Florida in October--Cheap but fun destination?
 

My husband and I have visited Clearwater Beach twice and really liked it, but are looking for another fun place to visit. We're not into the Disney experience. We've liked staying at mom-and-pop type places with a pool and kitchenette. It would be nice to be within walking distace of restaurants and the beach. Got any ideas?

Treasure Island, Bradenton Beach, Ft. Myers Beach, Siesta Key. All these places have mom & pop hotels within walking distance to beach and restaurants. On the Atlantic side, Ft. Pierce, Melbourne, Daytona/Ormond. These places also have older smaller hotels. If you decide which beach you are going to and post again, then you'll likely get some recs. for places to stay.

The West Coast is great - T Island, Madeira Bch, etc. Daytona/Ormond has lots of choices of Mom & Pop hotels and has more to offer within walking distance. You could forget about your car the entire time you are there ! Tons of restaurants, etc Will be happy to help also with recommendations on specific hotels when you decide where you are going.

Sarasota area is the best in the state (IMHO). Siesta Beach, Lido Key, or Longboat Key (more upscale) all have great beaches and plenty of accommodations to investigate.

I agree with Summer04----I live in the area, and Siesta Key Beach is unforgettable. It was indeed the "selling point" on our decision to move here a few years ago.
simplysiestakey.com
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I've been to many over the years and three-pete the Sarasota area. They have Mom & Pop's rentals not that far from St. Armand's. This was best for us when we were car-less. IMHO Lido Key was best for us, doing this.

You may want to check out Delray Beach in the southern Palm Beach County area....cute town, great beach, tons of great restaurants.. close enough for day trips to Ft. Lauderdale, Key Largo, West Palm, Everglades.. etc.

Anna Maria Island - totally "mom & pop" feel, low-key, wonderful beach, some good restaurants. I love Anna Maria Island! It's just north of Sarasota so it's a handy location. It's definitely quieter than Clearwater Beach, less of the "teen scene."

Oceanfront cottages in Indialantic/Melbourne Fl

www.oceanfrontcottages.com
Purrrrrfect!