How does Sarasota sound for 4 late 20 somethings?

I really enjoy Sarasota so it would work great. When are you looking at?

Yes, Florida is of course a huge state and Sarasota/Siesta may be just lovely for you.

Siesta Key is a great beach town. We love staying at Siesta Dunes which are 2 bedroom condos right on the beach.

Thanks. Think we're going to go for it. Unfortunately it's next July (I'm a school teacher so have limited holiday times) but we're keeping a hire car while we're there so if the weather's dodgy, we'll be able to go exploring. A hotel that's been suggested to us by a travel agent is The Helmsley Sancastle. Any advice?

Weather will be very hot and humid, late afternoon rain showers

In July? I’d seriously consider the east coast beaches; breezier and not buggy. Yes, expect the afternoon rains. (Good time to go shopping or take a nap). In July, the east coast beaches are gorgeous in the morning hours (7am-11 am) and again after 4:30 pm. Between 11 am – 4 pm it gets unbearably hot, for me anyway.

But the west coast has beautiful sunsets! Yes, it is hot - but you can do something in air-conditioning or cool off in the pool/Gulf. Ringling Museum would be a nice break from the beach, you can go to Mote Marine's aquarium, or Myakka River State Park for beautiful scenery and alligators. Some canoe there, but I wouldn't - too many gators. The air boat ride is more my style. http://www.myakkariver.org/things.html It's been years since I've been to Siesta Key (I'm north of Sarasota and we go to Anna Maria Island - not for you guys, it's more families and retirees) but I remember it as being very nice. You can go downtown or to St. Armand's for more restaurants if you want.

Abilou,

if you decide to go west and if you like art you may like to swing by St. Petersburg (only about 40 miles longer). There is a world class Salvador Dali museum.

Yes! I second the Dali museum.

Rent a house on Anna Maria Island. It will be inexpensive. I have a house on Anna Maria Island. The water will be warm, you can walk the beach and there are great restaurants. However, not much night life unless you go to the Drift Inn (trailer park bar) on Bridge Street.

During July, in Florida, no matter where you go it will be 90 plus with 90% humidity. I stay away during July and August and go to the Jersey Shore.

Anna Maria is really nice (I'm in Bradenton and usually recommend it), but Siesta Key would probably have more going on for late 20-somethings - don't you think?

I would tend to agree Stephany's assesment for the Summer...the East coast of Florida is especially more pleasant in the Summer....since you'll be in Orlando, you might want to consider the new resort from Gloria Estefan in Vero Beach (for total relaxation)...or if you want a little more action, try the Palm Beach area...West Palm Beach's downtown is very trendy right now with the 20 and 30 something crowd...a lot of fun for going out in the evenings, but not the edgy crowd of South Beach...the beaches are beautiful there too...and there are nice B & Bs in the Palm Beach area.

Some of us like the east coast and some the west coast of Florida. I happen to like them both but I find the west coast just too hot in the summer. In fact, somewhere I read that Palm Beach is the coolest area in Florida because it kind of sticks out. Nevertheless, the beaches are gorgeous, calm, clear, warm, blue and almost empty during the week. Trendy shopping opportunities are endless and sales everywhere. This year was very hot and dry. Last year was rainy; no mesquites. But, Palm Beach is not for everyone. This is one area where I feel quite poor.

It really depends on what you are looking for. The 20 something scene is South Beach. There is the art scene in Sarasota. If it's beach time go to Anna Maria. There are great restaurants, ie Waterfront, Mar Vista and there is some night life in Sarasota.