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Old 11-21-2022, 07:37 AM
 
Location: Greater Indianapolis
1,727 posts, read 2,008,391 times
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We normally do Disney vacations because that's my wife's "happy place" lol, but we're considering doing a beach vacation next year (looking at end of June/beginning of July). To preface, I grew up going to seaside annually with my extended family so it has a special place in my heart but it's so expensive now... it was even expensive when I was a teenager as eventually my grandparents agreed it was too much $$$ to pay for a house on the beach for the entire family to spend a week there.
Anyways, I'd be interested to hear from some FL residents as to their favorite "family friendly" beach and/or place to stay. I think we'd probably prefer beaches on the gulf but also my wife is not a fan of AirBnBs so I feel like this makes it a bit more difficult since finding a decently priced nice hotel (during June/July) can be hard depending on the beach. I'd like to stay under $500 per night. Any thoughts?
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Old 11-21-2022, 08:16 AM
 
Location: Sarasota/ Bradenton - University Pkwy area
4,619 posts, read 7,539,060 times
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Nokomis Beach, located just north of Venice, FL. Unique in the lack of towering condos. There's a pavilion, picnic tables, showers to wash off the sand after the day at the beach. Very nice.
https://www.florida-guidebook.com/nokomis-beach/


Also just south of there is Venice Beach. Another good option, along with the Venice Jetty.
https://www.venicegov.com/visiting/venice-beach


Just north of Sarasota, in Manatee county, is Anna Maria Island with several beautiful public beaches. Coquina and Bradenton beaches are my favs.
https://www.annamaria.com/category/d...tions/beaches/


Although Siesta Key beach in the area is nationally known and recognized, I personally find these other options less crowded, less expensive, better for relaxing and enjoying the surf and sun.
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Old 11-21-2022, 08:21 AM
 
Location: Coastal Georgia
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I second Anna Maria. It’s gorgeous. So is Siesta Key. I haven’t actually stayed there, so I can’t recommend a hotel.
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Old 11-21-2022, 08:32 AM
 
Location: Paradise
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I've never stayed there, but why not try a mix of both Disney and Beach and try Disney's Vero Beach? The area is nice. The hotel is nice, we've walked around and had a couple of meals at the restaurant.

Obviously, since it's Disney, there would be "family friendly" areas and events.

It is a DVC property, but you might be able to rent points. I haven't checked the cost of that stuff lately.
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Old 11-21-2022, 08:54 AM
 
Location: Greater Indianapolis
1,727 posts, read 2,008,391 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lunetunelover View Post
I've never stayed there, but why not try a mix of both Disney and Beach and try Disney's Vero Beach? The area is nice. The hotel is nice, we've walked around and had a couple of meals at the restaurant.

Obviously, since it's Disney, there would be "family friendly" areas and events.

It is a DVC property, but you might be able to rent points. I haven't checked the cost of that stuff lately.
That's a good idea. Never thought about it. I looked at reservations and it looks booked for the dates we were considering but maybe that's due to DVC points? I'm not sure, I'll have to look into it more.
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Old 11-21-2022, 09:01 AM
 
1,848 posts, read 3,727,639 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kluch View Post
We normally do Disney vacations because that's my wife's "happy place" lol, but we're considering doing a beach vacation next year (looking at end of June/beginning of July). To preface, I grew up going to seaside annually with my extended family so it has a special place in my heart but it's so expensive now... it was even expensive when I was a teenager as eventually my grandparents agreed it was too much $$$ to pay for a house on the beach for the entire family to spend a week there.
Anyways, I'd be interested to hear from some FL residents as to their favorite "family friendly" beach and/or place to stay. I think we'd probably prefer beaches on the gulf but also my wife is not a fan of AirBnBs so I feel like this makes it a bit more difficult since finding a decently priced nice hotel (during June/July) can be hard depending on the beach. I'd like to stay under $500 per night. Any thoughts?
There are other places to stay near Seaside that aren't as expensive. They aren't cheap, but just not as outrageous. If you prefer hotels - I would recommend Sandestin resort (if you like the panhandle). You can stay in a variety of places, hotel, condo, houses, depending on your budget. You can rent these from the resort itself or VRBO type of rental.

If you rent from the resort you get access to the tram and other perks. That varies if you rent from owners. There is also a Hilton on the property. If you prefer a hotel it is actually one of the few directly on the beach and has a stretch of beach just for guests. Destin has a couple hotels with direct beach access but it is mostly condos.

Other hotels with direct beach access include a few on Okaloosa Island. It is less crowded over there.

The key to staying anywhere on the Gulf in the Panhandle is direct beach access, not just within walking distance. There is limited parking, limited beach access points and due to hotels/condos claiming the beach in front of them, limited places to sit.
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Old 11-21-2022, 09:07 AM
 
Location: Florida
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Nokomis Beach is great. Another option I’d consider is Lido Beach due to its convenience/proximity to Sarasota.

I used to recommend Anna Maria a lot, but I think it’s a little too crowded now and it detracts quite a bit from it so I don’t recommend it anymore.

On the east coast, I think Deerfield Beach is a good family friendly option.
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Old 11-21-2022, 09:09 AM
 
Location: Florida
2,341 posts, read 2,291,397 times
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Also, get hotels that are cancelable in case of red tide. Odds are red tide won’t be a problem, but if there’s red tide in Sarasota you might just be able to move your hotel to Treasure Island and be okay still, you just don’t want to get stuck in one spot with red tide.
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Old 11-21-2022, 09:36 AM
 
Location: Greater Indianapolis
1,727 posts, read 2,008,391 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FL_Expert View Post
Also, get hotels that are cancelable in case of red tide. Odds are red tide won’t be a problem, but if there’s red tide in Sarasota you might just be able to move your hotel to Treasure Island and be okay still, you just don’t want to get stuck in one spot with red tide.
Yes, we always book hotels the option to cancel or adjust the stay. Our travel plans change A LOT, especially having little kids (they always seem to get sick right before vacation starts!).
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Old 11-21-2022, 10:25 AM
 
27,217 posts, read 43,923,184 times
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Much of the suggestions made thus far are for sleepy remote locations which do have beautiful beaches, but precious little else for kids who aren't going to spend all day in the sand/water. I would suggest St Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach which have family-friendliness as well as things to do beyond the beach nearby in case it rains or the kids become bored with the beach which is likely after a few hours. Check out the Sirata on St Pete Beach https://www.sirata.com/ and The Sandpearl on Clearwater Beach https://www.opalcollection.com/sandp...pearl%20Resort
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