Florida or Carolina's?

[orangelotus]

We have virgin reward flights so a US holiday is on the cards for next Easter.
My husband me and grown up children plus a new grandchild who will be 1
We were thinking of rents house for two weeks and trying to decide where?
We have done the theme parks so not looking at them but thought the Florida gulf looked nice Sarasota etc.
Or we have never been to the southern states and wondered if that might be a good option?
Any suggestions advice very gratefully received .
We would like to be able to have days out walk to restaurants etc. we like history and culture wildlife scenery

Last summer we did the universal/kennedy/mangroves etc and ended up with 5 days on the Gulf Keys. Really loved it, stayed on Siesta key. Perfect for day trips etc too. Rented a house in the village there so near to the lovely beach and all the restaurants.

I actually had a long thread in here with some amazing recommendations.

Not done Carolinas, my sister has she loved Kiawah island.

I would see what availability you can get first as Florida at Easter is the peakest of the peak so rewards seats for that many people may be hard to come by. I'm not sure Virgin fly to the Carolinas either so you would need to factor in onward transport which isn't ideal with a baby.

Have you done San Diego and that part of Cali? Some of those coastal towns like St Clemente or La Jolla are great too. (Just thinking about Virgin rewards options)

Yes we've been to California quite a few times.

Ithe reward flights are not out yet but we are on the case to nab some. Plus we oldies might stay on for a while,

I think Virgin fly to Atlanta
The parents of the grandchild are teachers so school holidays it has to be unfortunately

I'll
Take a look at your suggestions so far.
Were you happy with the house you stayed in ? If so would you mind sharing?

Have a look at Charleston S Carolina and Savannah Georgia, both are lovely places with lots to do and see.

Just keep an eye on Spring Break dates if you want to go to the beaches in Florida as they will be packed with rowdy University students in some areas

I have a house in Sarasota (this is a really lovely part of Florida).

Weather is perfect at Easter. Warm enough for beach days but still low humidity. Gulf Coast beaches are gorgeous. Sarasota is a small city and very walkable; pretty, clean and safe with all the usual city amenities.

For non-beach activities you have museums, theater, ballet and a Saturday street Market that's fun (and free). A short drive away is Myakka State Park where you will be up close and personal with 14 foot alligators; the tropical birds and wildlife are amazing!

If you have any questions about the area let me know.

Also, you don't get the student "Spring Break" crowd in the Sarasota area beaches. It's more upscale and doesn't attract a big "party" demographic.

www.siestakeyluxuryrentalproperties.com/vacation-rentals/rental/355Miramar/

We stayed at this one but we had two teens I'm not sure the amount of stairs is great if you have very young kids with you. But this property company were great and they have a lot of choice.

Each key has its own vibe, you might like Anna Maria key too, Siesta key is a bit more lively for the teens. Beaches were gorgeous though.

Thankyou !! Lots to think about
It all sounds fabulous.

Savannah ...!

You could go to Hilton Head and visit Savannah while you’re there.

I've stayed at Cape Coral around Easter. We hired a boat and took it out to Sanibel etc. We spent a week at Cape Coral and and a week in the Florida Keys which was fantastic. So much to see and do!

The Carolinas are lovely and offer a lot, BUT weather in late March (Easter) won't usually be beach weather (if that's important to you).

Thankyou so much . We are thinking Florida with the young people and baby them the oldies might extend our trip and head to Charleston and the surrounding areas for for a week,
I'll take a look at the guides you have linked to

I have just been to Savannah, its a wonderful place. Really pretty and peaceful yet urbane. I recommend it unreservedly.

I grew up in the coastal South so I'm putting in another vote for Savannah and Charleston. Also you might consider St. Simons Island, Georgia for a beach destination that could easily be combined with Savannah and Charleston.

All sounds wonderful!!