new to florida

Hi...My husband and I were wanting to take the kids to one of the Fl. beaches next summer...they will be 10, 11, and 15 then...We like to eat out...and I like to shop...any suggestions as to where I should go? Which part of Fl.? Thanks...Lora

new to florida

Our family LOVES the SW Gulf coast of Florida- the beaches are great and the area is safe and relaxed. And the driving around isnt crazy!

My suggestion is to rent a vacation home this way all of you have space when you need it. Our favorite place, Rotonda West is a residential community that is minutes from the beaches, shopping and restaurants. Near Port Charlotte- midway between Sarasota %26amp; Ft. Myers. It is also close to many eco-tours, fishing,etc if your family likes this type of entertainment.

The vacation homes have private pools which we%26#39;ve found our kids enjoy as much if not more than the beach.

Check out these websites for ideas. pureflorida.com, ourrotondavilla.com, bocabeacon.com, grandetours.com.

Have fun!

new to florida

Thank you so much!!!

Also in this area is a restarant called Mels Diner. It is not on the water and it is not what it soulds like. It is now a greasy spoon. The food was very good. had a large variety menu including excellent desserts. I think it was near Ft. Meyers I found a good outlet mall too. Just off I-75. It%26#39;s only an hour from Naples too. The whole west coast is really nice with beautiful beaches. They also have a ferry that runs to Key West for a day trip. Much quicker than driving.

The other place to go is St. Augustine if you want to do the historical thing. Beaches are diffent on the east coast. West coast is sugar sand, east coast is crushed shells. St. Augustine is more touristy with cobblestone street and lots of little shops and restaurants.