Anyone from Florida?

[WENDYDOTS]

I am interested in taking a vacation with just my hubby for our 15th anniversary in May. I am looking for something 'tropical' without having to leave the states. There must be somewhere in Florida (not Key West) that is like this. I have been researching the Sarasota area (Siesta Key) and the Ft. Myers area (Sanibel) because flights from here in the Northeast are reasonable to those areas. I would love any suggestions that my Budget Board friends could offer, since we are (always!) on a budget. I am looking for on the beach, possible balcony with gulf views for cocktail hour, maybe a swim up pool bar? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!

 

[kymmyk13]

When I was a teenager we went to Treasure Island and It was really beautiful, kinda quite. It may have changed over the years since I am no longer a teenage, I have a teenager.

 

[FINFAN]

Sanibel is beautiful , easy drive from RSW(airport) and lots of resorts to choose from. Siesta Key is as well, and maybe you can fly into SRQ which is so stress free! I think being on Sanibel is a little more tropical island feeling. May is absolutely beautiful and rate are still reasonable then, you will be ahead of the rainy season , but may hit some of the love bug leftovers..no biggie tho. Try
www.sanibelisland.com

ETA I am not from Fl, I am a misplaced Floridian in Il

 

[mmkk]

ARe you completely against the Keys altogether or just Key West, because there are so many great gems in the Keys. We lived on Big Pine Key for 5 years before moving to St. Pete and it was such a neat place. There are miniature white tail deer (Key Deer) that roam the island freely and its more "unspoiled" than most of the rest of the Keys. Then there is Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo which all have various points of interest and beauty. Otherwise if you are looking for something outside of the Keys, I am definitley partial to the west coast of FL vs. the east coast. I just like the Gulf better I guess! Anna Maria Island is what I would consider "tropical" in this area. Sure there are pretty beaches all over here but there is also a lot of "tourism" in those areas as well. Anna Maria island doesn't quite have that "touristy" feeling, they have less crowded beaches because of it as well. And it is south of St. Pete in Manatee County. SO I guess its up to what you are looking for.

 

[MissBritt]

I would tend to agree with PP on Anna Maria Island. Tropical without the tourists. Amelia Island is also beautiful, but "quaint", not "tropical".

 

[WENDYDOTS]

Thanks for the great ideas. I have never heard of either of those islands so I will have to research! We have been to the Keys, spent part of our honeymoon on Islamorada. Looking for somewhere with a little less driving involved since we can only go for 3 nights. Keep any ideas coming, I really appreciate the input.