Hi all, i am after some advice! We are planning this years holiday and it will be our first time in Florida, its probably gonna be the first and last time for a long while so we want it ultra special!!! We have a 5 year old little boy so again we want to get it right...
OK, here goes. We are planning on 3 weeks, 2 in Orlando then a further week in a beach resort...this is the part I am struggling with, where is best to go with children?? And does anyone have any hotels that they could recommend, we need something with a nice safe beach, which is family friendly and has activities going on for kids??
I know people probablyh post this kinda thing on here every day but I really am clueless when it comes to florida!!
Any help would be appreciated!!!!
Thanks, Zoe xxx
Advice for our first time to Florida!!
As far as the beach goes. I love the Destin area on the Gulf Coast. Lots of condos at all different rates. If you are looking for planned childrens activites you might look at the Sandestin resort. This is a farther drive compared to the beaches you usually see recommended on this forum. But since you are staying a week a little extra drive might be ok.
Advice for our first time to Florida!!
I would head for the west coast beaches . St Petes %26amp; Fort De Sota. The the latter has some stunning beaches with shallow water areas between the Picnic areas and the beach proper. Even on this you can walk out 200 yds without it coming up to your swim suit.
The Alden beach resort at Gulf Blvd St Petes is Quite nice without being to pricey and backs on to a lovely beach.
A good bit further away is Fort Myers beach, with Bonitio Springs, beach and Naples only a 35 min drive.
Both have lovely beaches. A 15 min drive north will get you Sinabel and Captivea island.
The Holiday Inn Estero Blvd Fort Myers Beach backs on to the beach, but I thought the pool was a bit deep at the shallow end if you have young kids,OK for teens but not very child friendly
But just across the road and down the street a 200 yds is Santa Maria resort Fabulas 2 beds condo @ 拢65 a night. Lovely warm pool. Lots of beach choices here Facing all directions so if the wind is blowing you can always find a shelterd on. And ther is Beach access all along thas coast line. You could stay ar the Santa Maria, leave you car in the shopping mall across the road and walk through the Holiday inn access. Not so in the East coast as its just one long strip of sand, Colder and rougher water. Sometimes depending on time of year and state of tide lots of undercurrent%26#39;s.
So if you go onto the east coast beaches just be aware of this with young children.
Hi jacksmummy, how exciting to be planning a first holiday to FL :)
I%26#39;m sure you will get lots of info, try not to get overwhelmed.
I would recomend the Gulf Coast, beaches are just better, IMO. I know alot of folks on the Orlando Forum go to the beach for part of the Holiday but because the Beaches are abit away from Orlando ( 1 hour to the east coast and 2 hours to the west gulf coast ) it would be good to Post this question on the Clearwater, St. Pete, Fort Myers etc. Forums also. You will have the benefit of Experts in those areas.
Just a thought :)
You are in for a treat. On the gulf one idea is to try the Satellite Motel at Treasure Island. Cheap, clean and welcoming. It is a vision in pink, but they will make you welcome. The beaches all along that coast will allow you to relax after the pressures of the Theme Parks. Do not underestimate the amount of energy required to get full value from your ticket.
Best of luck and keep asking any question no matter how basic because that is what this forum is for - to allow you to get the most by being informed.
plenty of great places on the Gulf Coast but depends what you are looking for e.g. if OK with busy resort with high rise buildings and lots of Brits then go Clearwater / St petes. If want something a bit quieter with no high rise buildings and no chain restauarnts then look at Anna Maria Island / Longboat Key / Siesta Key area.
Few hotels here, mainly condos to rent - have a look at web sites for examples and ideas.
If you are looking for Kids club type activities, apart from the one resort listed above, I don%26#39;t know. It isn%26#39;t so big here where people work hard and go away to actually be with their children as they only get 1-2 weeks off per year.
It would really depend on what time of year, and if you are using a British tour op. UK tour op hotels might have kids clubs during school holidays, but it isn%26#39;t really a think=g that many US hotels do on their own unless in a remote upmarket resort hotel such as Palm Beach, Duck Key etc.
I would rec the gulf beaches, and maybe a condo somewhere quiet and lovely like Sanibel Island, Siesta Key or Ann Maria Island. I%26#39;d go for a 1-2 bed condo and go a mix of SC for breakfast etc, then out for lunches or dinners. It is a great family holiday.
Or, you could rent a house with pool near the coast instead.
This sounds like it has just what you require .
Hilton Clearwater Beach - Overview
Description
Situated on 10 acres of beautiful white sand beach. Just across the road from the marina with easy access to boat charters. 2 pools, fitness center, organized childrens activities (payable locally) and beach access. On-site eating choices include the hotel restaurant and the poolside snack bar. 425 spacious guest rooms equipped with two fluffy terry robes, coffee maker, hairdryer and iron/board. Parking Fee: Approximately $5 per car per day.. Family Plan: 2 adults and 2 children (18 years and younger) sharing with existing bedding, use DBL room type
Overlooking the Gulf and be five miles west of downtown Clearwater. There are two outdoor pools and a spa tub, a fitness centre, easy beach access, and supervised children%26#39;s activities at this marvellous self-contained resort. There are non-smoking rooms with premium cable channels even have safes that will fit your laptop, Nintendo systems, and high-speed Internet access. Most have private balconies too!
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