Travel

Ever been to Florida? (I need your opinion!)

My FH has never seen the ocean!!!! I know. It's insane, how do you not visit the ocean?!?
anyway, my goal is now a Beach Honeymoon!
What are the best beaches in Florida, or on the Gulf Coast? I really want his first beach experience to be awesome.
Any referals?

Posted On: Nov 1, 2009 at 7:29 PM | Vendors are allowed to participate

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L'amoureuse

Wedding: 10/10/2010

28 Comments | Login or Signup to post a comment!

Tracey

Wedding: 05/22/2011

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 7:39 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Siesta Key Beach outside of Tampa has been rated one of the best beaches in the country and it's pretty affordable to stay in the area.

Trina

Wedding: 09/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 7:39 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Visit Florida? no I live, work, and most of all party in Miami. Honestly, the ocean is wonderful down here. For a wedding you I would use Fort. Lauderdale Beach (Las Olas area) If you need any ideas or help w/ne thing let me know. I live in South Florida so it won't be ne problem. What kind of a reception do you want? Let me know what you want and I will be your guide. I have a website for beach wedding they are wonderful. I will post it in a min

Jamie H.

Wedding: 02/27/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 7:43 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Take him to the Keys. Altough I live in Tampa area & love Fort Desoto Beach. It's more for families with children. You need to sneak off to a little place that won't be swarming with yelling children. Plus theres a lot of activity that you could enjoy down there

L'amoureuse

Wedding: 10/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 7:43 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Thanks Tracey, I will definitely look up Siesta Key. ... ... And thank you SO much Trina for your quick response to help with so much. I'll already have my wedding and reception venue picked, here in GA, but I just want to Honeymoon in FL. Since you do live down there I'm sure you know the best places to stay. Where would you suggest to stay for our honeymoon?

L'amoureuse

Wedding: 10/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 7:46 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Jamie, the keys sound great, but i bet their expensive. Do you know how much? Have you visited the keys?

Trina

Wedding: 09/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 7:48 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Most ppl I know that have never been here have a very small idea of how Mia is. What do you guys like to do? Then I can give you an idea

PilsterPhotography

Pilster Photography

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 8:12 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
We stayed at the http://www.turtlebeachresort.com/ in Siesta Key for our honeymoon in 2005 and had a great experience. Like Tracey said they have beaches that are like granulate flour. All of the rooms had hot tubs, you have use of canoes, a small pool, grills, bikes, and more. Our room was the only one, but you could watch the sunset from the hot tub. Plus it's very secluded. We stayed during the week and felt like we were the only ones there. -Chad

Lois L.

Lyons Photography

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 8:56 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I second Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota. I will be there in December, for Christmas, but I go a few times a year anyway, as my parents live there. Sanibel Island is also beautiful and much more secluded. Just don't go in August! It's Africa hot!!!

Trina

Wedding: 09/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 9:00 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
honestly it depends on what kind of couple you are. it you are more laid back and not into partying then Sarasota is fine. For me that's not something a place I would visit. But it's nice there

LuckyinLove

Wedding: [Private]

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 9:54 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I have been to Fort Walton Beach and Panama City. They are both in the panhandle. Even though they are not technically near the ocean, they have gorgeous white beaches. I just love them and can't wait to visit them again.

Trina

Wedding: 09/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 10:04 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Lucky you are so right.

Amy C.

Wedding: 06/05/2010

Posted On: Nov 01, 2009 at 10:30 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
i love panama city beach but i visted st george island the other week and i loved it it would be perfect for a honeymoon

Click2GoTravel

Click2GoTravel.com

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 11:38 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Go to my site: www.Click2GoTravel.com We offer awesome prices on flights, hotels, activities, AND we all offer where you can register for your honeymoon or destination wedding and your guests pay for it - just like registering for gifts! You also receive wedding site, announcement cards, etc. Check us out!!! If you need any help email (Janine@Click2GoTravel.com) or call me (214-734-0522)!

LovelyUnique

Wedding: 02/11/2010

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 11:53 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Sanibal Island is beautiful I use to go there as a kid when we visit family in Ft Myers. I live in Jacksonville, FL now,... couldn't imagine living more than an hour away from a beach!

Dwest58942

Wedding: [Private]

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 12:03 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I used to live near Siesta key outside of Tampa. The beaches are great and the temps are usually warm all year round with the ocassional cold fronts that do come through. There are also other local beaches nearby that has a lot of things to do including many souvinear shots for those who likes to shop. Clearwater Beach is one of those areas. As far as the nightlife while there you have Ybor City or some of the clubs located on the beaches. The beaches in the pan handle are very nice as someone mentioned.

Artisticveil

Artistic Veil Design Studio, LLC

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 3:40 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Siesta Key has the most beautiful white sand - it's in Sarasota - West Coast.

