Need non-Disney Florida ideas for next spring

[Rock'n Robin]

Next year I FINALLY have the same spring break as the kids! I posted last week about looking for "inclusive" resorts--but the costs are just too much for a family of 5.
I don't think we want to do WDW--I know it's a lot more expensive over spring break and very crowded. We normally go in summer and that isn't a problem, but the NYE we were there was a little too much for me.
So what I want to do is just get a vacation rental home somewhere on the gulf coast. The problem is, I've never done this and don't know where to go. One woman at work gave me a good website for vacation rentals and they have rentals all over the state. She always goes to Fort Myers Beach. Another teacher has been to Siesta Key (by Sarasota) and likes that area.
I would want something on a beach or a short walk to it (not over busy highways either) but some "things to do" within an hour or two because DH is not one who can just laze on a beach and be happy. He would need to visit some attractions. The girls will be 16 and almost 13, so I imagine just the beach would be fine for them! DS will be 9.
Any ideas or suggestions?
Robin M.

 

[freckles and boo]

If you promise not to share, I will PM you with my very favorite little secret place. It is small and older and I don't want everyone knowing about it!

 

[lillygator]

Siesta Key is great and most of the vacation rentals are steps away from the beach, there is also Sanibel Island.

 

[BensMom]

Anna Maria Island ... very cool place. Relaxing. Right outside of Bradenton. Lots to do within an hour or two. Sarasota, Longboat Key, Busch Gardens, etc.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Good ideas so far. I won't share any secrets!
Robin M.

 

[DISUNC]

If you promise not to share, I will PM you with my very favorite little secret place. It is small and older and I don't want everyone knowing about it!

HEY! We dont have 'secrets' on the Disboards!

As far a NON Dis things to do.....

HUH? You mean ASIF there is anything OTHER THAN WDW IN FLORIDA????? And you boldly ask this on the DISboards?

Check the Univeral/Sea World threads here...and Trip Reports are a great place to see what other people do!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I did think about Universal for a minute...but I'm sure those prices go up at spring break too (esp. since ours is Good Friday and the week after Easter--height of the season). DD#1 really wants a beach vacation and I can't say that I blame her. We haven't had a beach vacation since we spent a week in the upper lower Peninsula of Michigan in 99.
Robin M.

 

[diznygirl]

We just got back from our spring break mini-vacation to St. Petersburg. We stayed at a really nice Hampton Inn. It was within walking distance of the pier and Baywalk (and a Starbucks up the street).

http://www.stpetehamptonsuites.com/

We drove out to Clearwater one day. Took about 30-40 minutes to get there. Bought a 1/2 day parking pass at the marina, did Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise and then walked across to Clearwater Beach for the rest of the time.

While in St. Petersburg we visited the St. Pete Grand Prix, the Salvador Dali museum and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. There is also a fine art museum we didn't have time for.

And then we did Dinosaur World on the way home.

This was the first time we did this, so we aren't experts, and I know there are a bunch of nice beaches close to where we were staying that we didn't get to. We had so much fun that we decided we should do this every year. The Hampton Inn has suites. But the one regular room had everything we needed - microwave/fridge/free internet access.

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

Pass-a-grille beach on the Gulf coast. It's so beautiful and a short drive to many attractions.

 

[FINFAN]

I love the Gulf side, ( have family in Naples and Cape Coral)but one year we drove up to Kennedy Space Center, and while we didn't stay there, we saw a beautiful resort near the cruise ships port...a Radisson...try www.dcltribute.com
some decent info on there. My kids were 13 (DD) AND 10 (DS) when we went, but they always ask to go back...and then you are not too far from Ron Jons ( very cool condo resort there as well) and surf lessons maybe... and parasailing, only an hour from WDW and Univerasl, SeaWorld if you change your mind...I you do decide on IOA, I would suggest staying at the Royal Pacific Resort...FOTL access, Nightlife at Citywalk, you are not only allowed to pool hop over at Hard Rock and Portofino Bay, they encourage it! RPR is considered the 'value' of the Loews resorts at IOA...but it sure doesn't feel value. At any rate , back to the gulf side, I like LongBoat Key...not sure if it will offer enough alternatives for your DH, but then you do have Busch Gardens nearby...and there is a bus that goes between Sea World and Busch Gardens for day trips..I think it is arond $7 per person RT...or at least was when we went. Also Sea World is buy a day, get the next day free withi a 7 day period...or again, used to be, check their website to be sure. If not Florida, many love Hilton Head, or back to the Gulf..Destin/Ft Walton Beach area.
HAPPY HUNTING!


Pam

 

[kctwinmommy]

Another possibility is Sandestin! http://www.sandestin.com/ Someone else was asking about them a week or two ago, we own a condo there. Ours is pretty much the cheapest piece on the property though. But it's a gated community, with shops, restaurants, water sports, beaches, etc... It's really a nice place! We haven't been back since we bought our condo in 2002, but I know a lot of people vacation there!

 

[BensMom]

Jeez, yeah, thought of suggesting panhandle. I have to say I have been to all parts of Florida and the beaches on the panhandle are the most beautiful. Seaside, Rosemary Beach, etc. The sand there is like nothing I have ever seen. They call it sugar sand, it's so fine and white. However, the downfall with the panhandle is it's not near anything or anywhere. Panama City Beach has a few things to do, but it's kinda seedy (although fun). It's hard to fly into and you have to drive a bit from any major airport. It's just a neat part of Florida.