South Fla destination help

[alzi]

If you have been on vacation in South Fla, where would you recommend? I want somewhere that will be pool weather in December. I usually go to Naples/Marco but I think we need to go further south.

[rupertpenny]

I don't really think there will be anywhere where you can count on pool weather. I mean, it might be great weather in Miami or something, but I've frozen my ass off in Key West and Palm Beach in December. I think it's a gamble wherever you go.

[bluetopaz]

We went to Key West the weekend after Thanksgiving in 2007 and it was pool weather (even by my wussy FL standards--I go in the Atlantic about 2 months out of the year). Sanibel and the neighboring islands are usually nice (or always nice, by northern standards, lol) almost year round. But I agree with rupertpenny, it's a total gamble. You never know when we're going to get that freak cold snap.

[alzi]

Ok second question then, within driving distance where would you wanna go for a few days?

@lazerus24
@tambcat
@stpete
vino
Marle

[alzi]

Sept 18, 2014 7:38:00 GMT -5 bluetopaz said:

We went to Key West the weekend after Thanksgiving in 2007 and it was pool weather (even by my wussy FL standards--I go in the Atlantic about 2 months out of the year). Sanibel and the neighboring islands are usually nice (or always nice, by northern standards, lol) almost year round. But I agree with rupertpenny, it's a total gamble. You never know when we're going to get that freak cold snap.

Yea, I'm in Tampa so I know the swings:) I just would love to get away to the beach.

[bluetopaz]

I thought you were in Florida, I couldn't quite remember. And I totally get you! If you want pool weather, I'd go with Naple or Marco. We just went there for the first time this summer, and although it was ungodly hot then, I'd love to go back in the winter. I love the Ft. Lauderdale area too, and would love to go back to visit the Butterfly Garden.  Boca Grande is fantastic too, but pricey.

Another suggestion, totally opposite of what you asked for is Apalachicola. We went there one year after Thanksgiving as well, and although swimming was pretty much a given as a no-go, I loved the town. Lots of oysters I wasn't afraid to eat, cute shops, adorable waterfront, and some really good ice cream/sweet shops.

[Deleted]

Hmmm I don't venture south of Tampa much. I more inclined to head north out of FL entirely that time of year. But I have heard great things about Delray Beach:

Delray Beach

This lively, vibrant beach town is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of South Florida. With its two-mile stretch of sandy beach and an abundance of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants lining its main Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach is a sophisticated yet family-friendly spot that is anything but typical.

Don't Miss: Spot birds and butterflies hiding in the six individually designed garden complexes at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, including the Early Rock Garden and the Modern Romantic Garden. After a walk around the on-site lake and a tour of the bonsai collection, have a leisurely lunch at the museum cafe.

[alzi]

Sept 18, 2014 7:58:48 GMT -5 vino said:

Hmmm I don't venture south of Tampa much. I more inclined to head north out of FL entirely that time of year. But I have heard great things about Delray Beach:

Delray Beach

This lively, vibrant beach town is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of South Florida. With its two-mile stretch of sandy beach and an abundance of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants lining its main Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach is a sophisticated yet family-friendly spot that is anything but typical.

Don't Miss: Spot birds and butterflies hiding in the six individually designed garden complexes at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, including the Early Rock Garden and the Modern Romantic Garden. After a walk around the on-site lake and a tour of the bonsai collection, have a leisurely lunch at the museum cafe.

Where would you recommend north?

[alzi]

Sept 18, 2014 7:58:57 GMT -5 @stpete said:

How much money do you want to spend? Ft. Lauderdale beach had some great hotels- the Diplomat, the W to name two I've used. South Beach is fun but very expensive.

Not looking to spend a ton, thinking VRBO rather than hotels. We aren't drinkers so not sure South Beach is the scene we are looking for.

[Deleted]

Sept 18, 2014 8:06:03 GMT -5 alzi said:

Sept 18, 2014 7:58:48 GMT -5 vino said:

Hmmm I don't venture south of Tampa much. I more inclined to head north out of FL entirely that time of year. But I have heard great things about Delray Beach:

Delray Beach

This lively, vibrant beach town is an oasis in the hustle and bustle of South Florida. With its two-mile stretch of sandy beach and an abundance of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants lining its main Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach is a sophisticated yet family-friendly spot that is anything but typical.

Don't Miss: Spot birds and butterflies hiding in the six individually designed garden complexes at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, including the Early Rock Garden and the Modern Romantic Garden. After a walk around the on-site lake and a tour of the bonsai collection, have a leisurely lunch at the museum cafe.

Where would you recommend north?

I want to do a road trip where we spend 2 nights in St. Augustine and 3 nights in Savannah (under 3 hours apart). Both would be very festive that time of year. And then you always have Tybee Island, which is about 20 minutes from Savannah. But it will be chilly for swimming.

[SKP82]

I'm in Palm Beach and it was HOT on Christmas here last year. A lot of pools are heated in the "winter" here.

I wouldn't go to South Beach. It's not a very family friendly area. My area is really laid back, but there are a lot of snowbirds here in December. Hotels/housing are pretty expensive in season.

I love St. Augustine and Savannah, but it is definitely colder in those areas in December.

[alzi]

Sept 18, 2014 8:19:52 GMT -5 SKP82 said:

I'm in Palm Beach and it was HOT on Christmas here last year. A lot of pools are heated in the "winter" here.

I wouldn't go to South Beach. It's not a very family friendly area. My area is really laid back, but there are a lot of snowbirds here in December. Hotels/housing are pretty expensive in season.

I love St. Augustine and Savannah, but it is definitely colder in those areas in December.

I should point out we would be leaving kiddo at home lol

[oliviapope]

There isn't too much further south than Marco besides the keys. You could always do Ft Myers beach and then take the high speed Ferry to Key West for a bit.

Between you and Marco is Siesta, Anna Maria, Sanibel/Captiva and Ft Myers.

[sharknado]

We go to West Palm Beach.

[chickadee77]

Yeah, there isn't really anything farther south than Marco except the Keys.

[readyin07]

Delray is really nice for an adults only get away. I just stayed at the Marriott for a bachelorette party. Temps anywhere on this coast, the Keys. Etc. are not going to be much different/better than what you are used to in Marco, etc. Grandparents in law had a condo in Marco and we swam plenty through those winter, you know the drill it is a crap shoot.