We (husband, 2 children and I) are flying down to the Miami area for a much needed 4 day trip away from Chicago. We would like a good resort, decent beaches and things to do in case of bad weather. Are considering Cheeca Lodge, Fountainbleu, Hyatt Key West. What do you suggest? Thanks for any help.

Take the Keys off your list. The beaches down there are not great.

Tammy, define what your idea of a "decent beach" is and we can go from there. The Keys are not noted for spectaular beaches, but they are noted for spectacular watersports and just relaxing in the sun, drink in hand. Sandcastles, body surfing, long beach walks no; snorkeling, wave runners, margaritas yes. I will say that unless you go all the way down to Key West, the Keys can really be a drag in bad weather.

Cheeca Lodge has a great children's program but not much in the way of a great beach....

I'm not sure you should consider Key West to be in the "Miami area." Under the best conditions, it's a 4 hour drive from Miami down, and if there's a wreck, it can be much worse. The Cheeca Lodge is Islamorada is about 2 hours from Miami, so it'd be easier to access, but again, with only 4 days, you'd be spending a lot of time travelling.

Fountainbleu is OK but not great for young kids. The pool area is good but still...I would actually recommend that you look a little north in Ft. Lauderdale. Ft. Lauderdale is actually a little more family-friendly these days and the beaches along the Lauderdale coast are really nice. There's plenty to do in the area as well if the weather isn't great...arcades like Gameworks and Dave & Busters as well as being close the the big Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall. If you stay in Ft. Lauderdale, go to the Starlight Cafe, right off I-95 and Commercial. It's on old-style diner and the food is pure kid and kid-at-heart heaven!

Tammy, I don't think Key West is the place since you'd be disappointed with the beaches, but my kids have been going there for 15 years and thankfully have learned that everyone is different from everyone else and that's what makes life interesting.

Actually, I agree with the poster that Ft. Lauderdale might be the best place to go - great beaches, and other activities in case it's not beach weather.

This is quite an active board!

I'm thinking about the same thing as Tammy...a few(4)days of R&R away from Phila w/sun in S. FL. w/2 teen kids in Feb. Was thinking about the Keys but there seems to be a lot of ??s. Long drive from Miami, quality of beaches, too many people.

I want to veg out away from civilization and have a "few" things to do/see.

Should I consider West FL and if so, where?

Gex

Gexter, the southern gulf coast is good from Ft. myers,going south,in the winter months. much better in spring & summer. I don't like lying on the beach when it's chilly. That's why I'm going to puerto rico next month.

Miami Beach isn't much for kids. Its about being chic, being seen by others who think themselves chic or fabulous, eating at 11 at night and partying until 5 a.m.

I live in the Fort Myers Sanibel area and have to agree that our beaches are just for walking right now as the water is pretty cold to swim in. The pools are heated however and kids just love to dig in the sand.

I think the Fort Lauderdale suggestion is pretty good. Kids might enjoy going out on a party boat (not for drinking but for fishing), we took a catamaran from the Marriott on the Intracoastal and had a wonderful day. Great beaches with lots of restaurants and things to do.

A week on the beach in my area is perfect in May-June after the snowbirds have decamped and before the summer European invasion...

Sharon

I always like to remind people who are choosing a florida beach destination that the water on the west coast is very calm and there can be great waves on the east coast. My family loves playing in the waves - we have lots of great memories that revolve around awesome fun in the waves from Florida to Nantucket.

I was in Marco Island last February on a business trip and the water temp. was fantastic. I was in for hours so I don't agree with the poster who said it will be too cold to swim.

You don't mention the ages of your kids, but I would look for a resort on the beach that has a lot of amenities like water sports to offer. Going for a short time like that I would want to be able to relax, and have plenty of fun things for everyone to do with out driving around a lot. Coming from Chicago in Feb. I would imagine that is what you are looking for.I agree Ft. Lauderdale would be better than Miami or you could consider Delray Beach. There is a Marriott there at the beach with lots to do in the area and fun walking around there at night.

If you want to consider the west coast I would highly recommend the Mariott resort on Marco Island - georgeous sand, beautiful water,, great pools, lots of rental boats,etc. If the weather is cool you could do an air boat ride in the everglades, kayak near Marco...
The only reason I would consider the Keys is if you want it to be a snorkeling trip for the family.

Like a few others said, scratch Key West off your list--4 hr drive at least, not very nice beaches, and the one's there are artificially made.

If you want to stay in South Beach--Loew's is right on Collins, beachfront, and I believe has children programs, along with several restaurants, and of course close to Ocean Drive if you want to experience the real South Beach. Visit their website for any ongoing offers...

Hope this helps, and whatever you decide--have lots of fun!!!

If you only have 4 days I would stay at the Lago Mar Resort in Ft.Lauderdale.They have a greatpool,& right on a gorgeous beach.Also have alotof suites.They have a website,Lagomar.com.