Where to go in FL?
 

My fiance, our two kids (6 & 12), and I are looking to go to Florida the third week in June. Since this was not our original destination, I haven't done much research so I was hoping for some good suggestions as far as destinations go. Really the only requirement we have is that the beach is nice and the water is relatively clear. Suggestions on where to stay would be appreciated also. Thanks!

Toss a dart at a map of Florida and drive to the closest beach. 90% of the state meets your requirement. The only section that doesn't would be the far inside corner of the Gulf coast.

For crystal clear water, (and sugar white sand) go to the Emerald Coast-Pensacola to Panama City

Hey Starrs! Hope all is well with you!

I'm not sure if we should be suggesting to go for the best -- The Ritz resort in Naples -- or to suggest a quaint cottage on Anna Marie Island, the glitz of South Beach, or maybe a condo in Destin. If you want more specific recommendations, you need to provide more information or restrictions (including price, probably).

If clear water is mandatory, do your homework before making a commitment. Most of the east coast beaches from JAX to FLL do not have clear water most of the time. Likewise when you turn south on the west coast til south of Tampa.

Sunshinesue is right that the panhandle beaches have nice water.

Well . . . I thank everyone for the suggestions. I appologize for the vague post earlier. We are a family of 4 so we are trying to keep things within a reasonable amount -$2000 hotel & air (from Austin, TX). For some reason my fiance has it stuck in his head that he doesn't want to be on the gulf side of FL. Does this help narrow things down a bit? Somewhere on the Atlantic side with pretty beach/water that has reasonably priced accomodations available.

Here's another vote for the panhandle of Florida The beaches are sugar white and the water crystal clear. I would start my search in Destin.

If you don't want the gulf side, then I agree with the above that you'll need to be in Ft Lauderdale or further south to get clear water.

But I think you should reconsider the gulf side - Anna Maria Island (Tampa) or Ft Myers should be able to meet your budget that time of year.