OT: Non-Disney Florida Trips. Where else to go??

[Grendalynn]

Yes, Believe it or not, there are other places in Florida to visit. Hard to beleive, I know. Granted WDW is our #1, I am curious to know where else in Florida dis-family's go when not visiting the Mouse.

Its a non-Disney year for us and I am looking for ideas. I am in search of family friendly places and or resorts, with great pools and possibly kids clubs. Efficiency's (full or small kitchens) are what I am looking for and on the beach of course.

We have traveled within the state extensively, but always seem to hit the same spots over and over. We have done the Keys many many times, but they tend to be pricey. However we are in search of white sand beaches and emerald waters. West coast or Southern part of East coast possibly, even thought about the pan handle, although we have never been there. Destin? Panama City? The pictures of the water and beaches look beautiful, but how is the weather/temps up there that time of year?? I look forward to the feedback!! Thanks in Advance!!

 

[MACfamily4]

After our Disney vacations, we spend two weeks on Sanibel Island. It's very family friendly and extremely relaxing after a week with the mouse. The place where we stay, Pointe Santo, has a kids club with activities each day (M-F) as well as family activities. They are full condos, so we don't even eat out much while we're there because we have a full kitchen and access to grills by the lagoon. We stay in C-27 - newly remodeled and absolutely gorgeous. It's the second happiest place on earth for me!

 

[holden]

We like Vero Beach (in-laws have a house there). There is a Disney property there too!

 

[jodifla]

Have you been to Clearwater Beach/St. Pete Beach area? They have those gorgeous white sand beaches.

My fav place to stay there are some of the remaining mom and pop motels right near the beach, that have kitchens and overlook a pool and the ocean, but they have resorts as well.

 

[zeferjen]

We usually go to Myrtle Beach in July. The kids love the beach and the pool and DH loves the golfing.

 

[Grendalynn]

Those were some of the places we were looking into actually. Busch Gardens is something else I was looking into, but DH was afraid it would be for the older kids. Our boys at 3, 7 and 11.

The water looks beautifu up in the Panhandle (Destin, Panama City area) as well. But we have never been that far up and over, can anyone give any insight on that area?? Thanks so much!

 

[Carolina_Ggirl]

I would highly recommend the Panhandle / "Emerald Coast" area. We vacationed several years back (pre-kids) in Destin and absolutely loved it!!

We found the area to be very family oriented & we can't wait to take our son down to that region one day (when he's a little older & can survive the long drive).

We stayed at a condo called the Majestic Sun right after it opened & were very pleased. From the research I've done since, there are quite a few newer, even better places there & other properties spanning to Panama City etc that look even more appealing w/ water parks for the kids etc.

We are from SC & have always loved our Charleston/Kiawah, Myrtle Beach & Hilton Head beaches; however, after visiting the Emerald Coast I admittedly will never look at our beaches the same way. The sand & water were so beautiful in Destin. We went the beginning of May and had great beach weather.

Here's a link to one of the web sites I found last year when researching places to go (before opting for our local beaches). http://www.sterlingresorts.com

(We thought Splash looked like it would be appealing for little ones! However, I still have a hard time thinking of Panama City & Family Vacation in the same sentence ... I hear it's possible! But I still have flashes of crazy college spring breakers!)

 

[Ericandjenng]

Do you (or a friend/relative) have AAA membership where you can get one of their Florida tour books? These books have so much info. From info about cities and hotels to restaurants to touristy stuff...to the outdoorsy stuff.

 

[Gabe's Mom]

We love Anna Maria Island. It's near the Bradenton area. Mostly rental houses, no big high rise type condos. Very quiet, relaxing. Can't wait to get back there!

 

[DrummerBoy523]

We love Anna Maria Island. It's near the Bradenton area. Mostly rental houses, no big high rise type condos. Very quiet, relaxing. Can't wait to get back there!

AMI is a special place - especially around the 4th of July. They shoot fireworks off days in advance off of the beach - what a fun place to be. My aunt lives on AMI and we visit her often.

Siesta Key - down by Sarasota - a great beach - probably the best beach in FL if you ask me. We usually stay in a full condo there in our non-Disney years.

 

[AirGoofy]

We like Vero Beach (in-laws have a house there). There is a Disney property there too!

Yes, and it is wonderful. It is a private beach with no commercial traffic. The resort was great, and Goofy and Donald visited on Saturday with their swimsuits on. We had a great time and can't wait to go back.