Hi, need ideas on getting out of new england for a 5 day escape somewhere warm in usa in January. We will be going to the carribean in March,so I don't want to spend too much money. Florida coast or Texas coast! Thanks for your help

In my opinion, Texas does not have a pretty coast. The water is not clear and the beaches that they do have, are not sandy. I think you also have a better chance at good sunny weather in southern Florida.

If you're looking for warm, sunny beaches in January in the US, south Florida is your only good bet.
It can be warm on occasion in TX and CA, but much less predictable, and most often not warm enough to make it worth the trip.
Someone from South Carolina recently answered this same question and suggested the SC coast because it's around 60 degrees then. Personally, when I go away midwinter to warm up, I want to warm up, not just be able to get along with a light jacket.
Unfortunately, options in the continental US are very limited.

I would recomend Sanibel island in FL. Should be pretty warm. Of course - the Keys are nice, too. Not sure what the previous poster was getting at...

Marsha-Another suggestion for Sanibel or Naples. Flights into Ft. Myers are comparable to what you would pay into Lauderdale.

Marsha,
I'd suggest you go as far south in Florida as possible. It dpoes sometimes frost overnight in the central part of the state.

You might also want to think about Phoenix or Vegas. You can probably get a great deal on Vegas right now.

Marsha, 2 suggestions:
1. Fly to Ft. Myers, drive about 45 minutes to the Hilton on Marco Island Right on the beach!
2. Fly to Ft. Lauderdale, drive about 10 minutes to Lago Mar. Again, right on the beach!
We have stayed many times @ both of these places. We always asked for beachfront & usually get it.

The Texas Gulf Coast is highly polluted. You'll want to avoid it.

http://www.ghasp.org

Whoever suggested Phoenix and LV falls into the same category as the guy suggesting South Carolina. I used to live out there and I was often amazed that people would book vacations to Phoenix in January expecting to be lounging by the pool all day using sunscreen and spritzing water to stay cool.
Well, it just ain't like that, unfortunately. It is often quite cool in the southwest in January. Low 60's in the daytime is typical and 30's at night is typical.

As for your specific question, Marsha, my recommendations would depend primarily on your budget. If you had no limit, I'd head to the Ritz Carlton, Naples. Can't be beat.
Over on the Atlantic side there are several very beautiful beachfront resorts, but the best ones are quite pricey.
Do you have a price range you're looking at? Any activities in particular that are 'musts' or do you just want to be able to hang out in the sunnyb weather?

Marsha
If it were me, I would fly into Fort Myers and find a beachfront hotel in that area. Sanibel Island, Naples, etc. The beaches on the Gulf side of Florida are white, sandy beaches with clear water. I did not find the Atlantic side to be as nice.

Brent,

I am the *some guy from South Carolina* If you're going to reference my opinion and trash it, at least get it right. The question I replied to before and this question are similar but not the same. The previous question asked about weather at the coast for folks who are NOT going into the water, and the time period extended through March.

I stated that average high temps where I live (North Myrtle Beach SC) are listed as 60 in February and 68 in March. And in my personal experience, it could be much be warmer. Example--it was near 80 this past weekend. I then pointed the original poster further south (where temps will generally be a little warmer still), to Charleston.

Also, it's curious that you would take the low end of the range that I gave in order to make my answer appear less credible. Are you a trial lawyer by any chance? If not, you may want to consider a career change--you have a knack for it.

And finally, I agree with you that marsha should not come to the SC coast in January looking for temps that exceed 80 degrees, which I would not have suggested in the first place.

I am planning a trip for the winter also, and after much research and time, decided on the Florida Keys. I had kicked around the idea of the Bahamas and Southern CA, but with only 5 days, decided on the Keys. I am sooooo looking forward to the warmth. I know the beaches aren't great, as everybody likes to remind me, but the snorkeling is good as is the seafood - besides, I just want to relax! Have fun

I would also agree with the Keys for a nice get away. There are some pretty good bargins right now.