Florida beach destination advice?
 

My sister and I (late 20's & early 30's) are looking for a short beach getaway (3-4days) in January. I've been searching all the possibilities in Florida, and would love some suggestions. Really, all we want is easy access to a nice beach and a little shopping. Kind of general, I know, but I'd appreciate any input. Thanks so much! -Michelle

Sanibel/Captiva or Naples.

Michelle - <BR><BR>I used to live in southern Florida and I would have to nominate Ft. Lauderdale. Great airport for cheaper flights, good food and shopping and the beach is nice. Ft. Lauderdale is no longer the spring break destination it used to be. The city has spent a lot of money and time trying to turn itself into a more grown-up place. That being said, I really enjoyed that area almost as much as South Beach in Miami, but without all the pressure to look glamourous on the beach.<BR><BR>Sanibel and Captiva are also nice as is Naples, but those areas can be a bit more expensive to fly into. Whenever I go back home, I fly into Ft. Lauderdale airport for the cheaper fares (even cheaper than Miami from where I live)...

We had a girls long weekend last March at LaPlaya Resort in Naples. Resort has been recently renovated. Decor is lovely.Check out them out. I believe their website is www.noblehouse.com.Their front desk could use a bit of work. Their restaraunt Baleen is wonderful,though a little pricey. The resort is right on the beach, not huge,but really nice. The resort is about a 20 min. drive from some great shopping and dining in Naples. Have a great time wherever you end up!

Nicole- Where in Ft. Lauderdale. A condo, or a resort?

Thanks for the suggestions (and SO quick, too!). LOL about the beach glamour, Nicole! My sister didn't want to go there for that very reason! (Although, I'm sure it's a blast! I stayed at Turnberry Isle in Aventura and never made it to South Beach, but they had a nice private beach.) Thanks again! -Michelle

Michelle, I second FLL. Sanibel, Captiva are nice places but I would consider them family oriented destinations. If you stayed in FLL for instance, at the Marriott Beach Harbor you would be on the beach. Getting around is easy, many outdoor cafe's shopping at Los Olas Blvd. You could fly into FLL and for 3 or 4 days you wouldn't even need to rent a car.Just use the hotel shuttle from airport.

If you are staying for more than four days and in the summer months, I would suggest a condo. Condo rates can be ridiculously cheap in the summer when all the snowbirds have gone back north. And of course, if you have a larger group, condos are perfect. Some rentals are in beautiful neighborhoods. But for just a few days in the winter months or for only 2 people, it would be more cost-effective to get a hotel.

Sanibel/Captiva Sleep and Coma...what do these words have all in common???<BR><BR>Heh heh could not resist that!<BR><BR>Come on girls what on earth are you afraid of??? Your still young...let your hair down and go for a 72 hour wild weekend on Sobe!!! My goodness your young!!!<BR><BR>Turnberry Isle...holy cow! great place to wait for the grim reaper! <BR><BR>Ok Ok just kidding around with y'all, but in all seriousness, whatever fits your style to relax, be aware Dec - January is a crap shoot for weather even in South Florida.<BR><BR>If you want a guarantee for warm weather, postpone until Feb or make the trip 20 minutes longer and go to Freeport or Nassau. Usually a 90$ flight leaving every hour from MIA.<BR><BR>I had friends down last year from NYC in mid January and they froze their butts off. The transfer from 22F to 50F only last a few hours then feels just as cold.<BR><BR>Richard

For 4 days I think I would opt for the Bahamas since it is not much further. Not an extended length of travel time. At least you will have better luck at warmer weather. I was in Florida once in Jan Feb. around Coco Beach and had to run out and buy a coat!

Haha, Richard! Thanks for the advice! I DID like Turnberry Isle, but then, it was free. ;)

Bahamas are pretty much a straight shot from Ft. Lauderdale so the guarantee of warmer weather than FLL is not a given. If the winds whip up, it's just as cool there. Anything north of West Palm in January is a crap shoot on the Atlantic side. Gulf seems to be a little warmer, but not much. But if it's not warm in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale in January, the Bahamas won't be either.

Nicole, not excatly correct on the Bahamas. The weather patterns are such that the cold snaps don't seem to get off the coast that far. Probably because of the oceans temp.<BR><BR>I travel there on business frequently, and often I would leave Miami with 50F and arrive in Freeport at 70F<BR><BR>But your right it is a crapshoot.<BR><BR>RIght now &quot;Our Lucayan&quot; is having a sale. Very nice resort, just 2 years old I think and was Japanese run. Room prices were as low as $150/night<BR><BR>I like it because it is on one of the nicest beaches, and the complex has an amazing pool.<BR><BR>But keep in mind, the Bahamas is for rest and golf, very little to do otherwise