Beach vacation in Florida

[roxydotty]

My family lives in So. California so most of our vacations have been on the west coast or Hawaii. I would like ideas about vacationing in Florida, but not Disney. (My daughter and I are taking a mother/daughter trip to WDW) I'm looking for some great family beaches. We would need something more than a hotel room because there are 5 of us. Something like a condo/villa with kitchenette would be good, with a great beach and nearby shops and restaurants is what I have in mind. Anyone have some places they recommend?

Thank you!

 

[tloveswdw]

We vacation on Sanibel Island, in the Gulf... I have been going there since I was a few weeks old, and love it. It is quiet, a number restaurants, great beaches, can bike everywhere... it is our paradise.

 

[mufasa0505]

There is a Disney Vacation Club in Vero Beach. Check out the DVC boards and see if it fits your needs.

 

[roxydotty]

Sanibel Island looks good. I just spent some time on tripadvisor.com and will continue to check it out. Thanks!

 

[Avonlady1001]

We vacation on Sanibel Island, in the Gulf... I have been going there since I was a few weeks old, and love it. It is quiet, a number restaurants, great beaches, can bike everywhere... it is our paradise.

I 2nd Sanibel Island! My MIL owns a condo in Ft Meyers that we stay at sometimes...we spend a few days on Sanibel Island...it really is beautiful. If you stop at the info place right over the bridge, they'll give you a map & tell you which beaches have the best playgrounds, bathrooms...which restaurants are most kid friendly, etc. If your dd is older, I'm sure they'll direct you to the best of whatever you're looking for!