My husband and I are planning a week long vacation to Flordia with our two kids, ages 6 and 3 in early April. We would like to split our week between two locations/resorts within driving distance (2-3 hours). My husband would also like to do a little business while we're there. He has business near all of the major areas, so places like the Keys and Sanibel/Captiva would be out. We would like the first part to be more activities, the second to be more relaxation/beach/pool. We have done Disney several times so we don't want to do that again. My two thoughts were Orlando/Clearwater or Miami/Palm Beach. Any opinions on these two ideas would be appreciated, as well as other options. Thanks.

April is Spring Break so expect high prices anywhere near the coast. I vote Orlando/Clearwater.

Orlando:

Sea World
Universal
Wet and Wild
Braves Spring Training Game
Disney Quest


Tampa Bay Area:

Beaches
Busch Gardens
St Pete Pier
Devil Rays Spring Training Game

Check out the Don CeSar resort in St. Pete Beach. I'm getting misty-eyed just thinking about it. It's a nice resort, good restaurants, beautiful pool, great location, beautiful beach. They have a nice bar at the pool so you can sip their yummy kahlua-colada's to your hearts content.

If you go to Orlando, would you go to Disney World. I suggest you try the wonderful Animal Kingdom Lodge. It also has a great pool, and the kids will love all the animals. Be sure to book a room on the side of the hotel where they feed the animals. A wonderful experience to be so close to nature.

That's what I'd recommend. It is less than 2 hrs. between the two cities (although it is the worst drive in Florida on I-4...lucky for you, you'll be able to drive it knowing that you're on your way to a great resort) 8-)

Have you considered the panhandle, like maybe Seaside? Fun for kids, relaxing for adults, great places to eat!

The Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne is a good option. You can easily take kids to: Miami Metro Zoo, The Miami Seaquarium, The Planetarium Museeum in Coconut Grove.
5* hotel , water front and Key Biscayne is beautiful and so safe.