Best South Florida family friendly beachside resort?

[palmtreegirl]

We're looking into spending a long weekend the first week in December at a oceanfront resort somewhere in South Florida. We don't have a destination in mind so we're open to any and all idea. Any recommendations?

 

[anewvance]

Marco Island on the West side of the state is a gorgous fun family friendly area. We used to stay at the Marriott over there and it was awesome! Haven't been there in 12 years or so. This was when I was young, we went every year for around 6 years. It was so family friendly that my sister and I were allowed to run around on our own, we were only 10 or so. They had a day camp (would assume they still have it) that you just signed up on the day you wanted to go, they had fun activities and all. There are 4 or so pools and the beach right there. Ooh, making me want to go back there!

We live on the East side of the state and will be the first to admit the beaches on the west side are 100x better then on the east side. Whiter and cleaner and bluer waters... less worry of shark problems too! Just gotta watch the sting rays over there.

 

[Zandy595]

How about Disney's Vero Beach Resort?

We have vacationed on Sanibel Island twice. Sun Dial and Pointe Santo condos were both very nice.

 

[Chris2597]

Our #1 fav S. Fl Beach is Jupiter Fl....We love staying at the Jupiter Beach Report.....They have a website....It is a wonderful hotel, secluded private beach.....There are lots of restaurants in the area and it is pretty slow paced there.....I found the beaches more beautiful than Hawaii.

 

[FSUGrad97]

How about Anna Maria Island or Sarasota? I've been to both places and they seemed pretty family-friendly places.

 

[anewvance]

I would have suggested Anna Maria Island too, but they don't really have any family friendly resorts per say.

It's funny you mentioned Anna Maria, most people I tell about it has no idea where it is, it's such a tiny island.

Our family (grandparents, sisters, our kids, dh's, my mom and my aunt) has been spending a month on Anna Maria Island every year for the past 19 years!!! We used to rent one house every year for 18 years but last year found out the owners sold it and weren't renting it out anymore. So last year we tried a new house, it isn't quite as nice as the old house but it was definately bigger and we are renting it again this year. I LOVE Anna Maria!

 

[FSUGrad97]

I would have suggested Anna Maria Island too, but they don't really have any family friendly resorts per say.

It's funny you mentioned Anna Maria, most people I tell about it has no idea where it is, it's such a tiny island.

Our family (grandparents, sisters, our kids, dh's, my mom and my aunt) has been spending a month on Anna Maria Island every year for the past 19 years!!! We used to rent one house every year for 18 years but last year found out the owners sold it and weren't renting it out anymore. So last year we tried a new house, it isn't quite as nice as the old house but it was definately bigger and we are renting it again this year. I LOVE Anna Maria!

I haven't been in a while, but we went down there for a weekend once when I was growing up, and it was such a laid back, relaxing place.

 

[lillygator]

I would suggest Siesta Key as being more family friendly than Anna Maria...many of the AM condos's that are available to rent require ages 16 and up....My inlaws live on AM!

Sanibel is also nice....

 

[kerrynic78]

My DH and I love Lago Mar in Ft.Lauderdale, we have no kids yet but it seems to be very kid friendly, I hope we get to go back soon!!!

 

[lucas]

Sanibel Island is our favorite beach destination.
Here are some helpful links:

http://www.voy.com/2078/
http://forum.bestofsanibelcaptiva.com/
http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/

I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Thanks everyone!!