I need help planning a trip to SW Florida for five sisters either in Dec or Jan. I realize the weather might not be the best but this is the only time available. We are looking to stay on the beach even though we realize it probably is too cold for water activities. Are some areas more active during the winter months? Good restaurants, shopping, entertainment, etc. Not looking for secluded, sedate place

Naples, FL
Sarasota, FL

St. Petersburg, Fl ....Treasure Island Bch, St. Pete Bch, etc

Clearwater Fl.......Clearwater Bch.

There is a lot to do in the area without the water - but the beach is still there and boating is great.

Warm, beach, restaurants: Naples
Cooler, restaurants, more culture: Sarasota

More shopping than any of us can afford in either place.

Naples is very easy to get to through Ft Myers (RSW), Sarasota not quite as easy, though if you fly to Tampa, you could spend a night enjoying St Petersburg and the area before crossing the Sunshine Skyway.

This trip should be to South Beach Miami on the east coast... the flights are more available to either Miami or FtL, get a room at the beach and enjoy the South Beach food, nightlife,shopping, drive down the Keys, and you have a better chance of good weather...

Naples is great, but South Beach is twice as much fun...maybe more...

Thank you for all your suggestions. We are going to do 3 days in the St Pete/Clearwater then head down to Sarasota/Venice area. Any recommendations for accommodations?

Thanks Garyt22 ... too old to take on Miami

You're never too old to take on Miami... A little topless sunbathing can do wonders... Have fun!

Not for accomodations, but we always eat at the Columbia Restaurant when in the Tampa Bay area. There is one at Clearwater and one at Ybor City. The Ybor City location is more interesting. Oldest Spanish restaurant in the US.

Hello, enjoy your trip! It's a great area to visit - spring, summer or winter. I don't have any specific accommodation input but would advise you to check out all the activities you can do in the Clearwater area - for example, helicopter tours of the rivers and shore, visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and there are also nature tours you can take. And don’t miss the holiday parades!