Need some advice. Looking to take a vacation to Florida in the spring and not sure where to go. Looking for really nice beaches (with surf if possible), not overcrowded with kids, quaint, charming town/area. Looking for casual, elegant, small resort with friendly atmosphere and people. Have looked at Amelia Island, Sanibel, Naples, etc. Any favorites or other recommendations?

I'm biased as I prefer the East Coast to the West Coast.

My favorites in order are;

Hollywood
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Jupiter
Singer Island
Manalapan
South Beach

Even though South Beach can be trashy and over run, if you go in an off time of year, it is uncrowded. The beaches are beautiful, you can walk everywhere, and it isn't hard to get in the restaurants.

Also, there are beautiful beaches that are state parks that are breath taking.

Your hope for "surf if possible" eliminates any gulf coast (west coast) beach.
Your mention of "in the spring" brings to mind many kids if your trip lines up with spring break. Delay your trip until a week after Easter (last week of April) or first week of May, and you will find the beaches incredibly quieter.

Not sure how the beach is, but Sebastian is supposed to have great surf. Good luck with your search!

There is little island called Boca Grande off the gulf. ( I can't exactly remeber the exact area - but I think it is in the area of south of Tampa?) It is very quiet, not commercialied at all! Few kids-

salgal, does Boca Grande have a magnificent old hotel? We may have been there in the 80's (maybe also without air conditioning?)

The most beautiful beaches in Florida possibly the U.S. are in the Panhandle - our favorite place to go is the Seaside/Watercolor area of the Panhandle west of Panama City and east of Sandestin. Seaside is a charming town - you can rent accomodations there. We stayed next door at Watercolors - i'ts a brand new development - there is a small hotel/inn and you can rents townhouse condos or fully homes. We rented a condo that was great - you have all the facilities of the inn to use - wonderful pools etc. You can walk next door to Seaside - quaint shops etc. You can drive out of the area over to Sandestin - there is a waterfront shop/entertainment area that is nice to visit. But the Seaside/Watercolor area is a charming place unto itself! Have traveled extensively and it's our favorite place - haven't found anything like it. Last summer while we were there Will Smith ( the actor) was there with his family.

Thanks for the advice on the Panhandle. Seaside sounds very nice. I think I'll check it out!!!

we just returned saturday from a wonderful stay in Lauderdale by the Sea
...it is beautiful, quiet, easily accessible on foot to restaurants, shops, etc...and if you want the excitement of Miami or whatever, you are a short drive away...we had the best time!

I love Seaside. We are going back for our 5th visit this May. But if you're looking for surfing I don't think this is the place for it. But its got quaint and charming out the wazoo.

another beautiful beach in florida is near clearwater beach, an island called caledesi, which is reached by ferryboat...we spent a day and fell in love with it