, now that we are flying into Central FLA, both coasts are an option.

I am just not sure where to start. Suggestions? I feel like there are 4 options – southwest Gulf Coast (Fort Myers, etc.), northwest Gulf Coast (Clearwater, Dunedin, etc.), Northeast Coast (St Augustine, etc.) or Southeast Coast (Vero Beach, Melbourne, etc.).

Thoughts on where to go, what to do/eat, and where to stay?

Thank you so much!

FINFAN · Feb 10, 2016

Well I grew up going to Naples (since the early 70's) and it will always be the best place in FL to me. The beach, pier, 3rd/5th avenues for window shopping, corkscrew swamp...love the Dock and Tin City. Sanibel an easy drive for a day trip. That said, we really enjoy KSC over on the East Coast . Hopping back over to the gulf side, Sarasota/ Siesta Key is also nice and Lido, with St. Armond's Circle for some neat dining options, about an hour maybe from Tampa? Mote Aquarium is neat too. Not much help , am I? LOL...I love FL so just about anywhere from mid state down is ok by me (I say mid state because I also love lots and lots of palms)

Minnesota! · Feb 10, 2016

FINFAN said:
Well I grew up going to Naples (since the early 70's) and it will always be the best place in FL to me. The beach, pier, 3rd/5th avenues for window shopping, corkscrew swamp...love the Dock and Tin City. Sanibel an easy drive for a day trip. That said, we really enjoy KSC over on the East Coast . Hopping back over to the gulf side, Sarasota/ Siesta Key is also nice and Lido, with St. Armond's Circle for some neat dining options, about an hour maybe from Tampa? Mote Aquarium is neat too. Not much help , am I? LOL...I love FL so just about anywhere from mid state down is ok by me (I say mid state because I also love lots and lots of palms)

Ha! You see my problem! I am obsessed with Florida – I absolutely love the state (no matter how crazy the news stories that come from there are, ha ha!). There is SO much I want to do within the state, so I feel like I need to get my bang for my buck. We will have a Wed-Mon, otherwise we would hit both coasts. But, this time we have to pick just the one.

My kids are 11 and 9, and love doing anything…so everything is a possibility. Narrowing it down is where I have the issue, ha!

FINFAN · Feb 10, 2016

I was lucky enough to spend my summers there and then in the 70's my folks bought a house in Olde Naples...I cannot tell you how hard it is to be stuck in IL (DH work/career field) instead of where I belong. sigh...whatever you decide, you will have a wonderful time.

TippeeCanoe · Feb 10, 2016

Go to Sanibel.

NotUrsula · Feb 10, 2016

When are you going? Being from so far North, it may not matter to you, but parts of Florida can be a bit chilly until well into April.

Minnesota! · Feb 10, 2016

We are going mid April - 12 - 18. I am fine with any weather - palm trees and Yuengling are still there no matter how cold, ha!

havaneselover · Feb 10, 2016

My parents have had a home in Naples since the 80s. That's where we are headed for spring break. It's expensive though.

I like Tampa because there's lots to do--beach, BG, zoo, aquarium, etc. But Naples is so much prettier.

Marco Island is lovely.

I'm a Gulf Coast person. I like white sand and clear water.

FINFAN · Feb 10, 2016

since it is April, yeah, go further south. The days are still shorter and nights can be cool. Are you looking to be RIGHT on the beach? The Lemon Tree Inn is a cute place in Naples, nothing fancy but certainly relaxing. It's held out through the years. GREAT RATES HERE:
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Diamond of a hotel great location just off 5 th avenue lovely king room next to fab pool x staff so friendly and helpful would def recommend
The Cove (by Tin City) can also have some great deals

monorailsilver · Feb 10, 2016

I agree go further south.

When we drove home and took the auto train we noticed how much cooler it was in Orlando/Disney and even cold in Jacksonville compared to Ft. Myers.

That area is about a 4 hour drive and if you do that take the highway not the inland route.

I am not a fan of Sanibel/Captiva. We do go once or twice each trip but we like the beaches in north Naples/Bonita better. We also took the 2 hr drive north to Edgewood (I think) and swam in beautiful clear blue water and my kids loved looking for sharks teeth.

I have always preferred the Gulf vs the Atlantic, even in my youth.

tinkerbellandeeyor · Feb 10, 2016

I have to agree with above posters on that note have you considered Miami I love going there

debster812 · Feb 10, 2016

We are currently at my parent's place in Bonita Springs (just about halfway between Ft. Myers and Naples). It's just DH and this trip, and we spent 2 days in Sarasota (Lido/Longboat Key & Anna Maria Island area) We absolutely love Longboat. Just such a fun vibe. If you get to that area, we really like the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill and Blue Dolphin Cafe on Lonboat. We also had a fantastic breakfast at Station 300 in Sarasota.

We are now in Bonita, and while it's a littl cool right now, we love the beaches here. We like Bonita Beach near Docs, and Barefoot Beach.

We definitely love the SWFL Gulf Coast!

