irishk

We are arriving in Tampa on 22nd December next from Ireland and return on 3rd January. It is our first time spending Christmas away (and in a warm climate!). Any suggestions as to where we might spend our time. We've been to Clearwater before and liked it, but now that we've booked flights, we want suggestions for both Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. We want to be near the beach and will be stayin gin motels/hotels. Will we have problems regarding restaurants/meals on Christmas Day itself?

GoTravel

Keep in mind late December weather in Florida is a crapshoot. It could be 55 degrees or 75 degrees.

The further south the better chance you have for warmer weather.

One of the most reasonable South Florida destinations would be Hollywood Beach between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

irishk

55 or 75 - That is bliss compared to our climate at that time of the year!

tinamidon

I agree you need to stay in the southern portion of the state to be able to enjoy the beaches. On the west coast, how about Sanibel Island or Marco Island (Marriott in Marco is great). There are lots of activities going on in Orlando for New Years. Many hotels and restaurants will offer special holiday dinners. You should not have any problem there. How about planning a few nights in the Tampa area, then south to Sanibel or Marco Island then over to the East coast (Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale) up to Orlando for New Year's and then back to Tampa for your return? 3-4 nights at each place might be nice...

etc0414

There is nothing like Disney World at Christmas time. Universal Studios is close by and also a great time to go there. Enjoy and welcome.

Postal

You will have no problem finding a good restaurant open for Christmas. If you are in the Orlando area, I strongly recommend the Christmas Day buffet at the Renaissance Hotel across the street from Sea World. I've been going there for 15 years and never been disappointed. It's about $30 each and includes all the champagne you want. There are probably more than 100 foods to choose from. Just make reservations months in advance!

floridawannabe

We visit St Pete Beach annually. Love the area. Nice beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. We stay at the Tradewinds resort. They also have two nearby sister resorts, Sirata and some other one. They are a little more upscale. The Tradewinds is nice, with two pools, indoor and outdoor, cafe on premise. For holidays, New Years Eve, Labor Day, Memorial Day, July 4th. They do a fabulous fireworks display right on the beach. Get a room with a beach front balcony and you'll feel like the fireworks show is so close you could reach out and touch them! There are lots of hotels to choose from on the beach. Gulf Boulevard. Look up hotels at some of the hotel search engines. Another bonus of St Pete Beach is nearby downtown St Pete has lots of attractions too. Shopping, boat rides, musuems, etc. Have Fun, visit ST PETE

tmh

We have a place in Bradenton and meet many folks enjoying the nicer than where they came from weather. The beaches on Anna Marie Island can't be beat. We stay at our house there along with several family members from the middle of the US.

Christmas is a little more difficult than NYE. There are several places on Anna Marie beach and some with fireworks for NYE

Sarasota is right next to Bradenton and a little more upscale. Cousins from Co. Mayo moved there several years ago.

If you have any problem, you can join us.

Jayne11159

irishk,

Can you tell us what types of activities you enjoy? Do you want night life? Do you like hanging out at the beach? Do you enjoy shopping? Theme parks?

If you can tell us a little more about your interests we can be more helpful. Florida is a diverse state as well as a large one!

dln

irishk, we were in Naples last Christmas and found it very enjoyable. Good restaurants, beaches (can you imagine walking on the beach on Christmas Day!), museums, shops, etc. Take a look at www.naples.com.

Re weather: some days were shorts days and some days were pants days. Be prepared for some temperature variation and bring a jumper with you.

irishk

Thank you all for your replies. So far, we have decided on Bradenton for the first five days of our stay, i.e. December 22nd to 27th. We've booked our accommodation already. (Thank you tmh). We're probably going to stay in Naples for the remainder of our time, but we're still working on that. (Thank you dln).!!!!

Jayne11159

Glad you'll be in the neighborhood irishk! I live in Bradenton so if you have any questions about things to do here let me know.

tmh

The offer is still open for stopping by for a pint or we'll be glad to take you to our favorite places! We have a place off Cortez Rd. just 3 miles from the beach.

Anna Marie Island (where some lovely beaches are) is quaint - there is a ban on anything over 3 stories tall so it has a different look than their neighbor, Long Boat Key.

As Jayne1159 can tell you there are some great places such as Bean Point and Beer Can Island to visit. Venice Beach (south of Bradenton) is good for shark teeth hunting and I think it's Desoto Park where you can hunt for sand dollars.

And midnight Mass is never crowded at Ss Peter & Paul - a mile north of me.

irishk

Hi tmh

Who can resist midnight Mass and a pint??!!

Contact us at [email protected]!!!!!!!

irishk

jayne11159, we are going to use your "inside information" as much as we can! We would be interested in hiring a small boat to do some fishing/cruising so maybe you could tell us where to start looking for same? You have been very helpful so far - thank you.

Jayne11159

We have a friend who does fishing charters. He grew up here and knows the waters well. He took our son and and some friends out for his birthday in June; they had a great time and caught tons of fish. Unlike some other charters, you keep what you catch and the captain cleans them for you. When you know your plans I'll give you his name.