suzyeq

Hi..we are a family of thirteen including 8 teens and am looking for a non Disney vacation over Christmas break in Sunny Florida. I know the weather can be unpredictable so thinking Florida keys for best bet for sun. I am looking to rent a house in a place with enough to do to keep teens happy ... any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!Also names of rental properties would be helpful!Thank you.

AAFrequentFlyer

Siesta Key/Sarasota. Beautiful beaches, walking distance to the Siesta Village restaurants and for adults, bars/nightlife.

VRBO.com to rent a house/condo.

Whatever you choose, have a wonderful time!

sweetsandyc

Use Homeaway.com. Lots of places to choose from and you can narrow down your specs easily.

schmerl

Siesta Key is gorgeous, but I'd think they would want to be further south at that time of year.

Dukey1

The "with enough to do to keep teens happy" is the hard part IMO. I'd be looking in southEAST Florida or in Key West.

kikiv

Try Key West, It is the most populated of the keys and offers everything you would find a small city, restaurants, bars, shops, you can charter boats to go fishing, diving, jet skis, sailing, kayaking, tennis etc etc. I would recommend you book soon because Christmas is a very busy time of year. Look in VRBO.

suzyeq

Ok..was thanks for your advice. I am thinking the keys as well for warmth. Siesta Key looks great but less likely for warm weather I imagine than the keys. I have heard Key West is a party atmosphere so not sure about the teens being there...is there any other Key that someone might also recommend. I appreciate all your input!

330east

Longboat Key-minutes from Sarasota-we've worked w/ Mr. Ed Delosh at Engel + Voelkers Real Estate

NewbE

The Sarasota area is unlikely to be even chilly in December--that usually happens for a few weeks in January and February. Add to that that visitors from cooler climes find it warmer than we locals do. But yes, if you want to be certain of warm weather, go south.

JoJoSiestaKey

Sarasota chilly at Christmas? I live here and have spent the last two Christmas Days on the beach.

Apparently others agree with me as Siesta Key was PACKED. And yes we were all in bathing suits.

You may be priced out of the area. Homes that size can go for ten grand for the week. It is peak season for us.

ILuvLexie

I'm a little late to this post but as a South Florida resident for 25 years and a mom of my own teens, I think the Keys are a better idea than Sarasota and Siesta Key. I was just in Siesta Key and Sarasota with my kids over spring break (we go every year for spring training). The beaches are beautiful and St. Armand's Circle is fun but I just don't think there would be enough teen activity after two or three days. I would not recommend Key West as a home base. We like Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key. We have been there twice most recently two winter vacations ago with another family for several days. It is very family oriented. There is lots to do including an interactive dolphin program. And if you want to do a day trip to Key West, it is about an hour south. The restaurants are not fabulous but are fine for breakfast and lunch and we enjoyed venturing off property and trying different places for dinner. I hope that helps!