Gulf coast of southern Florida info request
 

I posted this on the US forum but they get buried quickly...my DH and I are looking to spend the month of Feb in southern Florida..we have vacationed extensively on the East coast and the Keys, so know little about the gulf side. I know that the Lauderdale/Daytona area is NOT what we want in selecting a place to stay...those areas are nice for a week's vacation, but we want something a little more layed back for a month...is there any "inside" info we should know before selecting a place to stay? I will say that we have also stayed in Sanibel a couple of times and Marco Island before it became so populated. I need to mention that we have a little yorkie.

Hi arbutus beach!

Though I guess its more central gulf coast I think the Sarasota area is beautiful. I was there on spring break visiting my boyfriend at New College (a school in the area). There were really pretty beaches, that werent at all crowded, and what looked like lots of great shopping. It didnt feel like a tourist town to me. Its been several years though so perhaps someone else can weigh in on whether its changed?

Ill never forget this little place to eat on the water called the old salty dog...Nothing fancy but really neat.

Have a great trip!

:)

fort myers

The main question I have is how near the water do you want to be? Are we talking about a gulf front condo, or somewhere you can drive in traffic for an hour to get to the beach. Degas' suggestion is the latter, which is OK if that's what you want.

You're right to mention the Yorkie. That is a big issue for rental apartments, and will probably cut your possibilites by up to 90%. Here in Naples there are almost no condominiums that allow renters to have a pet.

we would like a place with a pool but walking distance (at least) by the beach...I can't leave my dog..we are leaving her for 16 days to go to Italy...and that's hard enough, but necessary if we want to take the trip..Florida of course is another story...pretty much we can go where she can go...thanks

Check this out arbutusbeach:

http://tinyurl.com/3blqgv

Through advanced search on cyberrentals.com I chose Florida, for the month of Feb, pets accepted, and pool.

I wasnt able to narrow it down by section of the state but it tells you that in the description so you shouldnt have to click on every one to see the location.

You can narrow your search even more by # of bedrooms, whether theres a/c, etc.

And here is vacation rental by owner:

http://tinyurl.com/p233a

I chose south gulf coast. Scroll through and look for the ones with a paw print, which denotes pet friendly.

I realize your original question wasnt "how do I find a place to stay." Im just thinking that you could maybe use these websites to see if there are any cute places to stay in Sarasota, Ft Myers, Naples (as suggested here).

:)

I hope this helps!

Thanks..I have used those resources...just wanted a more "human" touch!

Have you looked at Anna Maria Island. It sounds like it might be what you are looking for. I have found Sarasota way too busy as of late.

yes, I have..it was where I first started looking but got discouraged with what they had to offer for pet people...I think tomorrow I will phone a few Chambers of Commerce offices...

My mom used to rent an efficiency apartment in Pass-a-Grille (St. Pete Beach). Dogs were no problem. She even used to take the dogs out to the beach at dusk. It's a very laid back area, so might be worth a try.

Hi, arbutusbeach! So, if you have been to Sanibel & Marco you know all about Red Tide, right? Sorry I can't help you w/ a rental but I just wnat to make sure that you know about Red Tide b/f signing a mnoth-long Lease. ;) You may be ok w/ that (lots of people who go there every year are!)

Pine Island!

It is a very relaxed island with no traffic lights and a small town atmosphere. Pine Island is the largest island (17 miles long) off Florida's western Gulf coast. It is just 15 minutes from Cape Coral, and 30 minutes from Ft. Myers. They have ferries to Sanibel Island with pristine white sand beaches, clear blue water and colorful exotic flora. Also, close enough to Naples where you will find fine cosmopolitan dining, enjoyable upscale shopping and a dynamic arts and culture scene.

It is reported that the best tarpon fishing in the world is just north of the island in Boca Grande Pass. Snook, redfish, grouper, snapper and many more help make it a fisherman’s paradise.

It is full of vacation rentals of every sort. With the exception of high-rises. They are not allowed on this quaint island.

We slip down to Pine Island for a long weekend here and a short weekend there, almost every month during the summer and fall season. It is worth the three hour drive to relax in beautiful Pine Island.

FLNan-

I live 5 minutes from Pine Island and am not aware of any ferries that run to Sanibel. Can you give me the name of the company?

Thanks!

I loved Pass-a-Grille.

Kinch-500 - I misspoke, You can catch a ferry to North Captiva, not Sanibel/Captiva.

Private water-taxis are available to Sanibel/Captiva.

You probably know that "Island Girl Charters", at Pineland Marina, travel back and forth from Pine Island and North Captiva every 2 hours. I've heard that there is a ferry between North Captiva and Sanibel/Captiva. Maybe it is Jensen's Twin Palm Marina. I'm not sure. It too, may be a water-taxi.

From the North side of Pine Island, it takes us just 15 to 20 minutes to get to Sanibel/Captiva, however, we prefer North Captiva.

Glad you caught my mistake.

Nannette

Ok thanks for the info! You had me all excited thinking there was a ferry that I didnt know about. I have never been to North Captiva and was still not aware of any ferries.