what part of Florida?
 

Hi - I'm thinking about a vacation to Florida, but not sure what coast or part of the state to go to. I like laying on the beach, shopping and seeing historical sights. Disney, Epcot, etc., does NOT interest me. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance!

When are you planning on going? <BR> <BR>During the winter, I think the best places are the Southwest coast and the keys. <BR> <BR>However, St. Augustine, on the Northeast coast, is "America's oldest permanently settled European city" accoridng to the official U.S. Florida tourism site: www.flausa.com. <BR> <BR>Here is a link to a gateway site which has many links: <BR> <BR>http://www.usastar.com/i95/snowbird.htm <BR> <BR>

I think you'd enjoy South Florida, especially Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach or Miami Beach. Beautiful beaches, lots of great restaurants and shopping.

Florida's best beaches are on the Gulf Coast. I think you want Long Boat Key off Sarasota -- best shopping at St. Armand's Circle (good restaurants, too), Ringling complex is very historic and interesting. Take side trip down to Gasparilla for OLD wealthy Florida.

I love the west coast beaches too - the Bradenton area is nice as well as further south from there. We went by a lot of "historic" cheezy sort of tourist traps along the way which now seem kind of quaint.