Where should we go in Florida in December??
 

Looking to go to Florida for 4 days of Xmas 2006 w/ hubby and 2 teenage sons - any recommendations (not Disney World)? Sanibel, Captiva, Miami, Sarasota, Siesta Key or somewhere else??? Any nice resorts or would you rent a condo for a family? We know that it will not be really hot at that time of year.Thanks in advance.

Christmas in Florida is a wonderful time and usually very good weather, but it is a very popular time to go, so I would make and book your plans early. You have tons of options--my favorites would include Miami and Key West, The Florida Panhandle, The St. Augustine area.

We just returned from our 3rd year in a row on Sanibel Island. We stay at Point Santo - it is 5 separate buildings with approx 16 condos in each unit. It is right on the gulf. We have 3 boys- ages 14-17 and they enjoy it every year. They always meet up with other kids their ages to hang around with. In addition to relaxing on the beach or at the pool (it might be a bit cool for this), we have enjoyed biking (25 miles of bike paths), fishing, ecotours, JN Ding Darling nature preserve, kayaking and airboat rides on Lake Trafford (1-1/2 hour away), trips to Captiva Island.

Another option is Cheeca Lodge on Islamorada. We went there 4 years ago at Thanksgiving. The weather was great and the resort and more on sight activities than Pointe Santo on Sanibel.

If you enjoy biking, running or walking, Sanibels bike paths get my vote.

Check out the average temps in the cities you wish to go. I used to live in Sarasota and xmas was nearly too cool to enjoy the beaches. We were in South Beach this past xmas and could only go to the beach in the mid afternoon (too cool earlier). This year, we are going to try Key West. Average temps there in Dec are highs of low 80's and lows of low 50's.

Also, if you are seriously thinking of Gulf Coast, you may want to go onto Sarasota's Mote Marine website to check on the Red Tide levels. I used to leave Siesta BEach (Sarasota) because of the headaches and coughing due to the hi levels of red tide there.

Forida Panhandle in December? Brrrrrrrrrrrr!
We used to live there