mxstanl

We are looking to plan a family beach trip possibly the last week of May. We want to have access to nice beaches, and good seafood. We will be traveling out of Denver, CO. We have 2 kids, 6 and 9. We really want to avoid large crowds and have a relaxing time. Considering the gulf coast of the US, but we are just getting started on the research. thanks for any ideas.

tracys2cents

Denver has great flights, nonstop, to SNA airport in Southern California...around $200pp. The Laguna Riviera in Laguna Beach is a great place to stay, right at the water's edge. I suppose SoCal doesn't meet your requirement for no crowds, especially over Memorial weekend, but this hotel is quite relaxing and their is great dining within walking distance. Legoland would be a great day trip for the kids, avoid the weekend however.

Dukey1

There are non-stop flights from Denver to South Florida (Fort Lauderdale) too. Is there some reason you are not considering the Atlantic coast beaches?

mxstanl

Well, I was hoping for warm and calmer water and nice beaches. I am not aware of an Atlantic Coast beach that has those things in late May.

Tracy2cents: Funny funny, we did the Laguna Cliffs Marriott last year for 3 days after 3 days at Disney. It was the same time period and that resort was dead! We got great service, the pool waiters got to know us by name in only 3 days. It was great, but we are looking for something a little different with warmer water if we can find it!

tomfuller

How about Corpus Christi and South Padre Island? http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/wgof.html
Looks like the water temps should be in the mid-70's by May.
Couple of good seafood restaurants there too.

OO

The prettiest beaches along the Gulf are FL's Panhandle, especially around Destin, Navarre, Ft Walton, Seaside and the like. Sand is so white DD thought it was snow when she first saw it at age 2. Water is a turquoise blue and generally so clear you can be chest deep and still see your feet clearly. It was our favorite vacation beach when we lived in Dallas, and although I'm even closer to TX beaches now, living in San Antonio....I've never been, simply because everyone tells us how disappointed we'd be after the Destin area. Water will be warm at that time, and rates low if you are there before Memorial Weekend.

hpeabody

You might consider San Diego, nice beaches and plenty for a family to do

MollyinFL

Sanibel Island is my choice, Fort Myers is close, fly in there, lots of quiet beach, great shelling, not too crowded.
Wonderful food, great bike trails, family oriented.

MiamiBeachMomma

We have a tradition of visiting Key Largo every Memorial day weekend. The water is very warm and calm on the gulf side. It's very relaxed and laid back. Snorkeling or a glass bottom boat ride in John Pennekamp is fun! Lots of great seafood "shacks."

CarnivorousHabit

Destin Fl. White sand beaches. Great seafood, no crowds.

qwovadis

orangebeach.com
terrycove.com
villagetannin.com
cute little beach front village
Wonderful cheap www.zekeslanding.com seafood fishing
hotwire.com Sleep Inns on the beach from $30/nt
Closest decent beach with white sand coming from Denver.

classic.mapquest.com

Happy Hunting,

turtlegirl

There are direct flights from Denver to the Big Island of Hawaii & Kauai, which are both very warm and quiet at that time of year.

npiazza

The beaches of Alabama and the Florida panhandle are beautiful that time of year (and also in September and October!). There are many condos in all price ranges. For upscale you might want to check out Turquoise Place in Orange Beach, Alabama or the Seaside and Rosemary Beach communities in Florida. Beautiful beaches with no signs of the oil spill that happened a couple of years ago. Typically the water is a beautiful turquoise/emerald, thus the name "the Emerald Coast". Great fresh seafood, local dive bars, parasailing (Destin and Panama City), etc. or just long stretches of quiet beach (Rosemary Beach, Orange Beach). Have fun planning!

npiazza

I should have added that unless you want big crowds avoid Panama City and Destin, FL. If you want outlet shopping, bars, T-shirt shops and every fast food restaurant known to man, then those would be great choices. Equally great beaches, just a livelier atmosphere.