Planogirl · Feb 11, 2016

We had a great time in St. Augustine. Nice beaches, good food, fun things to do. Florida is blessed to have so much to see and do and I don't think that you can lose whatever you choose.

mamamary · Feb 11, 2016

We are also planning a trip to Florida (not Disney either) although we are looking at June/July. I am also struggling with where to go. The more I plan the more confused I get as to where to go. I think I have it narrowed down to Gulf Side. We previously did the whole Tampa area twice. I loved having the nice beaches yet some other fun stuff to do (B. Gardens, the zoo etc). Naples did seem pricey to me. I was looking into maybe the St. Pete Beach area. I was thinking of also flying into MCO to maybe visit Universal for a day or two (didn't tell DH that tidbit yet though). So I also don't want to travel more than 2-3 hours from MCO. Hoping that you get some more suggestions so I can get some ideas too :flower3:

tzolkin · Feb 11, 2016

A few years ago we rented a house in downtown St. Augustine. My kids really enjoyed that trip. It was great to be able to walk everywhere. We spent a lot of time at the historical sites in town that we could walk to and drove the few minutes to Ft. Matanzas and the beach one day. We did a ghost tour (still walking distance from the house). There was also a blues festival going on, so we sat in the hot tub on the deck and listened to the music.

This spring break we are going to Sebastian/Vero area. We rented a house on the river and are mostly just looking to have some relaxing quality time. DH and I grew up here so we thought it would be fun to share it with our kids. There's not a ton to do, but we plan to go to some parks, a few different beaches, canoe/kayak, and a few small attractions like the treasure museums

mom2rtk · Feb 11, 2016

I second the Sanibel suggestion. Stay on the island. Go shelling, fishing, hang on the beach right outside your door. Head over to Captiva for parasailing or other water sports. It's a great escape.

It's about 3 1/2 hours out of Orlando.

havaneselover · Feb 11, 2016

monorailsilver said:
I agree go further south.

When we drove home and took the auto train we noticed how much cooler it was in Orlando/Disney and even cold in Jacksonville compared to Ft. Myers.

That area is about a 4 hour drive and if you do that take the highway not the inland route.

I am not a fan of Sanibel/Captiva. We do go once or twice each trip but we like the beaches in north Naples/Bonita better. We also took the 2 hr drive north to Edgewood (I think) and swam in beautiful clear blue water and my kids loved looking for sharks teeth.

I have always preferred the Gulf vs the Atlantic, even in my youth.

If you take the shortcut it's maybe 3.5 hours from Orlando to Naples. Should be around 3 to Ft. Myers.

Minnesota! · Feb 11, 2016

Asked the kids last night and laid out the options to them and DH and they all chose Atlantic side. Which, I get…it’s “the ocean”. They have been to the Pacific, they want the Atlantic now. And my boys REALLY want to do Kennedy Space Center. We are going to stay in Cocoa Beach for a few days (ocean front?? For under $200?? SOLD!). So, we are going to make that our home base and take day trips – I would like to get up to St Augustine one day and tour the city…it looks so cool! And, KSC and Canaveral National Seashore…

Can anyone recommend good, not as touristy, food stuffs? We are die hard seafood lovers. Would LOVE a place overlooking the water, with a tropical vibe. Somewhere we can chill on the deck, overlooking the water, enjoying some music and beer. We are really into the small town, coastal Florida feel...so anything is good...out of the way, etc.

Sigh. My Gulf Coast dreams are on hold another year or so. One day I will not be out numbered, ha! On the plus side? Have already saved over $500 from our original vacation just on hotel and car being dramatically cheaper!

tinkerbellandeeyor · Feb 11, 2016

Minnesota! said:
Asked the kids last night and laid out the options to them and DH and they all chose Atlantic side. Which, I get…it’s “the ocean”. They have been to the Pacific, they want the Atlantic now. And my boys REALLY want to do Kennedy Space Center. We are going to stay in Cocoa Beach for a few days (ocean front?? For under $200?? SOLD!). So, we are going to make that our home base and take day trips – I would like to get up to St Augustine one day and tour the city…it looks so cool! And, KSC and Canaveral National Seashore…

Can anyone recommend good, not as touristy, food stuffs? We are die hard seafood lovers. Would LOVE a place overlooking the water, with a tropical vibe. Somewhere we can chill on the deck, overlooking the water, enjoying some music and beer. We are really into the small town, coastal Florida feel...so anything is good...out of the way, etc.

Sigh. My Gulf Coast dreams are on hold another year or so. One day I will not be out numbered, ha! On the plus side? Have already saved over $500 from our original vacation just on hotel and car being dramatically cheaper!

Squid lips is in Melbourne and not far from cocoa beach at all

As well as river rocks is in Rockledge once again not far from cocoa beach

I stand corrected it was s a 30 min drive each way

FINFAN · Feb 11, 2016

you have my vote for KSC...Book the full tour, you won't regret it. Also you will prob see Eagles from the tour bus when heading to the buildings, it's pretty cool. I know my DD's last company is currently doing a new attraction but on't think it will be done by April..before DD took her current job she did think this project was going to be pretty cool, was bummed she would be gone for it.
http://media.kennedyspacecenter.com...d-at-kennedy-space-center-visitor-complex.htm

I would think Ron Jon's surfing would be a fun afternoon~
There is a Yellow Dog Eats in New Smyrna~ I have only been to one in Gotha (Orlando) but I absolutely love the place..VERY laid back, amazing food and the one in Gotha meets the small town feel , the one in NS looks more strip mall-ish but if the food is the same as the Gotha location, GO!

Help plan my trip to Florida (not Disney!), please?

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