We are taking a family vacation to Florida in March. It will be myself, my husband, our 2 kids (5 & 3), plus my parents, and my brother's family (him, his wife and their 9, 7, and 5 yr. old girls). We are looking at Marco Island and Ft. Myers. I sort of ruled out the East Coast of FL, b/c I don't want to deal with the drunk college kids! But now I'm having second thoughts. We are limited to either Marriott or Starwood properties b/c of our hotel points. The Marco Island option is great, but I've heard that getting on and off the island during peak season is a nightmare. Plus it is an hour from the airport. The Ft. Myers location has other benefits, but a very small beach.
We want a place that's not too far from the airport, has a beach, pool, and is close to some restaurants...so we don't have to spend a fortune at the hotel restaurants. Bonus points for an area with activities, such as fishing, boating, water sports, or nature/wildlife tours.
So, my question: is the area between West Palm Beach and Miami a total nightmare for families with small kids during spring break? Was I right to rule it out? Any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks!!
Have you checked out Naples - in between Marco and Ft. Myers?
I love Sanibel too.
I grew up in Boca Raton (right in between WPB and Miami). I think Boca Raton and Delray Beach are very family friendly. Even as kids, we did not go down to Ft. Laud or Miami often. (Honestly, Miami is like a foreign country). There is a cute little town called Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. I remember going down there as a kid.
We vacation every year on Sanibel Island (off the coast of Ft. Myers). We stay at Casa Ybel. It's wonderful! (We just got back about 10 days ago:) The unit we stay in has a full kitchen, so we just grocery shop and eat at the unit (2/2 townhouse). It's easier and cheaper.
I think the popular places for Spring Break are Daytona and Panama City (no where near S. FL).
Another mom mentioned Hawk's Cay in the Keys. I second that! It's a great place:)
We are regular visitors to the Hilton SanDestin Golf and Spa resort. LOVE this place.. safe, gated area, lots to do in the area. It is about an hour from the airport.
We were at Marco Island last July and it was not very crowded but I can see where it would be a nighmare in peak season. LOVED the hotel, Hilton Resort and would go back. FLy to Ft Myers/Naples or Ft lauderdale. We flew to Ft. Lauderdale and drove across the state which was less than 2 hours.
Miami is an adult place... option for topless. Just FYI some people get all fired up about that. Many hotels at South Beach will not allow someone under 18 to be in the room. It is a party central place (adults). I was there in June with my daughter at South Beach and North Miami beach. We were at the Loews resort and LOVED it. This is a short ride from the airport. We never rent a car in Miami... we go taxi.
We've been to South Beach a few times as an adult getaway and it is a lot of fun. You just have to be careful with little ones. North Beach is quieter and more family friendly.
Fort Lauderdale is very nice and a little more family friendly than Miami Beach. Marriot Harbour resort is nice (or at least was when we were last there).
Amelia Island in the Jacksonville area is very nice.
I don't think you will be as bombarded with drunk teens as you think. Give them a break, they are not all bad. Also, they tend to not stay in the nicer resorts.... they tend to go cheap and save $$. The resorts I am talking about are around $250 off peak to $500+ peak season per night.
If you are in a nice resort, you should be ok.
Hmmm. I would suggest St Augustine, but not sure where there is an airport nearby. It's got A LOT of nice beaches, a castle, some outlet shopping, tons of dinning options, a pirate ship and a light house. Lots to do. Besides it's the oldest city in America so lots of historical information too.
South East Florida has gotten a bad rap on the teens. Actually most teens now go to South Beach, Pananama for the mtv break. The adults go to Key West for the drinking. lI'll give you places on both coasts you might like. Tampa/St. Petersburg has some nice places for big families in Treasure Island portion. There is a nice pier you can watch the porpoises swim and some nice restuarants. Great little places to stay on the beach. A section for tourist shops. If you have a car you can go down to the fort De Soto which is a fort and a county park to explore. Also there is the amusemement park Bush Gardens for the kids. On the East Coast Ft. lauderdale/Hollywood is good also. Ft. Lauderdale stay at the Marriot which has a overwalkng ramp to the beach. lots to do and see. Hollywood beach which is more family oriented you can stay in one of the little hotels on the beach and its mostly beach and small shops. More kid oriented. Down town Hollywood has some nice restuarants also. If your family likes to fish and wants a place on the beach to just hang out as a family I'd try the florida keys, Marathon, Key Largo. Islamarado. You can rent places right on the beach. Just beaches and fishing snorkling kind of place though. Kids like the dolphin institute and Pine Key camp. Of course cant not forgt to mention Disney or Universals. If your looking for something like that let me know I can lead you to the nice places to stay for each.
Well, I live east coast of southern Florida (Boca) and I know that Fort Lauderdale tried to crack down on the spring break crazies. It's become much nicer than it was in the 80's. If you go to a high-end hotel you shouldn't have a problem (Marriott Harbour Beach?). And there you are SUPER close to the airport and there are lots of fun things to do.
Would you consider the Boca Resort? It's pricey but incredible, and they just re-did their beach club. It's five minutes from my house so you guys could stop by LOL! :P
Another option, in the Keys, is Hawk's Cay. You could fly into Miami and make the drive (which is pretty thru the Keys). Hawk's Cay is really fun for kids, and they have a dolphin encounter.
ETA: I'm partial to the Atlantic side of Florida, except in the Keys where the Gulf is amazing too. I've heard Marco Island is wonderful but I don't think it is quite as accessible as other spots in FL.
