Where to visit in FL with a toddler and a senior?

[jtundra]

My husband and I would like to take our 3 year old daughter and my 70 year old father to FL for a week this December, possibly during the Christamas week. We live in Midwest. My husband and I had been to Disney Orlando many years ago separately before we met. I also visited Key West once 10 years ago.

We do not plan to visit Disney this time. Other than this, we are open to any family vacation ideas in FL, keeping it in mind that we will drive down there with a toddler and a senior. We love to see the ocean, swim, eat local food, see nature, etc. We plan to spend $3,000 or less for the trip.

Which city/island is a good place to visit?
Where to stay?
What to do there?

Thanks.

[Rupert]

Try the Sandestin Golf and Beach resort just outside Destin. It's a full-service resort with all the expected amenities. It's not far from Highway 30A and all it has to offer, e.g., Seaside. It's fairly cheap this time of year. And it's on the panhandle, which would be a much shorter drive for you than just about anywhere else you might want to visit in Florida.

[JDCPAEsq]

Christmas week is one of the busiest weeks of the year in Florida with heavy traffic and most accommodations sold out. At this late date you will probably have trouble finding a suitable place for the week, at least in South Florida.
John

[JDCPAEsq]

Try the Sandestin Golf and Beach resort just outside Destin...It's fairly cheap this time of year

Average temperatures in Destin, Florida in late December are highs of 62 and lows of 37. Now you know why it's "cheap this time of year".
John

[Dave_M]

Sandestin is a great resort, but may not be optimal for the OP.

This time of year you run a real chance of getting cold fronts in that part of the state. That would rule out any beach activity for the toddler (and maybe the rest of the family). I got snowed on there on 12/27 one year. (In fairness, I have also enjoyed low 80's on the same date)

Also, much of the attraction at Sandestin is golf, so you may be paying a (small) premium for something not important to you.

My current favorite spot in Florida is Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota. Very laid back, lots of good restaurants, great beach for walking or shell hunting, and far enough south to be fairly reliably warm.

Drive up to Busch Gardens for a day; go over to Tarpon Springs and eat Greek food and check out the sponge diving culture; shopping at St. Armand's Circle (15 minutes from Siesta Key) - be sure to eat lunch at the Columbia restaurant for americanized Cuban food, and then over to the Daquiri Deck for sunset and desert.

dave

[detroitbabu]

In December you will not find swimmable ocean temps anywhere in the US. You will need to go further south to Mexico or Caribbean.
I would recommend Cancun or Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) all inclusives. There are still some great deals even this late.
check out
www.cheapcaribbean.com.

Another idea would to go on a cruise.
cruisecritic.com

[Dave_M]

John"s point about Christmas week being sold out is on point. You may have some luck with VRBO.

A couple of years ago we had some friends get last minute rooms in the Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach area over Christmas; evidently they built a lot of capacity when the space program was booming, and now that it has slowed they often have unbooked rooms. Lots of stuff to do there too, including all the NASA stuff, pretty decent beach, some good restaurants, etc.

dave

[mike143]

My current favorite spot in Florida is Siesta Key, just south of Sarasota. Very laid back, lots of good restaurants, great beach for walking or shell hunting, and far enough south to be fairly reliably warm.

I second Siesta Key, went for the first time less than a year ago. Was my first "real" vacation. We stayed at the slower end of the island. This is the actual unit we rented for 5 days: http://www.siesta4rent.com/tp4.htm and its exact location: Google Maps Location. We were walking distance to the beach, 7-11 and little "downtown" area with restaurants and bars.

I would stay at the same complex but would probably do a different unit. Unit 4 could use some updating and a deep cleaning. The entire time the only people that used the pool were me and my wife and another couple, that were enjoyable to talk to.

[chaz]

Fort Lauderdale is nice.

[JupiterJones]

Fort Lauderdale is nice.

I was just there a few weeks ago and enjoyed it. Too cold/windy for the ocean, but the hotel's pool wasn't bad!

We caught a dinner and show at the Mai Kai, which seems like it would be fun for all ages.

JJ

[fsrph]

Which city/island is a good place to visit?
Where to stay?
What to do there?
Thanks.

I agree with the others that the Gulf/ocean may be too cold to swim. But, South Florida is great this time of year. Usually good weather as the rainy season is over. It is more crowded though. I say give Marco Island a look. About 15 miles south of Naples on the Gulf of Mexico. Both of these places are good to stay. The Marriott is nicer but it sells out often during the Holiday season. The Hilton will save you some $$ and is still a very nice place to stay. Both are Gulf front.

http://www.marcoislandmarriott.com/
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florid ... index.html

Francis

[fsrph]

Just wanted to add if you want to see nature and this is your type of activity, the "backdoor" to the Everglades is about 50 miles away on Rt 41. It's called Shark Valley (The main enterance to Everglades National Park is south of Miami). They have an awesome tram ride at Shark Valley.
http://www.angelfire.com/fl3/SharkValley/

Francis

[JDCPAEsq]

I agree with the others that the Gulf/ocean may be too cold to swim.

