We are planning a week in Florida at the beginning of May. In what part of Florida would you recommend staying? We want beachfront on a nice beach and enough dining and shopping options to keep us interested. Thanks.

Although I haven't been there in years, it sounds as though a week in Destin would be perfect for you! The beaches on the panhandle are beautiful white sand, and there are lots of great restaurants in Destin, too. If, however, you're willing to forego the great beach for the absolute best Florida has to offer...you must go to Key West!!!

How about anything from Marco Island to Ft. Myers/Sanibel/Captiva area? Shouldn't be so crowded then.

Rose,

I live in Georgia and have visited Florida many times. My favorite beach is Amelia Island, which is probably the closest beach to the Georgia line. Amelia Island is the old Fernadina Beach and is wonderful for quiet relaxation. You do not have the traffic problem of other beaches. It is also a wonderful place for young children. (I must admit that when we took my son as a teenager and a friend, they thought the beach was too dull and quiet--that is until they met two young ladies. Then they decided it was ok--Although it is a little quiet for teenagers looking for loud fun) The beaches are not crowded at all. It is more of a residential beach. Only in the last 10 years have the condo's and hotels really built up. If you are interested in particular places to stay, please e-mail me. I have a whole page typed on my computer about Amelia Island. Another neat place to spend some time is St. Augustine. They have the old fort and it is close to Marineland. My son really enjoyed our visits there when he was small. Also, it is not too far from Kennedy Space Center for a day trip. We have also been to the west coast of Florida. Panama City is very crowded, especially with teenagers. The traffic during the summer is unbearable. Some of the beaches north of Panama City and South of Panama are pretty and not nearly as crowded. In our experience of visiting Florida for the past 20 years, the east coast is less expensive than the west coast. If you get down to the lower third of Florida, be sure to visit Silver Springs. It is great. Have a fun trip.

My wife and I moved to Miami (Coconut Grove) in 1989 and immediately took the opportunity to visit Key West. It was great! We visited again in 1992 and the rules had changed. Tourism/commercialism became the rule of the day.The locals could no longer afford to live in the area due to developer greed. This seems to have created a mine and not yours attitude that fosters animosity for the tourists. Well, the last time we went to Key West it was a hellish drive from Miami and the shop owners and employees were almost openly hostile. So much for letting the word get out on a great place to visit. Good luck!

Your timing is perfect for visiting southwest Florida. The tourists are gone, the rates are lower, the beaches are wonderful,the water is warmer than north Florida and the weather is fantastic! Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer great beaches, safe swimming, great shopping and wonderful restaurants. No, I don't work for the Chamber of Commerce, but I've lived here for 25 years. E mail me if I can help further.

We stayed on Sanibel Island for the
first time last November. Having been
to the Hawaiian Islands many times we
feel Sanibel and Captiva are as close you can get to the islands. The beach sand
is like baby powder and the shelling is
fantastic. Also many fine eateries at
reasonable prices.Good Luck.Eke

I agree with the fact that the west coast beaches are the best, however, if you are looking for fun, people watching, dining, shopping, theater, etc., South Beach is the place to go. Check it out...it is part of Miami Beach and is located close to anything you may want to do...or you can stay on the beach the entire time. If you want any further info, feel free to e-mail me or go to the various web sites

The fine white sand beaches in the Panhandle area near Destin really are spectacular. We enjoyed staying at Seaside for part of our week. This is a planned, compact town with many uniquely designed homes. Rental prices were steep, but the great beach and interesting architecture made for a memorable vacation.

We just got back from a week in the Panhandle on Navarre Beach and enjoyed ourselves so much and it was pretty inexpensive too. Navarre is between Pensacola Beach and Ft. Walton Beach. The sand is white and the water is teal. It is quiet but there is still plenty to do. It was great!