Pat_in_Mich

We'd planning to drive down south for a week in March to escape the Michigan winter. We'd be there March 5th - 12th. We've been to Florida a number of times but only to Disney. This time we want to do something else. Our group is DH and I, our 21 year old son and possibly our 24 year old daughter. Budget is $150 - $200 a night and I'm really hoping to stay on the low end of that.

What we're looking for:
Within walking distance to the beach (on the beach or beach view would be even better, but don't know if I can get that within budget)
A pool
Things to do within an hour's drive. We like historical, cultural sites as well as natural beauty or wildlife.
No further south than Orlando, that's a long enough drive!

We don't care about nightlife and we're not foodies. As long as there is a selection of inexpensive to moderate places to eat nearby, that's good enough for us.

Places I'm considering so far are St. Augustine and Jekyll Island.

I'd love any comments about these locations or suggestions for others. Specific hotel suggestions would be much appreciated as well.

tchoiniere

That is high time due to Spring Break. It may be tough to find.

starrs

Jekyll Island.

padams421

You should go as far south as you can because it may still be chilly (by Southern standards) during the first week of March along the Georgia coast and even northern Florida. Expect temperatures in the 60s at Jekyll, but it could be 75 and it could be 45. It is spring break for many schools in GA so book early.

Pat_in_Mich

Most of our previous Florida trips have been in February or March so we're not expecting 80s. If there's no snow on the ground we'll be happy!

bigbomoho

Cocoa Beach is nice,not real high end,so prices are very good--lots of hotels too.Near the Cape which is a nice visit for a day

Ackislander

Bonita Springs?
Venice?

Both on the West Coast, both have little attraction for the spring break crowd unless they go to Grandma's condo.

You might look into a condo rental on Marco Island. It is warm, has good beaches and access to the Everglades, and you can do an easy day trip to Miami Beach.

padams421

If you are not expecting 80s, then look at Jekyll Island. It is considered the least expensive of the Georgia "Islands". You could day trip to Jacksonville ot even Savannah.

cd

One place that I would recommend would be the St Pete, Treasure Island area. It is about an hour from Tampa and would be warm that time of the year. We stayed at the Island Inn and loved it but the pool is not heated and that time of the year you would probably want a heated pool. One place that seems to get good reviews and has decent rates is the Bilmar Beach resort. Directly on the beach (get a gulf front room with balcony)http://www.bilmarbeachresort.com/ This whole area is great. Visit JOhn's Pass for activites/shopping http://www.johnspass.com/ A way to save money is to get an efficiency and have breakfast/lunch in your room. I did a brief look and saw one for $189.00 per night. They also have two heated pools I believe.

SAnParis2

Amelia Island

Ackislander

Amelia Island is wonderful, but unless you are crazy for golf, their season is only opening up in mid to late March. The ocean is not warm enough for swimming for any sane person.

Gretchen

I think you could go to the South Carolina beaches and have a very nice stay. And an entire extra day not getting there. The weather may be almost anything, but not as cold as Michigan.
How about somewhere near Charleston so you could sightsee. There should be real "buys" in the rental cost. I would even suggest Litchfield/Pawley's north of Charleston (near Myrtle Beach). That season is a steal, the beach is beautiful. The nights will be cool. The food in nearby restaurants is the best on the coast. There is golf, tennis, sights to see, things to do.

2bamafan

Gretchen has given you some good advice. Charleston is consistently ranked as a Top 5 city to visit in the USA by Travel & Leisure. It's so charming. Beaufort, SC is closeby and is also very charming. Savannah is also worthy of a one day visit and has many historical sights. Consider Tybee Island while you're in Savannah. Since you like natural beauty, you'll enjoy the drive along the coast in Georgia. Stop at Sea Island, St Simons Island, and Jekyll Island as all are charming and scenic. In fact, there's no need to even drive down to Florida unless you're hell-bent on warmer weather. As padams421 said above, the weather is 'dicey' at that time of year. The temps can vary considerably. I advise you to discuss this fact with other members of your group and make sure that everyone is OK with cooler temps.

Orlando_Vic

No one has yet mentioned St. Augustine, so let me do so now. You mentioned "historical, cultural sites". This is the place for you!

St. Augustine has nice beaches, but not so much by the pier (it's rocky). In early March, it will probably be too cold for ocean swimming, so think about heated pools instead. You might want to research lodging in St. Augustine Beach rather than the historic district http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g3...da-Hotels.html

St. Augustine has tons of history, great, moderately-priced restaurants, art galleries, outlet shopping malls, lots of recreational activities.

A few St. Augustine links:
http://www.staugustine.com/visit/
http://www.visitflorida.com/St_Augustine
http://www.getaway4florida.com/

_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

happytrailstoyou

Last March, when we were traveling in the SE, we were delightfully surprised by the towns of the Florida Panhandle--especially Apalachicola and Pensacola Beach.

I believe you and your childern would like Pensacola Beach and the surrounding area. We stayed at the Hampton Inn with a view of the Gulf. I see the rate for those rooms are going for $199 during the week you will be traveling. However, rooms facing the sound are less and breakfast and parking are included in the room rate.

I notice that Days Inn gets reasonably good comments, and you can get a room there for less than $100: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...h_Florida.html

Have a great trip, HTTY

longhorn55

If you truly don't mind not being able to swim in a pool or the ocean, I'd recommend Jekyll Island. We've been going there regularly for the past 25 years or so and love it. You've got the historical sites on the island and some great biking trails. You've got other sites nearby for day trips (e.g. Savannah and Cumberland Island. I've even done a long day trip to Charleston.) And you've got a LONG beach that you can walk on.
They had just begun some renovations on the island in August which may result in the relocation of the retail shops to temporary buildings. I'm not sure how that is going.
If you decide to go to JI, I'd recommend staying in the condos at Villas by the Sea. You can get a 2-bedroom/1 bath islandside condo (with full kitchen, 2 TVs, living room/dining room) for $200 or less for the dates you have given.

Pat_in_Mich

Thanks for all of the great suggestions! I need to get some consensus from my gang on what they really want. Now they're starting to say that since it won't be beach weather maybe we should skip the beach and go to Orlando again instead but do other things there besides Disney. So we'll see. Thanks again!

JoeJitzu

Jekyll Island is perfect. Low-density development (only 35% of the island can be developed by law), plenty of wild areas, affordable hotels on the beach. I'd recommend leasing a home. You should be able to find one within walking distance of the beach that's within your budget. Beach front homes will be more expensive.

Check out www.jekyll-island-family-adventures.com for more info.