We're planning to go to Florida for a week in March. We're looking for something quiet but warm enough so that we can go to the beach. We'd also like to go sailing. Is the weather warm enough in March? I saw some suggestions below about nice, quite places in Florida (Cape San Blas sounded perfect), but I'm afraid it will be too cold. We'll be 3 adults and a 2-year old.

Thanks

Choupi, The Panhandle is probably colder than you'd like in March. This has been an extremely cold winter all across the state and water temps everywhere are well below normal. If the trend persists, and if you want to be swimming in the Gulf, you'll want to head as far south in the state as possible. We live in Tampa and although the beach can be beautiful in March, the water is still pretty cold, for me anyway.

It is not too cold for sailing though, even now. We were sailing yesterday, but dressed in jeans, sweatshirts and jackets as another cold front came through! Two weekends ago we were in shorts when we were out. Don't know if you are interested in captained charters or bareboating, but there's a good marina for bareboat charters near Sarasota--Regatta Point, in Palmetto.

You may want to look around the Naples, Sanibel, Captiva area, or Sarasota/Tampa Bay area, but I wouldn't go any further north than that in March. Boca Grande is located about midway between these two areas, is very much quieter, but because of that I don't know that you'd find sailing charters, either. Fishing boats, definitely, but I'm not sure about sailing.

I was in the Clearwater Beach area a few years ago in March and it was actually quite chilly (it was much warmed in Los Angeles where I live). Fortunately I was heading off to NY later in the week, so I had some warmer clothes with me to get me through the cold weather. Be prepared for anything, but don't plan on a lot of swimming, unless you're staying at a hotel with a heated pool.

WE WENT TO ORLANDO AND THEN TO THE EAST COAST OF FLORIDA LAST MARCH - AND IT WAS VERY HOT!! ACTUALLY TOO TO HOT FOR ME ! IN THE 90'S F(FROM ENGLAND!)

In March it's warm, but not hot, on the beaches of St.Augustine.Beaches are about 1.5 miles from the oldtown center. This is the Oldest City in the USA, so there's lot's to see. Charming seaside town, easy to walk with stroller. Small HI-Hostel there is newly renovated with new owners. Fun PirateTheme..."Bunkaneers" $!5.50 . Five or six Private Rm's are beautiful, with their own refridgerators, air-conditioning and bathrooms with tub/showers $36-$46.
www.PirateHaus.com

You have to get below the frost line at that time of year. That means below Tampa. Sanibel is the only place to go. Good accomadations, golf, sailing, boating, sight seeing, great resutrants. What more could you ask. Look up Shalimar Cottages. Right on the beach.

well.....its been a weird winter in the orlando area.....unusually cold, although last week i had the AC on for a couple of days. March is a gamble.....we went to key west a few years ago (during spring break) and it was like being trapped on the polar ice cap....only with margaritas and key lime pie. go a far south as you can.

Let me mention one other thing to consider: I have found that in February and March, it is, generally, more windy. Which can really cool things off at the beach, and make it unpleasant because of all the whizzing sand. I agree with above poster that the farther south you can go, the warmer the weather (although there always CAN BE freaky weather.)