Trip recs - looking for a place to go on the gulf side of FL

rog1187

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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any recs on location...family trip...possibly fly into Orlando and drive from there to location.
 

WVUBRU

Freshman
Aug 7, 2001
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Only had one family vacation in the area and that was Clearwater. Enjoyed it as there is a ton to do in Tampa/St. Pete area. My only complaint is the sand on the beach wasn't soft but rather has a bunch of small shells in it.
 

rog1187

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
69,741
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Only had one family vacation in the area and that was Clearwater. Enjoyed it as there is a ton to do in Tampa/St. Pete area. My only complaint is the sand on the beach wasn't soft but rather has a bunch of small shells in it.
Thanks - was looking there as a possible place.
 

WhiteTailEER

Sophomore
Jun 17, 2005
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Thanks - was looking there as a possible place.

I was in Ft. Myers for a wedding about 5 years ago, that was nice. We were only there for a few days, but it seemed mostly quiet and relaxed for the most part. We didn't fly into Orlando though, so I'm not sure what the drive would be like from Orlando to there.
 

Mntneer

Sophomore
Oct 7, 2001
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My parents have a place outside of Naples. They love it down there. I take my wife and kids down every so often and they enjoy it as well.

We're actually going down this June and then driving up to Orlando for a few days.
 

WVUCOOPER

Redshirt
Dec 10, 2002
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My only complaint is the sand on the beach wasn't soft but rather has a bunch of small shells in it.
 

WVUBRU

Freshman
Aug 7, 2001
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Destin

Edit - lol. Just saw that you were flying to Orlando, I think Destin might be a stretch.
Yes, I'm more familiar with the panhandle and Destin is great, imo. But from Orlando, that is a tough drive. Same with Naples and Ft Myers. Great places but not from Orlando
 

WVUBRU

Freshman
Aug 7, 2001
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I might switch my flight plans if Destin is that nice of a place. I'll look it up. thanks
Destin is more relaxing and great beach. Not as much to do as Clearwater area. Biggest problem with Destin is the crowds and traffic. But I enjoy Destin a great deal.
 

Boomboom521

Redshirt
Mar 14, 2014
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S A R A S O T A !!! Siesta Key! One of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. Eat at the Salty Dog!
 

Boomboom521

Redshirt
Mar 14, 2014
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S A R A S O T A !!! Siesta Key! One of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. Eat at the Salty Dog!
Mineral quartz deposits flow down the Mississippi and deposit on Siesta Key Beach....it's almost pure white sand...cool to the touch....it alone is worth checking out.
 

rog1187

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
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Destin is more relaxing and great beach. Not as much to do as Clearwater area. Biggest problem with Destin is the crowds and traffic. But I enjoy Destin a great deal.
My son is 8 so he just requires sand and water at this point. I've heard good things about Destin
 

rog1187

All-Conference
May 29, 2001
69,741
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S A R A S O T A !!! Siesta Key! One of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. Eat at the Salty Dog!
Siesta Key is on the list as well...how are the crowd sizes? We're used to Top Sail with minimal people and a small town feel.
 
Dec 7, 2010
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I might switch my flight plans if Destin is that nice of a place. I'll look it up. thanks
I've been to the Destin area several times-specifically Sandestin Resort and also Seagrove Beach. Seaside, which is a developed communited with unique architecture is a really cool place for families. Rosemary Beach is really nice too. All in the same area. Check out some of thse rentals in Seaside: http://www.seasidefl.com/real-estate/

I've also stayed at Dunes of Seagrove which is very nice.
 

mule_eer

Freshman
May 6, 2002
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Destin is great, but it also depends on when you are thinking of going there. I was in that area over Memorial Day weekend a few years ago. Don't bother with Destin then. It was insane - cars parked along the road almost the entire way between Okaloosa Island and Destin. It stays busy in the summer, but avoid any holiday weekends. Too many folks drive down there around those times.

I'll add that I've done the Tampa to Destin drive once. That's about 6 hours. It's tolerable, but I can't recommend it highly. The scenery is boring as all get out, but still better than Kansas.
 

WVPATX

Freshman
Jan 27, 2005
28,197
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any recs on location...family trip...possibly fly into Orlando and drive from there to location.

Destin Florida is in the panhandle but an awesome location with the best beaches in all of Florida. Great for the family.
 

COOL MAN

Freshman
Jun 19, 2001
34,662
91
48
I'm in Sarasota all next week, and then Marco Island for a couple days in late April. Any thoughts on Marco; I've heard of it, but know nothing about it.
 

MOUNTIE IN MD

Sophomore
Apr 30, 2002
10,603
188
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Vacationed at Marco Island and Sanibel Island....both great spots.

Fly into Ft Myers airport via Southwest...much closer than Orlando