Duncan0708

Wedding: 04/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 4:00 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I live in Florida. Siesta Key, Anna Maria, Bradenton area, and Clearwater beaches are great! The Keys are expensive to stay but it is nice in the Key West area.

Mrs. Katie Rinker

Married: 10/03/2009
Reviews: 9

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 4:03 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
i would definitely check out turtlebeach resort its beautiful & I had a great experience there as well!!!

OneLove

Wedding: 11/28/2009

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 4:29 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I love Clearwater and St. Pete beach. but I hear Anna Maria is gorgeous.

Marcy G

Wedding: 05/15/2010

Posted On: Nov 02, 2009 at 4:45 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I would start in Miami beach for a few days then work your way down to Key West. Definitely rent a convertible too!

lovingit

Wedding: 07/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 04, 2009 at 12:52 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
my best adivice is look up condos people like to rent out. we have one in ft. lauderdale. its bautiful. it sits on the beach and has their own private beach. they have water taxi's fun things for all ages. but perfect for romance as well.

L'amoureuse

Wedding: 10/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 04, 2009 at 11:06 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
OH MY GOODNESS! Ladies, I'm really loving your responses. I wasn't expecting this much feedback, and all of your answers are amazing. I'm having a date-night-in with FH tomorrow, so I'll bring up all these ideas then. . . I'll keep you ladies updated about how this planning is coming alongand. Thank you . much you're helping me pick the greatest beach for FH. . . Marcy G, I'm def not that rich!!! lol.

Alafia

Alafia Ceremonies LLC

Posted On: Nov 05, 2009 at 11:54 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I am an Officiant and 99% of my beach weddings are in the St. Pete, Sarasota area's. I will be conducting a wedding tomorrow evening at Turtle Beach! I will try to take a few pic's and post them so you can get some actual photo idea's.

L'amoureuse

Wedding: 10/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 05, 2009 at 11:31 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
So, FH and I just checked out Siesta Key and Turtle Beach, I don't think I'll have to look any further!!! . Omygoodness, Alafia that would be more than awesome!!! Will you post back and let me know when they're up? . One more question my Siesta Key Gals, how much did it cost you? Room? Activities? and if you don't mind, the whole honeymoon? It would help me figure out budget. . . THANKS AGAIN!! keep the advice coming!!!

Alafia

Alafia Ceremonies LLC

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 9:21 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I forgot my camera last night, however I can tell you I have conducted many weddings on the beaches and Turtle Beach was perfect. The weather was beautiful, the water was the most beautiful turquoise blue as the sun was setting. There is plenty of parking and it is a more private location. The biggest problem with the bigger beaches is there are so many people and kids on the beach. Turtle Beach is perfect! It is more private. Additionally, some of the beaches require high fee's and also require a general liability ins policy to put up decorations or chairs etc. Turtle Beach only requires an application which can be obtained through Sarasota. If you need any help email me and I will try to help you? I did ask the photographer to email a few pic's and she said no problem so hopefully I will get a few pic's for you. Let me know if I can be of any help ok?

Marina

In True Colors Photography

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 10:16 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I'm in Sarasota, and i love Siesta/Turtle/Longboat/Lido/Casey Key/Ana Maria, and some other ones. White sands and hot sticky air! What else can you ask for? :o) Lots of weddings on the beach, West Coast FL is probably one of the most famous place for their beaches and beautiful waters. Depending on how much you're willing to spend, you can find affordable places, especially if you're visiting out of season. Right now, it's a mad house, everyone from up North is here, so i'm sure prices go up and don't come down till the end of April, that is when snow-birds head home. Whatever you decide, i hope you will find a beautiful place with an ocean view and have a blast!! You are welcome to visit my site, i have not only wedding pix but also some other ones from surrounding areas.

PilsterPhotography

Pilster Photography

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 11:10 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Two places to see pictures TripAdvisor (They also owned Turtle Beach Inn) http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34636-d75236-Reviews-Turtle_Beach_Resort-Siesta_Key_Florida.html Or you can go to the last part 7 images of our wedding slideshow at http://www.pilsterphotography.net/2005wedding/ It was a little over 4 years ago when we stayed there, but I believe we paid about $300 a night for the sunset suite. I believe we stayed 3 or 4 nights. There were pretty good and affordable restaurants within just a little drive, or a really nice restaurant that I believe you were able to walk to. The room has a kitchen, so if you want you can cook your own meals. For activities we grabbed a couple beers and went canoeing, drove to explore the beaches, walked through the shops at Siesta Keys, or mostly lounged around. Ybor City is a bit of a drive, but it's pretty fun to walk around also. I think the only money we spent outside of accommodations were on some gifts for our dogs and eating out.