Where to go next year?

[paul357]

In the past couple of years we have visited the gulf coast. Firstly a couple of day trips clearwater, then last year 4 days at st pete's beach. Next year we want to go back again and spend at least a week at the beach

The things I liked were;

The sand at Clearwater (finer sand than St Pete’s).
The hotels on the beach at St Pete’s (we stayed at the holiday inn).
The shops and restaurants at John's Pass Village (Maderia Beach)
Being able to hire deck chairs and sun umbrella’s on the beach.

I would be happy to go back to either place but would like to try further down the coast as well if it has anything else to offer. We loved being able to walk from our room straight out to the beach, spending the morning to mid afternoon playing with the kids/ reading under a sun umbrella. Then mid afternoon going shopping or visiting a local attraction, then eating out early evening (John's Pass Village was great for both).

Is there anywhere else that ticks all the same box’s, and are there any good websites where you can see what the area is like?

I’d especially be interested in places that have suites or sofa beds for the kids

Thanks in advance!

[becbecs]

Hi Paul

We have been to Longboat Key, Sarasota

The Hilton

Absolutley fabulous beaches. Restaurants up and down the Key serving some superb food.

This is place is Paradise, probably just like the rest of the Gulf coast.

This is a great place to unwind and Relax. Also has lots of things to do also.

Longboat Key Sarasota answers all 4 of your questions.

[Lynne S]

Hi Paul,

Why not hire a condo or villa in one of the wonderful coastal area's. This would give you much more room than a hotel and still the freedom to eat out.
We stayed at Indian shores in a 3 bed condo last year and loved every minute of it.

There are some great homes on the sites above try a general enquiry and see what comes back.[msnsmile2]

[paul357]

I may consider a condo or villa, but we did love the hotel right on the beach, even though the lack of room was a problem.

I could do a few days right on the beach, then move to a villa for a week or so to do a bit of travelling.

Once I have a list of things we want to do I'll check to see who has property in the area

[Macka]

Hi Paul,

Can agree with the Gulf coast keys around Sarasota, they really are one of my favourite places on the earth. We're off to Florida tomorrow (sorry, just had to get that in again) and we'll be doing Rotonda, further down the coast, I'll post a trip report in a few weeks but there's a few that have been down there on the site and they do say it's very nice indeed. You'll be spoilt for choice anyway. Good luck.

[Lynne S]

Hi Paul,

We only had to cross the road to get onto Indian Shores beach,from the condo we stayed in. But I'm sure there are properties right on the beach[msnwink]

You'll have a great time whatever you decide.[8D]

[LiesaAnna]

never been there but your certainly making me wish i was there now!!
will have a think about this and maybe look into staying there for a few days next visit, sounds like a dream!

[chrizzy100]

Properties on the beach are going to cost big time....I'm not much of a beach person...but we went to Vero beach and parked for our walk in a hotel car park...I loved the fact that the rooms of the hotel opened up to the beach...and plan on many weekend stays when we move to FL...my friends have a condo nearby...but its not the same as hearing the sea on a morning and having that early morning walk without the drive....a holiday in a villa and then a beach front hotel would seem to be the best of both world...you could get help with the hotel from the many hotel forums online....

[chrizzy100]

I don't know if you've looked but there is a lovely apartment on SUGAR GULF SANDS for rent on this site...I love it...I have no idea where Suger Gulf Sands is...but I love the apartment ...

[Disney Dreamer]

Hi Paul,

We went to Naples last summer and had a fantastic time. We stayed in a villa which is our preference over a hotel. Naples itself is very beautiful and quite upmarket with loads to do and is an ideal base for visiting places like the Everglades, Fort Myers, Sanibel & Captiva and the fabulous Marco island. The beaches are idyllic and plenty of waterways to explore if you want to hire a boat or indeed go on an organised trip. We sat on the beach and watched the dolphins playing in the water, it was just so captivating. This was paradise for us and we wouldn't hesitate in recommending it. Just can't wait to go back!

Angela