good florida beach/town?

Question

im planning on going to florida in january for 5 days or so, im wanting to go to a beach thats going to be pretty warm (80-90) and not packed, i dont know how the beach croud is in mid january with it not being a vacation time, but any way, any suggestions?

Answer 1

At this time of the year you will have to head South,as in Sanibel Island to Fort Lauderdale.Most of the other areas are a little on the chilly side.

Answer 2

Stay on the west side, much warmer than the east, Fort Meyers has a great beach and Sanibel Island is to die for!!

Answer 3

Most beaches in southern Florida are great in January. I live near Ft.Lauderdale and it is great there. However, my favorite would be on Marco Island, I think. It is on the gulf coast and there are lots of shells there for good souvenirs and you can make things with them on rainy days if you have them, to take back to friends. I'd suggest you stay at a resort on the beach or a hotel right on the beach if possible. Marco might be a bit crowded in January but that is more the streets as it is an Island. The beaches at the resorts aren't too bad. Public beaches are more crowded than the hotels or resorts on the beach. Also, don't know if you will have a car or not. Getting to beach is easier if you stay farther from the beach if you have a car, but still have parking problem. Key West is an interesting area, but so much going on there that I don't think of it so much as beach. Did you know they have to import sand there? They do. Coral reefs block big waves and don't grind up shells and rock to make sand. So Beach is always good, I guess, but I haven't gone there as Miami is so crowded. I love my little Deerfield Beach beach, but I'm not sure of hotels on the beach here and it is more laid back and not the big resort feel of Ft Lauderdale. If you have a car, come on up. There is music on Tuesday evenings (free) at the parking lot across from the beach. Clearwater has a nice beach and lots of shops nearby. It was crowded and was a cost to park, etc. But nice place for a few days, particularly if you have a hotel close by. You could also take a little cruise or dinner cruise in many of the beach towns and that is a nice change from the beach as well. Take sun screen even though it is Jan. that white stuff down here in winter is called "sand" and we love it! A 2-year resident - retired from snow belt. You might be able to spend 5 days in Ft. Lauderdale or Pompano Beach at a hotel on the beach without having a car. You can get a shuttle from the airport at Ft. Lauderdale (either from hotel or one right outside the doors to the left of baggage for reasonable fee). There are eateries along the beaches and shopping nearby and someone young can walk it. If you have longer and want to go to Sea World or something like that, it takes a car, but you could save a lot of money for just 5 days by skipping the car and staying right on the beach or pay more for the hotel to be on the beach. Many larger cities have great bus systems or trolleys. Decide on a couple of cities and look them up on the internet to see about public transportation. Some cities, like Ft. Lauderdale, have a water taxi, too, to see sights or go to restaurants or hotels along the "New River" - intracoastal waterway. I think it is $12 for all day - get on and off. Could be less for specific trips. There are sometimes coupons on the internet for some sightseeing excursions, too, like tourist cruises (see Carrie B in Ft. Lauderdale) or Butterfly World in Coral Springs area. Ned a car to get to Butterfly World I believe. There is also a fast rail down here but I'm not too familiar with it. I know it funs from Deerfield through Ft. Lauderdale and it may go to Miami. I think you'd need more than 5 days to explore that much. Good luck to you and have a great and a safe time. Remember that there are lots of different people around beach towns and not all are good so be aware and don't accept rides from people you really don't know. Too bad we have to be so careful, but we do. Remember Aruba & Natalie. Be careful and stay with friends. You will love the beach and there are police patrols on most beaches (at least around the ones near my area near Deerfield Beach.

Answer 4

Indian Rocks Beach.

I was just there yesterday and it is perfect weather - mid 70s.

The water is very cold but I'm sure you can get a great tan.

My parents own a house over there and it is my preferred vacation spot every other weekend. :D

It is NEVER crowded like Clearwater and parking is cheap (free for residents).

The water is blue/green and beautiful. Very friendly people and they have excellent restaurants Mexican restaurant on Gulf Blvd, Keegan's & Cafe de Paris (my friend Xavier).

If you would like to rent our beach house (2br/1ba)... send me a message.

Answer 5

Ft. Luaderdale

Answer 6

Small cities in Florida are conservative; head to a great city or to the coast and you're in blue factors. you will likely detect Alabama's Gulf seashores section to be better on your liking.