Florida Beach vacations need help

[tigercat]

I have a friend who wants to go to Florida for about a week the middle of May. It would be her and her dd who will be finishing University. They really just want someplace that they could go and relax on the beach. It would also have to be some place that they could fly into from Canada and not have too far from the airport. Daytona Beach is nice but I don't think they can get a direct flight to it or Ormand Beach. Could someone help and give me some options for them. Thanks
tigercat

 

[Planogirl]

St Petersburg has very nice beaches and is right next to Tampa. Maybe they could fly into Tampa? Of course, there's Miami too but I'm not familiar with the city myself.

 

[Chris2597]

My favorite Florida beach is Jupiter Beach.....It is about 30 minutes from West Palm Beach. I love the Jupiter Beach Resort. It is right on the beach....just foot steps away.....There are miles and miles of beautiful beaches and loads of restaurants in the area.....The Jupiter Beach Resort is secluded but accesible to everything.
I enjoyed staying there more than the Carribean...

 

[tigercat]

I forgot, the other thing was they don't want to spend a lot of money on the hotel. They know that it will cost somewhat but as Canadians we still have to watch our dollar. They will be using airmiles to fly so that is covered. Can you fly into West Palm Beach? Are there any web sites I might be able to go to, to see these places?
tigercat

 

[PamOKW]

They will be traveling in the off season so they may be able to get some good prices. Here's a lnk to the Jupiter resort mentioned Jupiter Resort Palm Beach International is a major airport so I imagine they'll be flights available. It's about a half hour from there to to the Jupiter resort. A little trickier to get to would be resorts in Vero. Vero is more like an hour from PBI. Of course, there is the Disney resort there. www.disneyvacationclub.com will take you to pictures of that resort. A Holiday Inn is also located on the beach in Vero. Ft Lauderdale airport is another major airport that would offer access to the hotels along Ft. Lauderdale's beach and would not be far from Boca Raton.

 

[Kimberle]

Originally posted by Planogirl
St Petersburg has very nice beaches and is right next to Tampa. Maybe they could fly into Tampa? Of course, there's Miami too but I'm not familiar with the city myself.

I agree, St. Petersburg & St. Pete's Beach have wonderful beaches. They are on the gulf side so they don't get the strong current you have on the ocean side. They could even spend a day at Busch Gardens.

 

[floridafam]

They could fly into Jacksonville and go to Amelia Island.

If they fly into West Palm Beach they could have their pick of a lot of beaches. We like the Disney resort in Vero Beach.

They could probably get a decent hotel on or near Clearwater Beach if they flew into Tampa.


What is the most they want to spend?

 

[tigercat]

I was going to ask her that this afternoon and also the exact times she was looking at going. I will let you know after I talk to her. I will try to get to these web sites as well so I can let her know. I knew I could count on the people here to get information.
tigercat

 

[Chris2597]

The Jupiter Beach Resort is also listed in the Entertainment book, which give 50% off the rack rate.....We were quoted a very reasonable rate in the off season and the entertainment rate was also available. I seem to remmber it being under 100.00. It is well worth it because the beach is right there.....and the hotel is also nice....They have a sort of courtyard overlooking the beach that houses the pool, which is also pretty decent.

 

[tigercat]

I looked up the Jupiter Beach Resort but it was listing prices as over $129.00/nite. They were hoping to get a room for $100.00 or less, and hopefully on the beach. They thought an efficiency would be nice but not necessary. Chris where would you get an Entertainment booklet and how did you get quoted a lower price? I'll have to find out if airmiles will let you go into Palm Beach. Oh and she thought they would like to go the first week of May, so I guess leave on the 1st or 2nd and come back on the 8th or 9th.
tigercat

 

[got2lovedisney]

Another choice would be the Naples/Marco Island/Sanibel area. They have absolutely beautiful white sand beaches (looks like powdered sugar). The is on the west coast (Gulf side). Or even St. Augustine is nice. Or head down to Key West.

Miami...stay away from here...very crowded, congested. Hotels on South Beach are high priced. If your friends want to hang with some fellow Canadians then the Hallandale/Hollywood Beach area might be better. Just some options here.

I found Jupiter to be a bit too quiet for my taste but is still very nice. (Just my $.02)

Top choice, for me, Naples but any beach in Florida has got to be better than no beach.

 

[tigercat]

Actually quiet is just what I think my friends are looking for. They said they are just looking forward to sitting on the beach and reading.
tigercat

 

[got2lovedisney]

Then I second my own comment...stay away from Miami!!

Naples or Jupiter.

 

[tigercat]

got2loveDisney where is Naples? They would have to fly into Tampa and then go by taxi (or whatever, I will have find that out) to their hotel. Airmiles does not fly into St. Petersburg. They don't want to rent a car. If Naples is close enough is there a web site?
tigercat

 

[floridafam]

I hate to think what a taxi would cost from Tampa to Naples.

www.bungalowbeachresort.com This is a nice property.

Also, the Disney resort in Vero Beach sometimes runs specials for studios, etc. for around $100. www.mousesavers.com has all current offers listed.

www.clearwaterbeachhotel.com
www.beachsand.com

I would consider both the above hotels to be on the quiet side, especially the Sheraton Sand Key.

If they fly into Tampa it's not too bad of a ride to any place in Clearwater Beach-I think they have shuttles that will take you to some of the hotels.

Good luck.

If you go to www.flausa.com you can search by price and area and find a lot of places to stay.

 

[Chris2597]

Tigercat
I called the Jupiter Beach Resort today....we are making a quick 2 day trip to Jupiter....to visit family...I called to ask if there Entertainment rate and was advised that they are no longer participating in the program..... The hotel is the nicest hotel in the area....I also checked the Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, and Fairfield Inn, none of which are on the beach and all were priced anywhere from 115.00 to well over 150.00 per night.....I was so disappointed that they would not take the EC.....
I agree with another poster....Jupiter is a sleepy little city, but it is so relaxing.....It has all the conveniences of a larger city but at a much slower pace....and the beach is beautiful.
Another fun thing to do in the area is the Sea Turtle Rescue tour....Very interesting.

 

[psammie1025]

They can fly right in to South West Regional Airport in Fort Myers & head out to the Beach. They have loads of resorts in different price ranges to choose from!

We love the beach here!

Good luck,
~paula

 

[psammie1025]

www.leeislandcoast.com

 

[tigercat]

psammy do you live in Fort Myers? She is looking for something the the $100.00/day range that is on the beach. Are the places there nice? I don't want to send her to somewhere that is not very nice. As for flying, they are going by airmiles and I am not sure where airmiles will fly them into. I think they will go to Tampa, Miami and Orlando. Is Fort Myers close to one of them? I think it is done through Air Canada. I guess that is something I will have to check on. I'll try tomorrow and see if I can find it out.
tigercat

 

[psammie1025]

I have lived here for over 15 years & we have beautiful beaches here.
If they are coming in May, that will be "after season" and the rates should be very reasonable. As for where to stay on the beach, try a search for Fort Myers Beach Resorts.
There are plenty of choices & they should be able to find many in their price range.
Here's two to try:
www.Pinkshell.com
and
www.diamondheadfl.com

good luck!
~paula