Which city (Fort Myers, FL or South Padre Island, TX) is better to spend the winter in? Specifically March and April.

Ft. Myers

For coming from Ohio alone, Ft. Myers.

Ft Myers is nicer but very crowded...

Define "better"

distance

ease of access

cost of accommodations

average temperature


What?

Good question Dukey1 - "better" not really sure. We stayed in Fort Myers last winter and really liked it. Thinking of trying something different so was hoping to get different opinions on the 2 locations. Since we live in Ohio, distance isn't really much of a factor (other than we will be in Tampa for a week in mid-Feb for The Buckeye Cruise For Cancer) Thanks for any input

IMO Naples in much nicer than South Padre Island in very way.

I think another Fodorite will be on that cruise too.

I like the west coast of Florida better than S. Padre Island but it has been many years since we visited S. Padre.

If you want a change, Sanibel is very nice. Naples has the nice sandy beaches. Many of the snowbirds in Naples seem to be from Michigan and Ohio.

The weather isn't as dependable, but we love the Panhandle beaches, especially the Beaches of 30A. If you go in April, I would consider that.

BuckeyeMarty, will this be your first Buckeye Cruise for Cancer or are you a veteran of the best floating tailgate in the world?

I've been one of the OSU alumni cheerleaders performing on the past five Buckeye Cruises for Cancer. This year I'll be going on the BC4C with all my cheer friends but have finally decided to hang up the pom pons. Best time EVER!
Go Bucks! (now I'm off to pack for Dallas)
Ann Marie

Hanging them up? Say it isn't so?!

Hope y'all get to meet up on the cruise! What fun!

LindainOhio, with all due respect, April is not normally considered "spending the winter".

The OP asked -
"Which city (Fort Myers, FL or South Padre Island, TX) is better to spend the winter in? Specifically March and April. "

Fair enough-- even though April is hardly winter. But there's a whole world between March and April in the Panhandle. Or should I say a whole world between March in The Panhandle and March n Ft Myers.

Looking at places in Florida and have just read these posts. I see Naples is preferred to South Padre Island. We love We would be there beginning of May and like the warmth and sun.