I don't want to be ambushed with a "50th" party (early March), and want to escape for 7-10 days. My requirements are: warm weather, beachside stolls (watersports other than kayaking not needed), good seafood, fairly laidback for relaxing, although not "rocking chair" mentality. I enjoy unique local shopping,festivals,etc. - also Nascar! Have been to Carribean,Mexico,Hawaii - prefer mainland USA this time - any suggestions?

San Diego

Warm weather for San Diego in March is pretty iffy. Even the central part of Florida can be pretty chilly during that time of the year. I think Key West is got to be the answer to your needs.

Definitely So Florida-Any of the Keys shold be nice or try Sanibel Island

For my 50th birthday I went heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies. What a blast.

My second choice would have been a week at Canyon Ranch in Tucson.
Get pampered, eat healthy and just vegetate.

Happy B'day!

I think Florida is your best option. The further South the better chances of finding warm weather. The keys would be great. Happy Birthday, early.

For 50, I would class it up a bit. Try La Playa in Naples. It will be perfect weather and the Gulf will be warm enough to swim in should you choose.

Big hardy birthday wishes sent your way - even if it is a tad early.

Happy Trails,
Paul

I'll throw my vote for the keys. non pretenttios, suny, its a whole different republic.

what a great idea! i love to travel by myself, and what a good excuse... have fun making your decision, i know you'll have a great time where ever you go!

The only problem with Key West in March (while it is great weather) is that it will be absolutely smattered with Spring Breakers. Not really that laid back...

Key West is basically the only place in the mainland that is likely to have warm beach weather. If you want to avoid the kids on spring break and still have nice weather, you might need to switch to a desert location. Scottsdale and Palm Springs both have some great relaxing resorts and don't have nearly as many kids. Otherwise, I'd hop a plane to some tropical island.

Hong Kong would be my choice for a great way to celebrate 50 years. So much to see and do and great tropical weather.

XXX hong kong is a great place, but it's not laid back, it tends too be mogy in that time of year.. and NO NASCAR.. unless you watch it on ESPN in your hotel...

I can't imagine any place having great Nascar and being a laid back place.

Try Sweet Home Alabama....

There are Keys than Key West. Try Islamorada or Marathon if you think Key West will be too crowded. AlsoMarco Island & Sanibel do not get infested with Spring breakers

San Diego is mostly sunny everyday, year round. You will not find warm ocean water though(if ocean swimming is something you are interested in, look elswhere), but there is a lot of culture and great festivals and shopping going on year round. You can get great seafood at the Fish Market downtown, or Charlies in Solana Beach (my favorites). San Diego is a very laidback town. Go to sdreader.com and get info on what is coming up. There is always something going on in San Diego. You will find great weather, with warm sunny days, and cool nights (55-79 F). For shopping, I recommend La Jolla (if you have a large budget)/Old Town, University Heights/Normal Heights/Tijauna, Mexico (about 15 minutes south). Also in downtown La Mesa (east county) there are many antiques stores, if that is something you like. It is a very nice community, and has very friendly people. Hope this helps.

k.c.- Nascar has a race in Atlanta on March 9. Atlanta Motor Speedway is a great place to watch Nascar races. With the mountains 1 hr away, the beach (Hilton Head, Savannah) 4 hrs away, and great kayaking on the Ocoee river (site of olympic kayaking) 1.5 hr away you are accessible to things you like with the amount of time you have.

San Diego isn't all that warm in San Diego during early March. And there's no Nascar in San Diego.

Thanks for all the great ideas!!! Some areas I'm now considering I hadn't even thought of! Just to clarify - I'm traveling from the cold Midwest, so anything above 65 is warm! Warm water temps aren't a must, nor is Nascar. I'm more interested in just nice, sunny days, even if a sweater is needed, with casual things to do & see; good food to eat. By laid-back I meant not fighting traffic, large crowds at every moment, etc. I'll let you know what I decide!!!