Which has the better beach? I want nice sand.

We have lived on the east coast and the west coast of Florida and the west coast has by far the best beaches. However, to get the best sand you need to go farther north to Siesta Key in Sarasota or to the Panhandle. Ft. Myers Beach is very nice; Ft. Lauderdale Beach is ok.

I agree. My vote is for neither. Best sand is in the Panhandle down to Sarasota area. I suspect you are choosing between these two due to airport locations. If that is the case, check into Tampa as well. Close to Siesta Key, Anna Maria Island, etc.

For sand as soft and white as sugar, fly into Tampa and head almost due west to Clearwater Beach, or to any of the beaches farther south, near Sarasota, and in between.

Sorry, I am not familiar with the Panhandle area, so that's my advice!

I have been to Ft Myers but I have not been to Fr Lauderdale. The Ft Myers beach was beautiful with the sand you require. This may not still be the case but I remember going to Siesta Key beach about 40 years ago. The beach was lovely but was infested with sand crabs. Ft Myers did not have sand crabs and therefore, was my location of choice. Maybe others can update the situation.

I think a relevant question is what you want to do when you're not on the beach, and its corollary question is budget. For example, Sarasota has upscale restaurants, museums, boutique shopping--not only those, of course, but in a nutshell; Ft. Myers is more modest, featuring lots of bars, diner-type restaurants, t-shirt shops, etc. They have a very different feel is my point, even if the sand is equally beautiful!

Thanks again NewbE! Snorkel, sail, parasail...I realize those are still on the beach but that's all I can think of to do! Upscale restaurants, museums won't be our speed this trip and I'll not be going to any bars.

Clearwater a Beach, St. Petersburg Beach, Treasure Island. Sounds exactly like what you want.

Sarasota has opera, Ft Myers has major leaguoe