My husband and I are looking for a very relaxing vacation for our anniversary. We have narrowed our choices to Ft. Myers or Tampa Area. Which would offer a beach resort setting with the flexibility of some tourist activities? Any ideas about lodging would be great, too. We prefer choice hotels/resorts on the casual side. Thanks!

Have been going to Ft. Myers Beach for the last ten years. It is an older type beach, family oriented. The hotels are not the huge resort 20 story ones found elsewhere. You will find small cottages mixed in with 6 story hotels. We stay at the Royal Beach Club close to the pier and resturants. They are first floor condos with livingroom, kitchen, dining area and bath down, 2 bedrooms and bath up. Has a small pool and hot tub, shuffle board and grills. Sits right on the beach. Next store they just built a new hotel called the Pink something, looks very nice. Most of the shops are touristy and resturants are casual open patios on the water. Thomas Edison's home is close, 5 min. to Sanibel Island (upscale shops and resturants), evening dinner casino boat, or they now have a 4 hour boat service to Key West. If you want big resorts and more action go to the Tampa area.

Linda- Sanibel/Captiva are world class destinations and offer just what you are looking for...see leeislandcoast.com

the islands are just 15 minutes from Ft. Meyers Beach and 25 minutes from the airport. Have fun

Sharon, I live in Tampa.......and I'd choose the Ft. Myers area too. Actually would probably head to either Naples, Sanibel/Captiva, or Bonita Beach before Ft. Myers. Naples is one of my favorite getaway spots, and you have a choice of two excellent high end resorts: Ritz Carlton (one of only 3 5 star hotels in all of FL), or the Registry, or the Edgewater for a bit more casual.

There's a huge range of places to stay in Sanibel/Captiva and all will be more casual than either the Registry or Ritz.

All the above towns are an easy drive from the Ft Myers airport.

One of my choices would be the historical Don CeSar Hotel on St. Petersburg Beach. Very nice resort in a good location. Lots to do and good restaurants. Speaking of good restaurants, The Salt Rock Grill on Indian Rocks Beach is worth the trip.
Lots of restaurants in the area to choose from. Also, a trip to downtown St. Petersburg is worthwhile. New "Baywalk" shopping and Movie center. Also, the upscale Vinoy Resort is great for Lunch, or Dinner and has one of the Best Sunday Brunches ever!