Been looking for a 4-5 trip somewhere new and looks like we will be ending up on the Florida coast. So far Naples looks like the best option but im open to suggestions in S Fla.

Was hoping for beachfront house where we could walk directly out, while also being close to a city where we could walk around eat, explore etc.

Only downside so far is that beachfront houses are way more expensive than Destin/Gulf Shores area. And really wasn't looking for the condo thing.

But otherwise what are your thoughts on Naples area or alternatives?

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Posted by tigertown80

tigerland

Member since Oct 2009

1397 posts

Posted on 5/26/17 at 6:30 pm to cajuntiger26

Look in Bonita Springs or Fort Myers area

Edit: didn't see about the walking part to town. You'd have to drive there

This post was edited on 5/26/17 at 6:33 pm

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Posted by SnowAubie

Member since Dec 2016

349 posts

Posted on 5/26/17 at 6:56 pm to tigertown80

My Mom's family lives in the Naples/Marco Island area so we spent every summer there growing up. I actually rented a house with a pool on Marco Island for my family and my brother and his two kids last summer to visit family. During the summer both areas are their slow season as almost every afternoon will be heavy rain so you have to plan accordingly, thus don't expect to be able to sit all day on the beach. Also the beaches are not as nice as the gulf coast(destin/30a/pcb/orange) as the sand is more firm and very shelly. You will though find better shells here than the gulf coast.

Honestly if I didn't have family there I would avoid the 12hr drive it took and just drive 4 1/2 to the gulf coast.

This post was edited on 5/26/17 at 6:58 pm

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Posted by Hog Zealot

On the Flats

Member since Mar 2012

1627 posts

Posted on 5/27/17 at 7:27 pm to tigertown80

Starting North and going South, these are the best beaches vacation spots in South FL.

Clearwater Beach- great sand, aquarium, fun spot.

Madeira Beach - quiet, great shelling, fishing is good

St Pete Beach- touristy spots, good eats, lots of condos, houses are limited but season just ended.

Siesta Key - Rated best beach in America, awesome sand, shelling with bonus shark teeth treasure.

Sanibel Island- very quiet/private, best shelling in the USA. Quirky yet funky locals. Retired folks show up in Nov and leave April. Author Randy Wayne Wrights books are set here.

Naples - new scene, lots of new architecture, and sites. Big money to be spent here if you choose.

For the love of god do not take your family to Burrito Springs. (Bonita Springs) Maybe visit the wildlife wonder gardens but don't stay there.

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