I am planning a 3 night get-away for me and my sweetie in September. I am not very familiar with Florida. Where is the best place to go for a warm, sunny, beach get-away with a leisurly, romantic feel (and not too many kids)? Thanks for any suggestions!

Siesta Key in Sarasota has been voted one of the top beaches in the world. They have powder white sand that feels like flour- like nothing we've ever seen before. It is so relaxing and they have a village with shops, places to eat, and bars. You still may be hitting some kids who haven't gone back to school yet, so they may be around. If you rent a place with a beach, rather than go to the public beach, you should be able to park yourself away from kids. My husband and I go about 2-3 times a year and always love it. If it's mid-late Sept. you may just about have the beach to yourself. Marco Island is a lot more high rise condos and much more commercial than Siesta key.

Hope this helps!

How are you getting there?

Lots of planes arrive at Fort Myers, and it's not a bad drive from there to Naples. And a rental car is handy to have in any of those places.

Naples has its own airport, but there are far fewer flights there.

I think Naples is a wonderful place; I've driven through Sarasota often, but it seems to me to be less romantic than Naples.

Naples is a genuine little city with lots of restaurants, clubs, nice stores, art galleries, places to walk and talk and look around.

Marco, it is my understanding, is more just hotels and condos; you don't get the nice little city center to enjoy.

Napels has a variety of vbeaches. Right in the heart of downtown there's a pier, washrooms, and long, long white sand beaches. If you go north a couple of miles, you still have the beaches, but now there are htoels there, with washrooms, bars, and beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or lunch, and justy a bit north of thet, state parks that are more remote.

All in all, there's got to be a part you think is wonderful. I'd vote for Naples,

BAK

We will be flying to Florida and probably renting a car. Unless we stay somwhere where everything we would need would be in walking distance, then we would just hire a cab to get us there from the airport.
We are not much for night life. Definately lying on the beach, swimming, hiking. I also like the idea of a trip to the Everglades or dolphin/manatee watching; I love nature and wildlife (and photographing it).
But the important part of this trip is to spend some time with my boyfriend (of 7 years).
We are also on a fairly tight budget.
Thanks for the suggestions so far! Any others?

Based on your comments, I would consider Sanibel/Captiva. It seems to fit your requirements for warm, sunny, leisurly, romantic. Half of Sanibel is a sanctuary, so wildlife and nature are highly abundant.

Have fun! (I love Florida).

Well, I would encourage you to think about the Everglades, but in September, it is still going to be full of mosquitos (not that it's ever free of them, but...).

How about Sanibel? Tons of wildlife, great shelling, great beaches, not overrun with kids. Check some recent posts in the Florida section - there's been a lot of discussion about Sanibel recently. The Blue Dolphin is on a very very quiet part of the island and it's $99 a night and I think they are having an internet discount special right now. I haven't stayed there but I've walked past it. Another option is Captiva, which is right next to Sanibel - you can still enjoy all the wildlife of Sanibel - but I don't know of any places on Captiva that don't cost a whole bunch.

If you are into wildlife, I'd definitely encourage you to look at Sanibel/Captiva. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is incredible. You can kayak/canoe through the mangroves. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has great little hiking trails. Etc.