JEStraveler

We are looking to visit my DH's grandmother in Ocala in March/April (she's ailing) and are hoping to add on a few days for a small family vacation. We have a 15 month old, so a Disney or theme park trip is not a worthwhile option -- he's just to young to appreciate it and too crowded for our adult tastes. Ideally, we would love to be somewhere warm with a baby friendly pool, decent restaurants on site or nearby, and baby friendly tourist stuff in the area -- zoos, parks, beach -- but we anticipate spending a lot more downtime at the hotel and in the pool than out. We normally fly into Orlando to visit his family, but can consider Tampa as well. Any ideas on where we should look? Is St. Petersburg a better option for us than the Orlando area? Any advise would be appreciated.

321go

Tampa has a wonderful, family-friendly zoo, Lowry Park Zoo. Orlando would be at least an hour's drive to the closest beach. I'd stick with something on the gulf coast.

JEStraveler

Do you recommend Tampa over St. Pete's? Don't really know the area, so appreciate any insight.

NewbE

I would suggest Clearwater beach, or really any of the gulf side beaches, perhaps Siesta Key or Lido Key if those aren't too far of a drive for you; Honeymoon Island and vicinity are nice, too. A few days at the beach would probably be all the entertainment you'll need, but you could drive to Sarasota or Tampa for activities. The Ringling Museum in Sarasota has nice grounds, although not much else for a toddler; Tampa does indeed have the Lowry Park Zoo, and the Florida Aquarium, too.

clarkgriswold

If you fly into Daytona Beach, you'll only have a 90 min drive to Ocala. Ormond Beach, just north of Daytona, is quieter with no "driving on the beach" allowed.

padams421

The warmer, calmer gulf waters are a good choice for a toddler. I'd look at Clearwater, etc.

JEStraveler

Thanks everyone. Started poking around and found Trade Winds in St. Petersburg which seemed to have everything on one campus. Is there somewhere like that in Clearwater that you would also recommend?

clarkgriswold

Look at the SandPearl resort and the Sheraton SandKey resort

JillDavis

Sand Pearl resort in Clearwater is absolutely stunning. Plus, Clearwater Beach is an awesome place to vacation. Much nicer beach than east coast beaches.