I have done The West Wind Inn and The Palm View on Sanibel Island ... love the area. Also, Sand Glo Villas on Indian Shores Beach, as well as Sarah's Seaside Cottages on Indian Rocks Beach.

I'm trying to decide whether to stay on St. Pete Beach or Siesta Key Beach this next time, for a change ... or should I go back to an *old faithful?* We love going in the calm water, shelling, eating out. Wish I were there ...

Do you tend to go back to same ole, same ole OR always want to try something new?

I never go back to the same ole My opinion is there is too little time to visit all the places I want to visit so it would be hard for me to go back to the same place over again.

I'm not a big fan of Florida but I really did like the keys when I went there. If we go back again (DH sometimes has business in Miami), I'd like to stay in Islamorada. I'd say try a new place!

I was born and raised in Forida an we have a beautiful state with lots to see. The keys are awesome we are going again this year (an old faithful)

I say go with something new - lifes to short for the same ol stuff

We always try a differnet place even if it is for a weekend

Good luck

Have you tried the Panhandle? There are some lovely beaches up there.

Come visit Pensacola! We have beautiful white sandy beaches, history and lots to do. When are you looking at visiting?

The only beach I've been to in florida are the keys and they are amazing. But i'm a bit biased since thats all ive seen

I lived in Orlando for 15 years and I'm in Gainesville now... if you have any questions, lemme know!

We were in Florida from Dec. 19th to Jan. 29th. It was great.
Stayed in Cocoa Beach (Holiday Inn, the people were very nice, also Doubletree Hotel, both were oceanfront), Key West(Pierhouse Inn and Spa)
beautiful place, 1 Duval st, St. Petes Beach(Grand Plaza),
Orlando(Orange Lake Resort) and did a cruise. I would go back to all the places again.

shhh don't tell about the panhandle LOL. I grew up in a town right next to Destin. Love the beaches. And the place i stay...my parents...free food and great company LOL. I love the destin beaches...but tourist are getting out of hand it really is annoying when i visit. Traffic gets horrible. But the beaches are the best

I stayed in St. Pete Beach (i want to say it was the Tradewinds resort) for work last year for a conference... i LOVED it! I highly recommend it.

I also do have a soft spot in my heart for Pensacola too. A few summers ago, i crashed there for awhile with friends and had such a great time!

I live in Panama City and we are about to be overun with tourist for spring break, so I would not recommend coming here......plus there is not a lot to do here. I love Pensacola Beach and Mexico Beach near Port St. Joe Fl. We normally rent a house on Mexico Beach and have a blast. It is a very small place so there are not to many tourist.

This year, I will be visiting Florida in June or July, and then possibly again in the Fall. We have never done the Panhandle beaches but have heard they're wonderful.

The main reason we've loved Sanibel Island, Indian Rocks and Indian Shores beaches are the wonderful calm beaches. We don't like Atlantic Coast beaches because of the rowdy waves.

One thing I've heard is that the Panhandle beaches on average, are a little "wavier" than the beaches I've been to further South in Florida. Any opinions/knowledge there? We are not good swimmers ....

Thanks for all your replies, and keep them coming!

Hmm - I have no idea if we're wavier or not. Next time I go out to the beach I can take some footage and post it on youtube if you want. I've never been to south Florida beaches, but I know the Gulf isn't any wavier than the VA/NC/SC part of the Atlantic, it's probably less wavy, and a lot cleaner. We have beautiful blue/green water.


Gatorgal - Crestview or Ft. Walton perhaps?

We absolutely love Sanibel Island and particularly the "Ding Darling" National Wildlife Refuge & Bird Sanctuary. Florida people keep some of the best birds for themselves, LOL. Never tire of seeing Roseate Spoonbills there.

It's just awesome after dark with no street lights - none!! We dawdled on a beach after dark - we were the only people there - and when we turned around to leave there was no visual guides to find the parking lot. Pitch black! Had to hunt around a bit to find our way home.

[ Sorry, no suggestions on where to stay. ]

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dixiedieter, the Atlantic beaches off North Carolina and South Carolina are much, MUCH rowdier than the Gulf beaches from Clearwater on down. I live in NC and visit our beaches but don't put a toe in the water because of the high surf. The Gulf beaches I've been to are like lakes in comparison. I'm hoping the Panhandle ones are like that as well, because I definitely want to visit them one of these days. If you ever put ocean footage on youtube, do let me know ... I'd love that!

Thanks to all for your responses. BillBlueEyes, we have been to Sanibel twice and LOVE it. I just feel we ought to see some different beaches ...