Hello

I am interested in hearing about destinations within Florida that would provide us with an option to go to the beach or to do family activities.

If such an area exists, please pass on the information.

Thank you.

Given an either/or proposition, I'd say that Miami Beach's South Beach area is ideal. If you want both, well, maybe Bal Harbour. Or Ft. Lauderdale. Or Palm Beach. Or any number of destinations on the Gulf side.

C'mon, your request as posted is impossibly vague. Give us some more ideas as to what your interests are. Otherwise, you'll get smart-ass answers like this one....

St. Pete and Treasure Island are both great because of their proximity to Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Also, Siesta Key, Longboat and Lido Key are all close to Sarasota. Anna Maria is close to Ft . Myers and Sarasota.

I agree. It's hard to recommend not knowing what your family likes to do. Or what your budget is.

I vote for Siesta Key. With a car you can drive to Lido (St. Armand's Circle for tourist shopping and eats), Mote Marina and the Pelican Man Bird Santuary on City Island (and eat outside at The Old Salty Dog while you're there), and into Sarasota for the Ringling Museum (fine art) and a tour of the Ringling Mansion Ca D'Zan (don't think that's spelled correctly). We also drive all the way to the tip of Anna Maria Island via Longboat Key and back.

I find that Anna Maria Island is less expensive than Siesta, less crowded, more quiet but not as much to do besides the beach and fewer restaurant options without driving. Look for places to stay on Siesta at www.vrbo.com. I use www.mikenormanrealty.com for Anna Maria Island rentals.

KEY BISCAYNE.
beach : yes
for kids: miami seaquiarium, parrot jungle, METROZOO, a museum for kids by viscaya.
shopping: within 15 miles radius.
safe: extra safe, very high end area.
price: high end

I second Miguel's suggestion of Key Biscayne, although pricey as he says. When you are sitting on the Beach there it is hard to imagine you are so close to the hustle and bustle of Miami. And you can get to most of the attractions he mentions without having to deal with too much traffic.