I really need a vacation. My boyfriend and I are looking at Florida as a destination towards the end of March.I have only been to Orlando. I would like to go somewhere where there is golf, nightlife, relaxation by the pool or ocean, and good restaurants. I feel like I need to book the vacation ASAP so I will have something to look forward to. It gives me incentive to come to work everday. We are in our late 20's. Very late in my case!! Any recommendations on cities and hotels would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks,
Audrey in NC

Consider Tampa with beaches only 30 minutes away in Clearwater and St. Petersburg barrier islands. There is an article in today's St. Petersburg Times about the golfing in the Tampa Bay area, how great the courses are and how reasonable the prices are. Places to stay are Treasure Island (the Thunderbird, also Best Western Sea Castle), St. Petersburg (Tradewinds, the Alden, the Don Cesar), and in Clearwater, I'm not crazy about any of their hotels now but they're there, the Adams Mark is one. Lots of great restaurants in the TB area. Great airport. Ybor City for nightlife.

Wherever you depends on your tastes, but I will give you one warning: hotel rooms and rentals are at a premium now in FL, so you may want to book soon.

As a result of the damage from last year's hurricanes, a lot of people moved out of their homes for repairs and into rental property. Plus, there are a lot of out-of-state workers staying in hotels and rental properties.

Combine all that with the peak season, and you're looking at some slim availability, especially in hurricane-struck areas. Maybe the keys would be the place to look, since hurricane damage there was minimal, I think.

With your ages, Miami/South Beach seems the obvious choice. If you want something more laid back, I'd try to head down to Marco Island. There is a beautiful Marriott there.

Definitely go to South Beach ... there are a ton of great hotels there for every budget . Beaches are great and nightlife and restaurants are amazing!

Fort Lauderdale

How about staying in Key Biscayne at the Ritz Carlton, very close to South Beach, Coral Gables, for fine dinning and dancing. Spend whole day on the beach. Key Biscayne is very safe and on the high end.

As you can see Audrey, everyone has their favorite places in Fla. east coast vs west, north vs south. South Beach tends to be younger in general, but to my knowledge, you'll have to head north to north Miami or Ft Lauderdale for golf. As you can imagine, most golf courses are inland from the beach where land prices are lower.

If golf is an important part of the trip, that will help you narrow the options. If it's just "it would be nice but not necessary" you're back to lots of choices (I think). The Westin Diplomat in Hollywood Fla (between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale) is one option I know. They have both a hotel on the beach and another inland where the golf course is. You can stay at either to use the course.

Budget will also obviously affect your choices and you haven't mentioned that. Naples is another west coast location that offers what you're looking for (maybe the best option.)

No need to travel much for golf if you are in the Miami area. There is Coral Gables golf course, Doral Country Club with the "blue monster", and few more within Miami limits.

I live in Tampa and would really recommend a vacation here. Clearwater Beach is a great place to stay..esp the Sand Key area. The beaches here are great, it is a lot less expensive than Miami, great golf, nightlife, etc. Let me know if you have any questions, I would be glad to help!

End of march isn't always warm enuf for pool and beach - head far south - Miami - to increase your sun chances!

Orlando/Tampa, etc might not be far enough south in March if you want hot weather, not just warm.

If you have problems with price or availability, look at hotels not right on beach - even a block or so from usually saves a lot of money and if you are willing to drive to beach you can still get a good deal (we are staying at a Best Western in Boca Raton during February vacation week and got very good rate - but we need to drive to beach)

Long Boat Key outside of Sarasota. Golf, tennis, great beach and fabulous restaurants and shopping on St. Armand's Square