Florida

We like Naples, Marco Island, Ft Myers area.  There is lots to do.  When I was a kid my family used to go to the areas south of Tampa which is also nice.  Sounds fun, it's freezing here!

There is a Radisson on Marco that is really nice for families.  It has suites with kitchenettes which was great for kiddos and a nice pool. 

St Augustine is fun to visit.  We've been there a few times.  There is quite a bit to do with the kids.  There is the Ft which has a lot of history (cannons and such).  There is an alligator farm and lots of great beach spots.  Great shopping, resturants and art galleries.  Hope that you find something fun.  We are going to California with the kids for my brother's wedding this year.  That will be our vacation.

Lora

Destin is absolutely beautiful.  My aunt/cousin has lived there for 20+ years and we have been a ton visiting them.  They are the family's favorite Christmas gathering spot . 

Panama City Beach is the big Spring Break attraction, so if you go anytime soon, I'd stay away from there!  It's very tourist-y but just gorgeous as well.  But the nightlife is full of drunken teenagers flashing their boobs. 

The first time my grandma took my aunt there to move, they thought it had snowed b/c there was white powder everywhere...the sand could pass for sugar. 

Destin/Ft. Walton Beach is a great family vacation spot.  The beaches are fun just to hang out at...quiet, beautiful and there are cool shops/restaurants.  I love the boat tours you can do.  Everytime we have been (over 10) we go to Panama City and take a dolphin boat tour that takes you to a place called Shell Island.  It is vacant, but full of seashells washed up on the shore.  They leave you there for an hour to collect shells, then on the way back you almost always see wild dolphins in the gulf (you can also take tours to swim with them...I did once but was mortified).  They usually serve lunch and take your picture...a great way to spend the afternoon!  GL!

:)) Leila

I went to Daytona twice when I was a kid and it was the most memorable vacation ever.  I would love to take all my kids to FL so they could say the same. We are in VA and that is too far to drive so we are saving some $$$ to fly (6 tickets ouch!)  Have lots of FUN

Leila... will you adopt me?  Please?

I promise I'll be good... I'll even nap every afternoon w/out screaming. 

Your family just sounds like too much fun!

*** DESTIN ***

Gulf coast beaches are about a million times better than beaches on the east coast of Florida, in my opinion.  On the gulf the sand is sugar white and the water is turquoise and crystal clear.  Of course there are lots of attractions in Florida (DisneyWorld comes to mind) but beachwise Destin and surrounding areas is the way to go.

We go there all the time Leila... you have probably seen me there. 

Pictures cannot do it justice.  The first time I walked on that beach, I could not get over the feeling that I had wandered onto a movie set, it was just so perfect!   (This is way before Seaside was the setting for The Truman Show.)

And yes I did take my 3 month old twins to the beach.

LOL I just noticed how they look all red in that photo... they are NOT sunburned!!

Okay kids!  SO, DESTIN it is...

Any hotels /condos you recommend???

I have been looking at Destin since you all posted earlier but I got one stray response from a home owner in Daytona...

Is Daytona a NO NO with kids?   I don't want any "Girls Gone Wild" type stuff going on...with 3 boys and DH...and me being mean and pregnant.  NO NO NO, I would smack a girl for showing her boobs in my direction.

We are still looking at Destin..but thought I would toss that out there too.