Florida - Vacation

[DIRTY Diapers]

Where is a good place in South Florida where for a family (myself, wife, 7 month old) can go chill for a few days in March. I've been to Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Naples, Hollywood, Fort Meyers, and Marco Island.

I want it to be on the ocean doesn't matter which side and looking for a hidden gem that isn't that touristry (sp?)

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[THE KOD]

sanibel florida

its a island

I loved staying there

 

[THE KOD]

 

[THE KOD]

About Sanibel Island
About Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a barrier island just off the southwest coast of Florida by Fort Myers. It is located within Lee County but in 1974 became incorporated. Sanibel Island is about a forty-five minute car ride from Southwest Florida International Airport. Directions to Sanibel can be found here. There is a causeway road that leads onto the island with a toll of $6.00

Sanibel Island is about 12 miles long and 4 miles wide. Sanibel is known around the world for it's fabulous shelling beaches. Due to Sanibel Island's unique geographical orientation, lying East to West instead of North to South, it acts as a scoop and gathers seashells along it's beaches. Throughout the year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy Sanibel's beaches and hunt for that special seashell.

Sanibel's population is around 5600 people, however these numbers can quadruple during the winter when it is Sanibel Island's prime tourist season. With an average temperature of around 75 degrees, it is easy to see why Sanibel gets many so called "snowbirds" (tourists from the north that come to Sanibel to escape the cold weather)

While Sanibel Island is a wildlife refuge in and of itself, over 60% of the island is actually protected wildlife preserves. The island also is home to the Sanibel School, a K-8 grade A rated school.

There are over 26 miles of bike trails and over 17 miles of beautiful beaches.

A trip to Sanibel Island would not be complete without a visit to one of the world's largest seashell dealers Sanibel Seashell Industries. A map their location can be found here. Also you can visit their website for all your seashell needs here www.seashells.com

 

[DIRTY Diapers]

KOD - Thanks the place looks awesome....

 

[dunclock]

tip of Sanibel Island is Captiva and its the most photographed beach in US for swimsuit shoots:00hour

I also recommend Siesta Key, may be prettiest beach on the Gulf

And Clearwater has always been one of my fav places

 

[snoozer]

KOD - any place you recommend to stay?

 

[Cold]

South Seas Plantation, Captiva. Charlie did some damage here, but this place is unreal. You will love it. If you and the wife ever want to get away w/o the kid, check out Little Palm Island in the Keys.

 

[Woodson]

I lived down there for 18 months... he is dead on...

Next trip Key Largo... but when he's older....

 

[beantownjim]

WHAT IS NAPLES LIKE :shrug: MY WIFE JUST BOOKED A TRIP FOR 5 DAYS IN NAPLES SHE HAS NO IDEA AND NEITHER DO I SHE JUST WANTS TO GET AWAY.I AM ALL FOR IT SHE'S PAYING I AM BROKE AGAIN BOYS YESTERDAY I WENT TO BURGER KING AND ORDERED A # 4 AND I CAME UP 20 CENTS SHORT THANK GOD THE GIRL LET ME GO I WAS STARVING

I DONT GRIN :nono: WHEN I DONT WIN

 

[THE KOD]

KOD - any place you recommend to stay?

..........................................................

we stayed at the Sundial Beach and Golf Resort
We had one of the 3 bedroom places. Its been awhile ago but I would highly recommned it. Service was excellant. My Dad was with us and it was so worth it.



The Comforts Of Home Meet The Luxuries Of Sundial

Indulge in the luxuries of private living at the Sundial Beach & Golf Resort. Decorated with soothing tropical d?cor, modern amenities and sleek granite and marble fittings, our breathtaking five-bedroom vacation home is perfect for groups of vacationing families or friends. Relax by the shimmering private pool, or take a short stroll to the beach to enjoy Sanibel?s world-famous shelling. Take in views of the canals and rolling golf course from the living room, or unwind with a soak in the master bath?s Jacuzzi and seven-head walk-in shower. For group meals, the home features a spacious kitchen with three ovens, microwave with convection oven, plus an outdoor grill and sweeping terrace for al fresco dining or relaxation. Available for stays of seven nights or longer, this gorgeous home can accommodate up to 13 guests, and includes:

4,000 square feet, with a maximum occupancy of 13
Two-car garage, plus two reserved parking spaces
Across from Sundial beach
Private salt water pool
Five bedrooms, each with a king, queen or two twin beds
Master bedroom, with king-sized bed, walk-in closet, pools views and Jacuzzi
Five bathrooms, all with showers, two with tubs
Large dining room, with seating for 10
Spacious living room, with 52? flat-panel television, DVD player and CD player
Views of the canal and golf course
Modern kitchen with large island and three ovens
All basic appliances, dinnerware and flatware
Coffeemaker, blender and microwave
Dishwasher, for your convenience
Washer and dryer
Outdoor grill

 

[THE KOD]

WHAT IS NAPLES LIKE :shrug: MY WIFE JUST BOOKED A TRIP FOR 5 DAYS IN NAPLES SHE HAS NO IDEA AND NEITHER DO I SHE JUST WANTS TO GET AWAY.I AM ALL FOR IT SHE'S PAYING I AM BROKE AGAIN BOYS YESTERDAY I WENT TO BURGER KING AND ORDERED A # 4 AND I CAME UP 20 CENTS SHORT THANK GOD THE GIRL LET ME GO I WAS STARVING

I DONT GRIN :nono: WHEN I DONT WIN

.............................................................

burger king

sounds about right there beanwad

 

[dogface]

sanibel florida

its a island

I loved staying there

Beautiful place, watch out in late spring for the small sting rays in the shallow water... and some on the beach! (They really hurt!)

You will love it there!


dogface

 

[Chadman]

My sister and bro-in-law stayed there every year for many years (Sanibel), and a co-worker of mine stayed there two years ago. It's very nice and peaceful, from what they said. I loved my trip south through the keys, many years ago.

 

[kneifl]

Just don't go to Orlando....

Just don't go to Orlando....

Was visiting a buddy down there in March, my God that city has been hit hard by the recession. Foreclosure signs everywhere, and were talking nice houses that hadn't been well kept up.

kneifl