Where to go in Southern Florida
 

We're thinking of taking our 4 older children (25, 22, 20, and 17) to Florida, wanting to see the Everglades and some nice beaches. Not sure if it's better to stay in Miami, Key Largo or somewhere on the Gulf. ANy recommendations of what we'd enjoy best? We enjoyed Cancun and Maui and live in SOuthern California. We love to snorkel and swim in the nice warm water--assuming it's warm there too. Thanks.

I would consider Ft.Lauderdale. One of my favorites. I was not so impressed with Miami. NOt sure of your budget but there is a Pelican Resort Hotel on the beach. It is fairly new and a gorgeous property. The water clarity was so great when I was there. The gulf is a bore, no waves, and murkey water. There is more to do in FLL. You can even take a ride down to Miami if you like for the day.

You may want to stay at a couple of different places to do all that you want to. The beaches are on the mainland but the snorkelling is best in the Keys. I would suggest some time in Miami and then in Key Largo Islamorada (Keys). You don't need to add the extra drive time to the Gulf to satisfy your beach needs.

Snorkeling is something you don't really do in the Gulf. I'd think Key Largo is really the area for you, especially for the water activities, or possibly Islamorada. You can do a nice day trip up to the Everglades from there as well.

By the way, do the "kids" do Scuba? They could do a two or three day session in Key Largo and they may never want to snorkel again.

The young people will think Miami Beach is a blast.

If you get near Naples, I believe you will enjoy a visit to Corkscrew Swamp.

Beaches in the Keys are very weak--very few not man-made. The snorkeling is not from shore. The reefs (very nice) are 5-6 miles offshore, so you do boat tours. Minimal snorkeling elsewhere. To approximate what you had in Maui, you may want to consider St. Thomas, St. John in the US Virgin Islands (except for hurricane season). Their low water temps. in winter are like Hawaii in summer. And there is extensive wade-in snorkeling from many beaches, particularly St.John, which is 2/3 National Park, and ecologically interesting.

First, if you think you'll have turquoise water and good snorkeling anywhere except the Keys in Florida, forget it. For swimming, the gulf is generally calmer but even in July I've seen large waves! I like St Petersburg a lot- there are some fun bars on the beach, lots of funky seafood restaurants, casual. There's also a shuttle that you can hop on for $5 a day that takes you all along the coast. The kids would LOVE YBor City near Tampa- that place rocks. I also agree with poster above, St John is a great destination. Caribbean flavor (no problem mon) incredible water, not all the temp fluctuations like Florida, beautiful hiking and great snorkeling. Fun places to shop and eat, easy to get around by taxi. Then again, how about an Everglades tour and a cruise? That would be easy on everyone!

Thanks for all your help. No one is certified to scuba but may be interested in learning if it's not too expensive. I'm worried about the mosquitos in the everlades and the temp. I thought it was only a 2 or 3 hour drive to Key West. 4 one way makes it more than a day trip. You've given me lots to think about.
Janie

You might want to consider Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. I agree Miami might be fun for the kids but it depends where you stay. The Loews is very nice and Coral Gables is also nice to visit. Ft Lauderdale has Las Olas but the beaches are so so. The Gulf Coast has some nice resorts Naples and Sarasota come to mind. It depends when you are planning to go.

We are going to Miami next week and have decided to stay at the Trump Sonesta in Sunny Isle. It is not far from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale which both have lots to do. The hotel has a great pool and beach to hang out as well. Hope this helps..
http://www.sonesta.com/SunnyIsles/