Gulf temperature in Sarasota today is 67. As the locals like to say, only the Canadians are swimming.
John

[Taylor Larimore]

Have you considered a last-minute cruise?

We recently returned from a week's cruise to the Caribbean aboard a Holland America ship and had a wonderful time. Our ship, like most, had a special place for toddler's supervised by a ship attendent. You and your dad can go your own way and meet for meals. Very relaxing, within your budget, and this is the best time of year.

http://www.travelocity.com/Promotions/0 ... in,00.html

Best wishes
Taylor

[CokeSlurpee711]

Lot of options here in FL. Given your parameters, my best guess would have to be like other posted suggested Saraslowta/Siesta Key. Siesta Key is unreal as a beach. It will be a little bit crowded, but nothing like the zoo South Florida (Ft.Lauderdale-Miami, no offense if you like 3rd world Florida, just not my cup of tea).

If warm water entry/swimming were no big deal, I think the Daytona Beach north to St.Augustine is extremely underrated from a chill, nature, & history perspective.

[likegarden]

We once went to Florida for 10 days in February in the 1970s. We had a car reserved, all hotels reserved and all steps planned. I was 40, wife 35, son was 4 years old, and my wife parents were retired in the 60s. It started from Orlando, Cape Kennedy Space Center, Miami, Key Largo reef, Key Honda state park, 4 days Key West, back up to the Everglades park and Tampa. We had a great time.

[INRCHLD]

I highly recommend Gulfport, Florida. Just on the north side of the skyway bridge from Sarasota it's very close to all the best the west coast has to offer for all ages but in a neighborhood community. Gulfport is often referred to as Florida's best kept secret. They are amazing with the senior set with theatre, art walks and fresh markets for the family, a small quiet scenic beach on Boca Ciega Bay and a very lovely children's playground and community center with much for all to do. Just a few miles from the St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, John's Pass, beautiful Ft. De Soto Park and St. Pete has a lovely pool at their rec center if your toddler would like a swim. It's next to a lovely setting at Horan Park where the Dads can fish or just enjoy the beautiful ambiance. It's still possible to find private homes that rent out seasonally. Look on vacationrentals.com for Gulfport.

[snyder66]

Airfare will be brutal between Christmas and New Years.

[JDCPAEsq]

Airfare will be brutal between Christmas and New Years.

If you can get a flight at all...
John

[abuss368]

Siesta Key Sarasota

87 degrees on Thanksgiving a few years back and we jumped in the gulf. Then again we are in Pennsylvania!

[jtundra]

It's the OP here. Wow a lot of good suggestions! From the posts I read, I think we are going to choose from one of the followings:

1. Cruise
2. Siesta Key Sarasota
3. Road trip Orlando-Miami-Key West

It has been a long time since we last visited FL.Thank you for helping making our family holiday a fantastic experience!

[gkaplan]

I think the cruise is a good idea.

[Taylor Larimore]

jtundra:

Inasmuch as you have placed a cruise at the top of your list, I will make a recommendation.

About a year ago, we took a 1-week cruise on the Allure of the Seas out of Ft Lauderdale (we live nearby and cruise a lot). The Allure (and sistership Oasis) are the largest cruise ships in the world. We wanted to see what they were like. Several features impressed us:

* They have a "Youth Zone" which they claim is the "largest dedicated youth area at sea." It is certainly the best I have seen. Our ship even had a carousel.
* Seasickness is almost impossible.
* We got on and off as quickly as any ship we have been on.
* Their public entertainment is the best we've encountered.
* The ship did not "feel" crowded.
* I believe the ship alternates between the Eastern and Western Caribbean. We prefer the Eastern Caribbean islands.
* Bogleheads do not splurge on high price cabins. Most cabins are similar in size and all are comfortable.

This is a link for more information: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacrui ... e=AL07E070

Best wishes
Taylor

[Alex Frakt]

In December you will not find swimmable ocean temps anywhere in the US.

The ocean from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale (see AMZ650 forecast) is around 77 degrees right now. That's slightly chilly for a pool, but hardly unswimmable. For comparison, the water off the beaches in Los Angeles County top out at around 70 in late August or early September. I'll be there in a couple of days and I certainly plan on swimming

[porcupine]

It's the OP here. Wow a lot of good suggestions! From the posts I read, I think we are going to choose from one of the followings:

1. Cruise
2. Siesta Key Sarasota
3. Road trip Orlando-Miami-Key West

It has been a long time since we last visited FL.Thank you for helping making our family holiday a fantastic experience!

