hollymum

My family and I (two adults one 9 and one 12 year old) are heading over to Florida for three weeks in the summer. We will do Disney for a week but then want to go over to the Gulf coast for some r&r. Any recommendations on where to stay either hotel or holiday rental would be great. We are thinking possibly Gulfport, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island or Sanibel but are open to suggestions. The children are well traveled so it does not have to be totally child focused. Many thanks

LindainOhio

We like both Sanibel and Anna Maria Island

We enjoyed staying at the condos at the Anna Maria Island Club. They are right on the beach with a nice pool beachside. Beautiful beach and rooms overlooking the beach. Had fun kayaking.

We have been to Sanibel during the peak season and have stayed at the condos at Loggerhead Key because it is an affordable option and very nice. Great shelling and bike riding.

BigRuss

There's a Gulfport in Mississippi, is there one in Florida too? Are you limiting yourself to the Florida Gulf Coast or would you travel west?

clarkgriswold

http://www.fodors.com/search/results...rch=Gulf+Coast

NeoPatrick

Well, BigRuss, traveling west of the Florida panhandle doesn't sound like a short addition to a stay in Orlando. More of a separate trip, unless they are driving in that general area.

I'd consider Treasure Island or close beaches, with lots to do in the Tampa/St.Pete area.

330east

South Seas Resort, Captiva Island, FL

hollymum

Thanks for all your suggestions.

OO

I'm surprised to see Gulfport pop up in these lists! It's a tiny little town, and is not on the Gulf beaches, so from that standpoint, I would exclude it. It is on Boca Ciega Bay, it does have a small beach, but it's not The Beach...as in going to the Gulf, as your other destinations are. Accommodations are very limited. As a family with kids, I believe you'd be happier on the Gulf beaches.

We've stayed at Casa Ybel in Sanibel with our kids, and all had a great time...but then, we are serious beach people. Casa Ybel has low rise condos with the one bedroom easily sleeping the 4 of us. The units all have nice screened porches facing the Gulf, full kitchens...very convenient for families

I like Anna Maria as well, but that's a day trip for us so I can't recommend any places to stay.

The beaches from St Pete Beach to Clearwater Beach are all very pretty, and offer a wider variety of things to do for everyone away from the beach. If you are more interested in an active vacation, I'd try to find something in this vicinity. There are the usual beach activities, plus parasailing, and day cruises for dolphin watching or to Shell Island, small aquarium in Clearwater (where Winter, the tailless dolphin from the movie is a permanent resident), a larger and beautiful aquarium in Tampa, Busch Gardens and Lowry Park Zoo, in Tampa as well.

In searching for accommodations, be aware that there is a difference between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach, St Petersburg and St Pete Beach etc. The first named are all inland counterparts to the beach locations.

NeoPatrick

This is not the first time there has been "illegal" advertising for this realtor on this site! Advertising here is not allowed.

CaptivaBeachVilla

Another vote for Sanibel/Captiva. R&R but also Shell Museums, Dolphin Cruises, Bike riding, etc... to keep the kids entertained.

Here's some Activities:

http://www.pinterest.com/Beachvilla2...a-attractions/

grieftrip

We just stayed at the Longboat Key Club resort. It has larger hotel rooms with multiple bedrooms. Every room has a balcony. Great pool and beach. I loved that the hotels serves food and drink pool/beach side. I actually booked it because they had covered cabanas on the beach! There are also several restaurants on property and lots around town. I enjoyed my stay. It is a little pricy, but not as much when you have a family. One hotel room there is cheaper than two elsewhere.

www.grieftrip.com

wintersp

For a family with your age kids, I would recommend the beaches from Pass.a.Grille to Clearwater Bch. I've spent a lot of time on Treasure Island and St. Pete Bch - not as much on the others , as far north as Indian Rocks. My reasons are the same as OOs - there is a lot to do off the beach. Miniature Golf - aquariums, Sawtooth Park in St. Pete for alligator viewings, and many other options.

cd

I don't like the beaches on Sanibel/Captiva they are not soft sand beaches but very small shells that, for me, make walking not comfortable. But if you want that area, you could stay at Ft Myers Beach and do day trips to Sanibel and Captiva.
I prefer the St Pete Beach area, as has been stated, lots to do and nice beaches.

Ackislander

We hated South Seas Resort on Captiva.

They charged extra for everything except breathing.

Maybe they have changed.

NeoPatrick

Ackislander, I think they HAVE changed. They now charge for breathing too!

jubilada

I like Anna Maria much more than Sanibel as the beaches are soft and you have much more access them .