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My husband and I (early 30's) are trying to plan our summer vacation. We have pretty much decided we want to go to Florida since neither of us have been since we were little. Now here is the problem. I have read the forum about various places to visit in Florida and can not make up my mind about where to go. Key West sounds exactly right except for the lack of a decent beach. We like places that have really good casual restaurants (neither of us want to dress up during our vacation; mostly shorts). We do not really like the dance club scene but can enjoy a good casual bar. We both enjoy shopping. To give you an idea of what type places we enjoy, we live in Atlanta an extremely quiet place would not be fun for us; we love Charleston, SC because of its casual atmosphere but excellent shopping, nice beaches (not the pretty water Florida has but nice), dining and tourist type attractions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I think South Beach would be more up your alley than Key West if you like the dance scence. Key West is very hot and buggy in the summer as is most of Florida...

In view of the fact you mention this vacation will take place in the summer months I would suggest FLL. Florida is hot and humid during the summer months. The gulf side in worse. There is at least a breeze on the beach in FLL. We were there for 8 days in June. While we also spent time on the gulf side, sitting on the beach was nearly unbearable. FLL has many restaurants, a casual party type atmosphere. Not sure of your budget but the Marriot is nice, and on the beach. Also perhaps Miami South Beach would be another consideration.

True about the heat Amanda. I have been to Egypt in August and I can not handle Florida in summer at all. You feel like you can not breathe the humidity is so high.

If you like Charleston, you will like Key West. The two cities remind me of each other. Key West is a little trashier but has much prettier water than Charleston.

The heat/humidity does not bother us. We live in pretty humid weather and Charleston never causes us a bit of problem when everyone else is melting. As stated, we do not like the dance club scene too much so I did wonder if South Beach would be too out there for us. Would someone please tell me about the beaches at Key West or is there someone else like Key West with better beaches?

Perhaps you should take in the whole of the Keys. Start in Miami & work your way out to Key West.

Amanda= I am going to go out on a limb here----I LOVE Naples Fla- on the West Coast. THe restaurants are super casual to casual elegant--and they are super and on par with Charleston .... The beaches are wide open spaces- and in the summer they offer all types of deals-- the BEST beach hotel is the RITZ CARLTON on Naple's Vanderbilt Beach- Sort of like staying at Kiawah but having Charleston only 10 min away instead of 1/2 hr!! That is the driving time from the Ritz to downtown Naples and Old Naples- THe shopping is KILLER- BETTER than South Beach and Key West- More in line with Palm Beach and Las Olas Blvd in FLL. The beaches have the best shelling around. If you want anymore info,email me .... We always go to Naples in June or July- it is HOT--but it's the same HOT as Charleston or Myrtle Beach==Only the hotels are CHEAPER and WAY nicer..and on the beach... Another great resort in Naples is The Registry Inn-- also on the beach.... You will Love Naples- the Ritz goes for $325 -$550 PN in high season- In the summer, the rates drop to around $109 pn and you still have the Ritz feeling and it is listed as Ritz's BEST resort hotel in the US...

It sounds like Key West is your destination. Casual, fun, good restaurants, lots to do and you can wear shorts 24/7. If driving from Atlanta, I would suggest saving one day for a hotel on the beach somewhere on the east coast (ie the Marriott on Delray Beach, which also has those good casual restaurants within walking distance). Otherwise, I would still stick with Key West and just make the most of their smaller beaches (some of the hotels like the Pier House have beaches that they have created with brought in sand). You'll get plenty of recreation if you take one of the snorkeling tours out to the reefs. They are incredible and you get to cruise on a boat for awhile just enjoying being in the tropics. I would not suggest South Beach. It is not casual, it is trendy and very much centered on the club scene. Nor would I recommend Naples - we spent a weekend there last summer for a convention. The beaches are nice, as far as the west coast is concerned, but you won't be ranting and raving about them or the restaurants upon your return. Good luck and enjoy the trip!

I would have to go with Key West too. Some of the beaches are just fine like Fort Zachory Tayor and some of the resort ones. There are some wonderful restaurants and even the best ones don't have a dress code. There are cool little funky bars with fun bands. And best yet ............. The Sunsets are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why does somone keep "ttt" this thread. Hasn't it been answered sufficiently??