I've heard about the Lion Country Safari down south near the Miami area. Don't know how much the toddler will remember it, but I am sure the rest of your gang will enjoy it. This would be a nice side trip on your Orlando-Miami trip if you do that; or you can do one or both of the other options and tack this one on top of it.

- Porcupine

Disclaimer: I have never been to the Lion Country Safari.

[Taylor Larimore]

Porcupine wrote:

Disclaimer: I have never been to the Lion Country Safari.
porcupine

We went about two years ago. It was better than we expected and well worth the price.

Best wishes.
Taylor

[fsrph]

In December you will not find swimmable ocean temps anywhere in the US.

The ocean from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale (see AMZ650 forecast) is around 77 degrees right now. That's slightly chilly for a pool, but hardly unswimmable. For comparison, the water off the beaches in Los Angeles County top out at around 70 in late August or early September. I'll be there in a couple of days and I certainly plan on swimming

It's all relative. If the water temp in FLL is 77 degrees now, compare that with Cape May, New Jersey which tops out at 74 degrees in July and August.

Francis

[fsrph]

It's the OP here. Wow a lot of good suggestions! From the posts I read, I think we are going to choose from one of the followings:

1. Cruise
2. Siesta Key Sarasota
3. Road trip Orlando-Miami-Key West

It has been a long time since we last visited FL.Thank you for helping making our family holiday a fantastic experience!

Of the choices, I would pick #3. But that's just me I don't know about driving this distance with a toddler.
But lots of good places to stop along the way. Disney, Miami Bech. Overseas highway (Key Largo to Key West) is awesome. The drive is longer than you may think, the Keys are over 100 miles long. Key West is a nice place to spend a couple of days. It can be geared for the younger set with bar crawls and fast paced activities. But it doesn't have to be like that. You still can find some quiet places but wouldn't recommend staying on Duval Street (the main road in Old Town). Nice place to stay is the Casa Marina but would think they would be very busy over the Holidays.
http://www.casamarinaresort.com/

Francis

[johnep]

I have stayed at Clearwater Beach area a couple of times and found it pretty nice. It is also less expensive than Sarasota area and close to Tampa. I am curious what others more expert on Florida think of Clearwater Beach as compared to Siesta key, Marco Island, etc.

[detroitbabu]

In December you will not find swimmable ocean temps anywhere in the US.

The ocean from West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale (see AMZ650 forecast) is around 77 degrees right now. That's slightly chilly for a pool, but hardly unswimmable. For comparison, the water off the beaches in Los Angeles County top out at around 70 in late August or early September. I'll be there in a couple of days and I certainly plan on swimming

That's not my idea of fun. I prefer water temps in the 80s.
However, i would like to join the polar bear club one of these days. Just once to say i did that.

[PreemieNurse]

I've lived in Florida for 30 years. Weather is very hit or miss this time of year. It was chilly and rainy last week, sunny and shorts weather over the weekend, back to heavy rain yesterday, and so on. I do not go in the ocean or even to the beach really between September-March. The only people you see in the ocean at this time are fellow tourists.

1. Cruise - I'm not a fan of cruises in general, but this may be a great choice if traveling with a toddler. You will get the warmer weather and some beach time in port, and you will have structured child care available so you can enjoy some time alone. Lots of activities for all of you. You may be able to get some good last minute deals too.

2. Siesta Key/Sarasota area - I grew up about 45 minutes north of here. Siesta Key has been ranked the #1 beach in America at times. Sugar soft sand and great Gulf Coast sunsets. December is not an optimal time to visit (cooler weather, snowbirds starting to come down), but if you just want a very laidback trip with pretty scenery, this could work. Find a place with a heated pool and hope it's not rainy.

3. Orlando-Miami-Keys roadtrip - no offense, but sounds like my idea of hell with a baby You will spend most of your time in the car. Orlando and Miami are both notorious for horrible traffic. You will get the warmer weather in Miami but I think of Miami as more of an adult playground. Expect topless and thongs on the beach. The Keys are very pretty but keep in mind it's a chain of islands. There is very little "beach" to speak of in Key West, but you could go to Bahia Honda (?) state park. The Keys are also extremely expensive. I'm often tempted to go there, but when I price it out, it always ends up being cheaper to fly to somewhere else in the Caribbean.

[porcupine]

[...]However, i would like to join the polar bear club one of these days. Just once to say i did that.

I've heard only of the mile-high club!

- Porcupine