Where else to stay in Florida?

[DisneyJoo2008]

Its been ages since I came on here - my wedding took over!
I'm now married and to prevent post wedding depression (!!!) I am organising our trip to Florida next year - which yesterday got fully confirmed as I was told I'm getting a bonus at work!

So... can anyone recommend anywhere else to stay in Florida? Not specifically hotels (unless you have any recommendations of course!) but more an area... we were thinking of doing 7-9 days in Disney etc. and then doing a bit of a relaxing break - i.e. Miami or the Beach for the rest of the trip.

Having only done Orlando - we have no idea where to start so I'd be very grateful of any help!!!

Hope this is in the right area too!

Julie xxx

 

[Maggi May]

Rather than Miami, how 'bout the Florida Keys and Key West? The Keys are truly like nowhere else in Florida. There are wonderful lodges and hotels all along US 1 from Key Largo on down, and Key West itself has amazing hotels and bed and breakfasts.

 

[DisneyJoo2008]

thanks Maggi!
My Dad likes the idea of the keys as well... we'll have a look and see what sort of prices they are!
Julie x

 

[Detailor]

I was also thinking that the Keys would meet your need to relax. Also, you might consider Captiva Island, Sanibel Island or Naples on the Gulf side.

Dick Taylor

 

[ducklite]

What time of the year do you plan on traveling?

 

[spiceycat]

like the Panhandle area - a little cheaper prices - and nice WHITE beaches.

now some people actually like the brown sand with the rocks if so go for the Atlantic side.

vero beach, Daytona, St Augustine, Cocoa Beach - are these.

now the Panhandle is great for relaxing but it still have things to do - if you want too.

here are some sites for Panama City beaches
http://www.pcbeach.org/
http://www.pcbgov.com/
http://www.thebeachloversbeach.com/
http://visitpcfla.com/
http://www.panamacitybeachonline.com/
http://www.pcbeach.com/default.aspx

the area around PCB
http://community.emeraldcoast.com/

for all of florida
www.visitflorida.com

 

[MattM]

Southwest Florida. Englewood, Boca Grande, Fort Myers, Sanibel/Captiva Islands, Naples, Marco Island. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the state and hasnt been ravished by the tourism machine yet. Instead of seeing condos when you look down the beaches, you see palm trees and coconuts. Also, great fishing around there, if you like to do that.

 

[D&DDisney]

We've had good luck with Treasure Island FL - near Tampa and only 1.5hrs from Disney. We've stayed at The Bilmar Resort and it was a very relaxing, quiet vacation. Kind of romantic too, if you get a ocean view room. Great sunsets!!!!