Florida 3 days
 

I have a 2 night stay in a Marriott Hotel. Wanting to go to FLA. What is a great town with perfect beaches for myself and 12 year old daughter?

Marco Island Marriott. It's one of their flagship resorts. The pools are awesome for 12 year olds, it's right on the beach, which is sandy, smooth and dreamy. There all sorts of activities for adults and kids. It sits directly on the beach...perfect for sunsets and families to hang out.

That said, Marco Island leaves a lot to be desired for any sort of tourism. It's a man-made island that has one gorgeous, 5 mile-long Gulf beach (picture dophins, pelicans and the rare manatee swimming by). The surf is calm and swimmable but when the wind's up there ride-able waves.

If you're really interested in a 'perfect beach' and get the most bang for your Marriott buck, I'd really recommend Marco Island.

Anyone else got a suggestion?

Old Naples is very charming, with lots of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and every street leads down to the miles-long Gulf Coast beach.

I'm not a big fan of Marco, but it does sound like a good idea. I'm confused though. Is your total trip just two nights or are you staying longer? Two nights in Marco could be great, but a week and you'll probably want a lot more activity unless you can really just veg out on the beach.

Also there is a great Marriott right on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale. If you're flying in, it's easier to get to than Marco.

I have 2 free nights, although I will probably stay longer. Marco isn't on my list of hotels for the free nights, tons in Ft. Lauderdale though.
Would the beach at Ft. Lauderdale be super crowded all the time?

Is Old Naples just part of Naples? (probably a dumb question!)

No, we have a seven mile beach and it is never crowded like NE beaches are. When are you coming? Right now in FLL, it is about as crowded as it is going to get! Marriott on the beach like Patrick recommends seem to be a great choice IMO.

I was hoping for June. Is the weather still good then? Here in California beaches are cold in June. Well, too cold to lay in the sun and swim in the water.
Does anyone know the name of the Marriott on the beach?

Marriott Harbor Beach is the on the beach one in FLL. Don't compare water in CA to Fl. June will be very warm. But that Marriott is a good option I think. There's one in Delray Beach across from the beach too.

Today our water temp was 74*...in June it will be about 85.

What determines your choice of hotel? The Marriott on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale is a category 5, which I think is the same as the one in Marco. When you say you have tons of options in Ft. Lauderdale, are you offered a four or lower? If so, none are on the beach to my knowledge.

And the water in the Pacific along the California coast never gets as warm as the coast of south Florida, possibly even at its coldest.

Marriott in Sand Key/Clearwater looks like a nice spot. The beaches in Sand Key are really pretty white sand.

Delray Beach has a Marriot right across from the beach. Very popular beach, cute shopping close by.

If a good beach is your primary objective, stay at the Marriott just south of the airport entrance in Tampa, then rent a car and drive over to Fort DeSoto Park. You take the St. Pete Beach exit off I-275, then just follow the signs after going through the toll gate. Fort DeSoto is acknowledged to be the top beach in the state and one of the top ten in the nation. Good luck.

I noticed the Sand Key/Clearwater. It seemed like a great place. as far as I can tell, any beach in FL is going to be better than here. It will either be Clearwater or Ft. Lauderdale. I figure at this point I'll just go with the less expensive flight. Thank you!

My vote is for Marriott Harbor Beach in Lauderdale. Is it on your list? You probably wouldn't even need a rental car if you take a cab to the hotel and then use the Water Taxi to get around. The weather will be hot and water warm... great time to get a tan!