optimystic

I'm looking for a beach vacation with laid back charm. I don't really want to see high rises and condos everywhere. I'd like to stay in a house on the beach, with a beautiful view, with a town nearby with a bit of charm, shops and restaurants. Does a place like this exist in Florida?

Ackislander

Fernandina Beach?

Indian Rocks?

Linlins

New Smyrna beach

Orlando_Vic

Does it exist? You have just described St. Augustine to a "T".

A few links:
http://www.staugustine.com/visit
http://www.visitflorida.com/St_Augustine
http://www.getaway4florida.com

_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Racer042

I like New Smyrna Beach south of Daytona Beach when I want to do the beach thing. Small town, lots of charm, and easy beach access, you can drive on the beach.

cd

It definitely does exist. Theres an area called the Fogotten Coast because it is old Florida. No high rises at all, just layed back charm. Here is my short trip report from our first year there, we went back last year and will return this coming winter. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...as-florida.cfm

Orlando_Vic

"...you can drive on the beach." Yes, and you can also get hit or run over by a car or pickup:

Boy, 4, Dies After Crash On New Smyrna Beach
http://www.wesh.com/news/24302223/detail.html

SUV Runs Over Sunbather On New Smyrna Beach
http://www.wesh.com/news/23044416/detail.html

Oh yes, the sharks. Just Google "Shark bite capitol of the world" and see what comes up!

http://www.wesh.com/news/23329736/detail.html
http://www.wesh.com/green-pages/24307964/detail.html

gmoney

I have never been there but I have heard that Anna Maria Island is just what you are looking for.

MP07950

Anna Maria Island was a little too small for me, but I'd recommend Siesta Key.

joesorce

www.visitflagler.org

http://www.vrbo.com/4776


http://www.vrbo.com/220543

stumpworks73

I can't improve on the location advise. You don't say what time of year you are visiting. The northern locations suggested may not be swimming weather in the winter months.

optimystic

Thanks for all the suggestions! They all sound great - will have fun looking into them

It will be late April/early May - which I presume is beach weather for northern Florida? We will spend a week in the Keys beforehand so northern Florida weather may be a nice contrast.

TDudette

topping

elsiemoo

We love Indian Rocks/Indian Shores Beaches ...

janeq

I, too, thought of Anna Maria Island when I read your post.

SAnParis2

Fernandina Beach/aka Amelia Island

321go

Anna Maria Island, Amelia Island, St. Augustine Beach, or any of the panhandle beaches along 30A.

optimystic

Hello everyone,
I have spent a lot of time looking into your suggestions!
The panhandle locations sound just right but it is a long way from the Keys and quite far from an airport with nonstop flights to London... so practically speaking it doesn't work.
So I have focused on South Florida ... considered Anna Maria Island a lot, but actually think we will go with Captiva now. Its slightly closer to Miami for flying home and seems to have a very quiet village feel, where you can walk to the beach, shops and restaurants. Do tell me if I'm way off piste here! Planning to book a rental soon, as the best values ones seem to book up far in advance.

volcanogirl

Bookmarking.

Orlando_Vic

Airfares to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are among the nation's cheapest: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/fl-fl...,3161631.story

_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie