travelfan1

I may be asking for too much here. Two 60 yr olds from NE and want/need to see some sun and green in the winter. Had a wonderful break this year in Charleston and Savannah in early April but temps were unusually low so thinking Florida next year. Loved both those cities.

Don't want near drunken college kids on spring break!! Variety of interests, historic towns (St. Augustine?), out-of-the-way small towns, sightseeing, nature, and a little beach time-not entire trip. Don't need to swim...just a little R&R with a good book on the beach and I'm good to go. Willing to drive to different locations - 3 max with 4 nights in each. Looking for locations approx 2-2 1/2 hrs apart. Will fly open jaw. Would like temps in 70's...yes, well aware there is no guarantee.

Would further South in February get us away from spring break kids with warmer temps?

Would appreciate feedback on these locations:

New Smyrna Beach
Coconut Grove
Amelia Island
St. Augustine (stay near beach or historic area?)

Thanks for any input.

gmoney

Check out Anna Maria Island. My new favorite.

Ackislander

The only college kids who go to the West Coast of Florida are staying with their grandparents.

Anna Maria southward if you want to go to the beach. Ft Myers southward to go in the water before mid March.

There are many lovely places on the East Coast that are also devoid of spring breakers. Cocoanut Grove and neighboring Coral Gables are two of them. The Jupiter area and Vero Beach both have good reputations (I.e., I know a lot of people in their sixties who go there year after year)..

Stay away from Orlando at spring break unless you get a great flight and car rental deal and just pass through. In mid-Florida, we did enjoy Mt Dora but not particularly warm.

NewbE

Amelia will be chilly in March. We were there in May one year and bundled up at night to walk on the beach.

NewbE

<The only college kids who go to the West Coast of Florida are staying with their grandparents.>
Mostly true, lol, but Clearwater and St. Pete Beach get some spring break action. Neither fits the small town vibe the OP is looking for, anyway.

Dukey1

OK, early April AND you might like to dip your toes in the ocean. You will perhaps have better luck water temp-wise further south and on either coast. I live on the beach in Fort Lauderdale and the water has seen lots of people in it for weeks now. Spring Break kids go on cruises now and I am not sure they hang around small towns much.

gmoney

Avoid Panama City like the plague!