Hi,

Have a few days off at Christmas (Dec 29-Jan2) and thinking of going somewhere warm with the kids (19 and 10). All inclusives are tough to find (and expensive) for 4 nights. Decided possibly Florida (not Orlando) but St Petersurg, Clearwater, Miami, Tampa, something like that and need ideas on which one is best. Son wants to see stuff. Daughter wants to hang out by the pool/beach so hoping to do some sightseeing stuff in the morning when it's cooler and then spending the afternoon at the pool/beach.

What would be the best area to go?

In that best area, looking for hotel that hopefully has family suites, or two rooms to accomodate the four of us. Would like hotel to have a pool and hopefully be on or near a beach. If the hotel has breakfast included, that would be great but not mandatory.

Things to do: dolphin/whale watching? Miami everglades tour?

Don't really want to do Busch Grds since it will likely be super busy.

Any ideas/suggestions would be great

I live in South Florida and at that time of year if you really want "warm" then you should be as far south as you can get. I am not saying you wouldn't be OK in Orlando or St. Pete but it can get chilly up there. Now, if you want more than warm then go further south than Florida.

If you DO come to Florida do not wait to make reservations.

December weather can be beautiful but do check average and record lows (and water temps) for your potential destinations, especially if you want to be able to swim.

The best place for your getaway is South Beach in Miami... check out South Beach Hotels | Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel or the Royal Palm South Beach for perfect locations right on the beach.... the Deco District is a short walk and boutiques and Restaurants line the streets... have fun!

You could try looking using Booking.com and can incorporate a lot of your must-haves in the search. Once again I cannot emphasize enough the necessity of booking as early as possible.