smcilven

Hi all, does anyone have any suggestions for a family of 4 (2 adults and two children 5 and 2)? We would like to find a vacation spot in Florida with calm white sandy beach and very family friendly. We've been to Hilton Head but would like a change of pace. Any suggestions on locations, beaches, and/or hotels etc. would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.--Scott

Postal

First of all, I would stick with the Gulf side because the water is calmer. If you're going in the winter, stick to the southwestern part of the state so the water will still be warm. If it's the summer or fall, consider the Treasure Island to Siesta Key area. I always rented a condo when my kids were small, but we also had nice stay at Tradewinds in St. Pete Beach, which has a great kids' program too.

gone4fun

Gulf Coast is best in summer...Lots of family resorts in Marco Island to try....

Ida101

For kids the gulf is indeed much nicer. Great beaches, great sea.
Also around Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg Beach you will find plenty of nice hotels.

Sunshinesue

Destin or the Beaches of South Walton.

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/

NeoPatrick

Not to burst any bubbles, but there can be disappointments. My niece and her husband and two teenaged daughters arrived for a week at Ft. Meyers Beach yesterday. Last night I heard on the news that there is an incredible outbreak of red algae, the beaches are covered, the water is thick with it, and there is almost no point in even going onto the beach! (This is red algae like seaweed, not red tide).

Needless to say, they've very disappointed. One never knows when these things are going to happen -- just like the weather.

elsiemoo

smcilven, I would recommend Indian Rocks Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast, near Tampa-St. Petersburg. I'd stay at Sarah's Seaside Cottages (part of gulfsideresorts.com). Beautiful, immaculate, in a tropical garden setting right on the beach. The small pool would be fine for children the age of yours. You can walk to lots of restaurants, and it's a quiet, laid-back area.

If you have bad luck at one beach in Florida, like the red algae, red tide, seaweed, you can usually drive not too far to another without a problem. Although I'm disappointed when I can't used my hotel's beach, I don't let it ruin things for me, as you can't control nature.

We discovered Florida's Gulf beaches three years ago, and it's one of our favorite areas to visit now.

ronijeni

Check out Sanibel and Captiva! So beautiful!

elsiemoo

ronijeni is right ... Sanibel and Captiva are beautiful ... really enjoy them as well, and my favorite place to stay there is the West Wind Inn on Sanibel.

SAnParis2

Amelia Island. If you like some waves w/your beach.

mrswilburrrr

We like Panama City Beach. The white beaches are beautiful, it's family friendly and there is a lot to do.

Some things to do there with young kids include: Zoo World (you can pet & feed Sydney the Giraffe), lots of mini golf places. There are great kids areas both at the local aquatic center and at Shipwreck Island water park, beaches & sandcastles of course, Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise is great for kids 5-10 especially if they're into pirates.

You can find more info about these and other family options at http://www.panama-city-beach-vacations.com