We are trying to plan a Florida beach vacation and have narrowed our choices down to the Sanibel Island area or the Florida Keys. Have children ages 13 and 16 and we enjoy water sports. We would also like a nice beach area. Need help fast! Thanks

There are more places to snorkel in the keys..more reefs and such but Sanibel has much better beaches. There is a world of difference between the two places. The keys have horrible beaches.

I absolutely love Key West and it has lots of things to do for folks of all ages. Having said that, though, if a beach is very important to you, the Keys might not be the best choice. Being situated on coral, all the beaches there are man-made with imported sand, and most are very small. I've never been to Sanibel, so I'm not qualified to make a good comparison, but I think you and and your children would love Key West!

Sanibel is a better choice for families.

As nearly everyone has already said -- the beaches WILL be better at Sanibel. The Keys really don't have much in the way of beaches. BUT the Keys are way cool. There's a certain funkiness you'll find in the Keys that doesn't exist at Sanibel.Plus, if you're into snorkling, the Keys is the place. Excellent. Also, very good dining and shopping in Key West. But so does Sanibel. As much as I love the Keys, I'm not sure if it is a kid friendly environment. Unless your kids are outdoorsy and like funky things. Sanibel is more like a "typical" Florida vacation. The Keys are . . . different.

DEFINITELY Go to Sanibel. Agree with
all the other comments. No beach in the
Keys and other than snorkelling not much
for kids to do. Love Sanibel - great
beach with tons of shells. lots to do
and can also spend a day in Fort Meyers
which is much more commercial and crowded than Sanibel but kind of fun
for the kids.