Florida for grown ups

[bananafanana1]

I'm considering Florida for a holiday early Jan. Just me and DH.

We're not interested in theme parks.

We enjoy good food and wine, maybe some sunshine and relaxation, walks or cycling. We're late 30s early 40s.

Eating out is part of our holiday so would want to stay somewhere where we don't have to drive in the evening.

What areas are recommended- hotel or villa? And what things to do?

Perhaps try somewhere like Naples on the West coast , quite upmarket with a pretty town centre with shops and restaurants , and a lovely beach.

Or Fort Lauderdale on the east coast , bigger with lots of shops and restaurants, water taxis, great beach, more of a small city feel.

I would stay on Florida keys for at least some of the time. there is a lot to do there. also have a look at the everglades area - we did some great canoe trips with our older teens there.

WOW prices for Florida keys accommodation are expensive!

Have you looked on airbnb for florida keys or ownersdirect?

I looked on Airbnb and it was expensive (some lovely spots though) and will try owners direct too.

With accommodation and flights I could get a week in the Caribbean for the same price. I have no idea how families afford Florida!

have a look at Islamorada on the keys. we stayed there and it was perfect. i tend to shop around and book really early as the good cheap places can go a year in advance.

Sanibel and Captiva are beautiful. Cycle paths all round the islands, lots of place to eat and white sandy beaches.

Perhaps the prices have been inflated because there is a lot of storm damage to pay for?

Tampa bay up to the Pan handle!

Pensacola bay, Tallahassee. Look for Wakula Springs and other springs in that area. Great seafood in Pensacola. Lovely quiet beaches. Look at "Seaside" as a destination it's where Truman show was filmed. Tallahassee good as surrounding countryside is swamp land but really interesting! Don't go as far as Alabama unless your wanting to go into Louisiana.

Avoid the south and keys at the moment as its been battered by the hurricane and you won't see it at its best.

Fort Lauderdale has some very very good restaurants and has a proper town centre. It didn't get hit that hard in Irma. The west coast took a bit more

I was going to suggest Naples too.

Anna Maria Island is lovely

Thanks all, I'm trying to cost it up now.

7-10 days in January
Flights to Miami aproxx £550
Accommodation £1250 )for something half decent)
Car hire £300 (guesstimate)

How much should I look to take for meals/drinks/spends? Is food cheap or somewhere equivalent to the UK?

There are at least 2 other airports, try those - look on sky scanner

Why not try Vargas instead? Or Los Angeles?

Vegas has never appealed but everyone I know who has been loves it.

LA hmm I've not considered there, I think Florida sounds a bit more 'holiday' sun/sea etc for what we're looking for.

Food is very mixed on price. Supermarkets are expensive, but you can eat out quite cheaply in some lower end places. Nice restaurants are London prices.
The exchange rate has not helped

we holidayed in the usa this summer and I would say that food is about the same price if not a bit more than in the uk personally. you do get massive portions though still in most places.

I know you have rejected theme parks, but Disneyworld is really a wonderful place for "grown ups", especially in January when there are not many kids about! There is a place called Disney Springs - where there are many, many restaurants and shops. Plus of course restaurants in the individual resorts - some "signature" restaurants - very fancy. In fact you can stay in a Disneyworld hotel and not go near a theme park.

And if you stay on a Disney property you can walk/cycle/boat around and will not need the car - not even from the airport (transport provided).

You could combine this with a beach week too.

Thanks Lady I'll look at Disney Springs

Another vote for Naples.

I know you said no theme parks but if you're looking for good food then you've got to look at Epcot. The World Showcase has 11 different countries each serving excellent authentic food.
Our absolute favourite is Teppan Edo in Japan. They cook the food at your table and it's very entertaining aswell as delicious.
Other countries include Italy, France, China, Mexico, Norway, Germany, Canada, UK, US and Morocco.
The authenticity and quality of food is really amazing, plus each country have shops selling local wares.
I could spend my whole holiday eating in each country per night!