I was trying to plan a Florida trip for next February. This past year, we stayed in South Beach for the week. A couple of years ago it was Key West. Since we are planning a trip for February again next year, I don't really know where else to go but south Florida, as we love the beach and don't really want to go anywhere that we would need a passport. So I thought that maybe we could split the trip up between Key West and one of these two. We both really like South Beach, but we haven't stayed in FL Beach in probably 10 years. Might it be a better choice this time around or just better to stay safe and go back to South Beach?

FL Beach is much improved in 10 years. Las Olas is a relaxed street of cafes and shops. The old spring break atmosphere has been replaced by a more mature setting. The beach is good. I think you'd enjoy time in FLL.

FLL is about 30 miles north of Miami. So if you're planning on spending time in the keys or Key West, Miami is going to be closer.

Miami has more of a night scene and FLL has become more of a family type destination even though FLL beach does have its share of restaurants and bars.

Also, Los Olas in FLL had nice restaurants and walk-around stores.

How are you getting to and from South FL? That may have some influence.

The beaches are nice in both places.

I don't know how much time you have but if you select FLL, you may want to split it in two and drive Alligator Alley over to the west coast. Closer to reach from FLL than MIA.

Actually, FLL is a lot closer than 30 miles. It is only about 10 miles to Miami and less than 20 to South Beach. The trip will take you around 40 minutes in moderate traffic.

On a nice day, I love driving A1A/Collins/Federal Highway from South Beach to Ft. Lauderdale.

That being said, I'm becoming a huge fan of Fort Lauderdale. Great shopping and dining and fantastic boating. Also, Fort Lauderdale is opening some fantastic luxury hotels: The Atlantic, W, St. Regis along with the mainstays Westin Diplomat, Lago Mar.

I say if you haven't been to Fort Lauderdale, give it a try.

I love staying in houses and www.VRBO.com is a great resource.

Let me clarify, Fort Lauderdale is less than 10 miles from some parts of Miami.

As far as how we will be traveling, I thought that we would fly into Key West on a Sunday, then rent a car and drive up the keys, probably on the Thursday, to either either South Beach or FL Beach, staying until Sunday.

Have you considered Naples/barrier islands of our Southwest coast? It'snothing like South Beach but has a lot of relaxing beaches, wildlife, great hotels (Naples Ritz) and shopping.

You ought to check out Delray Beach. Wide beach, beautiful scenery on A1A, lies in between Boca and Palm Beach, has all kinds of dining, from casual to fine, and a vibrant street scene on Atlantic Blvd. We lived in So Florida for 10 yrs and it was our favorite beach and town.

Fort Lauderdale will provide you with a boardwalk from Hollywood Beach to Dania Beach. That would give you a lot of stretch of beach to cover. Hollywood has developed a nice town center with cafes and restaurants for a more mature crowd. Hope you find a place you enjoy, be safe and God bless you!

Joe
http://josevega.topcities.com

I worked near downtown Fort Lauderdale and lived right next to the causeway to South Beach. It was 35 miles door to door.

The Broadwalk, not boardwalk, in Hollywood Beach is only 2 1/2 miles in Hollywood Beach.