4/5 night non disney stay from disney?

[emmamc252]

So we come from uk and spend 2 weeks in the parks etc but never hire a car and I've never been out of orlando. Dh used to go to Naples and the keys when he was a kid and wants to do a 4 or 5 night non disney beach or relaxing break next time we go.
I suggested a disney cruise but the price is putting us off. We would be hiring a car from wdw and coming back to wdw after. We have 2 kids who will be nearly 2 and coming up to 4. Beach is great but we want stuff to do too! Was looking at duck key but thinking they're too young.mwould do a 2/3 night split stay too. Would just like to see more of Florida. Thinking end of April start of May time.
Ideas or suggestions where to start looking? I feel lost just googling Florida beaches!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Generally speaking, most folks prefer Gulf side beaches to Atlantic side beaches (white sand vs brown sand).

What kinds of activities do you desire?

 

[DVCmom4]

You could still stay with Disney at Vero Beach! They have a lot of actives for kids and the whole family! It's a lot a sea turtle nesting beach!

 

[emmamc252]

Honestly a white sand beach, somewhere with good seafood and relaxed atmosphere. We've just bought into dvc so was thinking maybe 2 or 3 nights veto beach and 2 or 3 somewhere else, sanibel island looked cool at a glance, keys I think are too far away unfortunately. Don't really want anywhere built up, want somewhere quiet and kinda caribean style, if you get my drift. Some nice piers, nature walks and a beach would do us fine.

 

[emmamc252]

I'm also not a fan of the big hotels, I like the disney spread out rooms, no high rises! I hate them! Would love like a little beach bungalow or something a bit quirky and different. In honesty I just don't know where to start looking!

 

[Elleshoodat]

Anna Maria Island sounds like it fits your criteria...

 

[minnieandfamily]

We visited the Sarasota area last April and we enjoyed it so much, we plan to return again this year! We stayed on Longboat Key. It's only about a 2 hour drive from Disney. Beautiful beaches and a lot to do, but still a laidback and low-key vibe. There's a fun aquarium for the kids (Mote Marine), parks and botanical gardens, etc. We stayed at Sand Cay (right on the beach) but if you're interested in bungalows, check out Arbors by the Sea. St. Armands Circle is fun to explore - unique shops, dining, ice cream. Lots of great restaurants, esp. seafood. One of our favorites was the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill (delicious fish tacos!).

Good luck in your search!