ckwald

Family obligations are going to keep us from returning to Kauai this winter, but we may be able to get away for a week or ten days, so I'm thinking maybe somewhere in Florida -- a much shorter trip for us. All I'm familiar with is the Palm Beach to Boca area, and I'm hoping you Fodorites can recommend a getaway location with a beautiful uncrowded beach and cottage or house rentals on it, or very close by. Some shopping, galleries and restaurants within reach would be a big plus.

Wayne

Well, first of all you won't find Florida in the winter to be extremely crowded except for the extreme southern parts of the state. But isolated beaches can be a real rarity. I have a few suggestions:

First, if it's the beach part that appeals to you, the winter season is pretty nice anywhere south of Tampa Bay. Through December, beaches all the way up the Gulf Coast can be enjoyable. So it sounds as if the Naples area could be one destination.

For a Florida mountain experience, head for Mount Dora north of Orlando, situated on a lovely large freshwater lake with beaches in various spots, and the "mountain" looming above. Here you can imagine you have Diamond Head in the background as you lounge on the beach. The village of Mount Dora is charming, with lots of shops and restaurants.

You might also want to take a chance on pleasant weather as far north as St Augustine, which has all the charm and history you could ever want, plus lots of shopping, strolling, and eating, and a good beach just across the bay.

Finally, I also like the area around Vero Beach and Fort Pierce, which can be quite pleasant during much of the winter, with good beaches and lots of culture and food.

These ought to be a good start for you to consider. Good luck.

LindainOhio

We also love Kauai but haven't found a Kauai like place in Florida. The closest we have found, easiest to get to for a short trip, is St. John USVI.

SiestaLinda

What are the dates you are thinking of.

ckwald

Thanks very much folks. I'll check all these places out.

SiestaLinda: Dates not fixed yet, but it would be early January.

Larry1

Wayne was right that Florida really isn't very crowded in the winter except for extreme southern portion. Unfortunately, in early January the "uncrowded" portions of Florida will really be hit or miss with true beach weather......

OO

Wayne...I trust that comment about Mt Dora was tongue in cheek?! I'vve been there...it was cute, but I was not reminded of HI or anything close. LOL

xkenx

Sanibel Island has tropical "Caribbean-like" feel, except that it is flat. Lots of condo and cottage rentals. If you're into B&Bs, there is a very nice one in Naples called Inn by the Sea, only two short blocks from the Gulf beach, and a block from a very upscale shopping/restaurant/gallery stretch.
In Delray Beach, we recently stayed at Wright by the Sea (www.wbtsea.com)
It is an small apartment hotel on the beach side of A1A. Quiet, clean, delightful, pool, grass, tiki tut, shady areas, steps to a wide stretch of beach. It is where Linton Bl. ends, so it is only a couple of min. to the Atlantic Ave. scene.

tcapp

I thought Mt. Dora was a total dump.

xkenx

Or, as a previous poster said, go to St.John. Florida water/weather can be dicey in the winter. St.John has Kauai-like scenery, but better beaches and water temps. warmer than Hawaii.

SiestaLinda

Florida weather is dicey the first or second week of January. I have enjoyed 75-80 degree weather and have endured the 50's so difficult for me to tell you to do this--again--mother nature. I have not been to St. Johns in many years, I agree it is very tropical--but not sure about the shopping, galleries and such. But that could be different now.

I have some ideas for you for Florida, just let me know what your thots are on price and taking a chance on the weather.

christiegr

ck...although St John has very beautiful beaches it does not compare to Kauai in my opinion.The parking problem in St John is a pain.However if you do go stay at the Caneel Resort..it was very nice and had a nice calm beach.The Westin was also nice.or you could rent a villa try www.caribbeanvilla.com for villa rentals.if you go during the summer..I definately recommend AC it gets very hot and humid there.Trust me I live in NC and it was hotter in St john but there are alot of beautiful beaches and sunsets/rises on St John.Good luck!!

Tandoori_Girl

Florida is so flat, it's no Hawaii, that's for sure. But you will find similar volcanic cliffs on some of the islands in the Caribbean. I've only been to a few but St. Kitts and Jamaica both have high mountains that end at the shoreline. Both also have beachy areas. I agree that your best bet would be the Caribbean.

Florida is flat as a pancake. Even our "mountains" are barely discernable.

ckwald

You guys have been great! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. Well, I'm leaning toward St. John and I'm thinking about renting a cottage (we're not really resort or big hotel people) I've seen a few online that look appealing and are not totally outside our price range.

I'm noticing that most of them seem to be up in the hills, but say that they're five or ten minutes drive from a beach. Is that weather-related, as in, it's hot down by the beaches? (We'll be going in Jan.)

xkenx

There are two villas in St. John at fine beaches--Terrahawk is just above Hawksnest Beach, and Gibney Beach cottage right on Gibney Beach, next to Hawksnest.

galle38

I live in Mt Dora and it is not a dump!Very charming weekend get away type of town.But I disagree with a few other posts,Winter in MtDora is the busy season.Most snowbirds leave around Easter and then it becomes less crowded.
There is lots of activities during the winter (art festival,boat show,car show,craft show,and not to mention during the xmas holidays.

So if you are looking for a laid back relaxing few days close to the attractions in Orlando, Mt Dora is for you.

LilMsFoodie

Mt dora is a charming antidote to Orlando/Orange County/Disney juggernaut. The fantasy of finding Kauai in Florida is just that. LMF