Florida Honeymoon

estrella122404

Fiance and I are thinking about going to Florida in July for our honeymoon but we are on a budget.  We are looking for a place on or near the beach. We want the honeymoon feel.  We also want to have some good places close by to visit, eat, shop, and have some walking around fun. Anyone know which way to go resort, hotel, or condo.  Any websites where we can get more info?  Any and all suggestions are helpful! Thanks!

jagore08

If you're on a budget a resort may be a little expensive.  If you're looking for cities to go you should look into Destin/Fort Walton Beach.  The area is beautiful and there's plenty of shopping and eating.

jagore08

Oh yes, I forget about Sanibel!  I went there for many summers in high school but it is kind of expensive to stay on the island.  You can stay in Fort Myers for much cheaper then on the island and drive over during the day.

beachk

Sanibel Island was awesome when I visited...I'm not sure about it as a honeymoon destination, and I have no idea on pricing...

What about somewhere in the keys? I'm thinking Key Largo...I stayed at an amazing resort there a few years ago - http://oceanreef-px.rtrk.com/Accommodations/Vacation-Rentals-94.html
Key Largo is quieter than Key West (I'd say) so it would be more of a honeymoon spot than a party spot.

There are also some amazing places around Miami, you'd have a really wide selection and you might be able to find good deals..There are also some pretty nice places around St. Pete Beach...and you may check out Longboat Key also. Or, what about St. Augustine? You might also want to look around Amelia Island..there is a pretty nice resort there. And, last idea, check out St. Mary's, GA (it's right over the state line)..it's a cute little town, they have some amazing B&Bs, and Cumberland Island is right there and supposed to be amazing.

I'd stay away from Daytona and Cocoa and Jacksonville areas..they're not too honeymoon-y

amclausen

I live on Amelia Island and it is a beautiful area with lots to do besides the beach - river cruises, a funky little downtown, a nice museum with fun ghost tours/historic pub crawls, and an abundance of beautiful state parks.

The one problem I see is that FL in July is almost unbearable.  You will be hot and sweating almost 24/7.  There might not be many mosquitos this year because of the constant freezes of the last two months, but there are sure to be no-see'ums.  So, plan for the weather, buy some bug spray, and enjoy!  (that's what us locals do!)

Gettie

The Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne is AMAZING.  It's about 30 minutes from Miami, but has an opposite feel - very upscale, but totally relaxed.  It's pricey, but totally worth it!  I've heard that The Ritz is offering some really great deals.  I'd almost rather spend 3-4 days at this resort versus a 7 nights in Daytona Beach.  This resort has a beautiful, quiet beach.  Dining is limited to the resort unless you have your own vehicle. 

The staff will bring you cool wash cloths while you bask in the sun - complimentary of course.  And when you say "thank you," they respond with, "my pleasure."   They have an amazing spa on-site as well!  This is a very sophisticated, relaxed resort.  Definitely not a beach where you can expect to find nearby jet skis or the sounds of Miami.  Swanky and blissful!  http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne/Default.htm?utm_campaign=09040&src=ps

If you prefer a more modern art deco feel, there is a resort next door to The Ritz.  It's been about 7 years since I was there, so I can't remember the name.  Happy Honeymooning!

Gettie

Check out the town of Gulfport.  It's near Clearwater.  Very charming - lot's of cute shops, great dining and some lovely B&B's. 

Gettie

The Marriott at Cocoa Beach is lovely.  Near Cape Canaveral.  You can drive to Ron Jon's Surf Shop and little shops.  It's been about 10 years since I visited.  I don't recall there being many nearby restarants - however, you will certainly have more options with a car. 

Islamorada14

For July, I'd suggest the Florida Keys because they are normally a few degrees cooler than mainland Florida.  I have family that live in Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale and they go to the Keys on most summer weekends to escape the sweltering heat of the mainland.

I love Islamorada and Key West (not really a fan of Key Largo).  Islamorada is very relaxing with tons of beachfront and a quaint shopping area and lots of opportunities for water activities.  Key West is a total blast with tons of shopping and it also has lots of water activities you can do.  You can walk anywhere in Key West as long as you're staying in what they call "Old Town." And there is great food throughout the Keys. 

Personally, I prefer to stay in rental houses/cottages in the Keys over resorts but you have tons of choices.  VRBO is a good site to search rental properties: http://www.vrbo.com. For resorts, I've heard really good things about The Islander Resort, Cheeca Lodge, and Casa Morada in Islamorada.  All of these resorts are beachfront.  Key West has less beaches, but there is the Pier House and Casa Marina which are beachfront and in a great area to stay.  One B&B that I absolutely love to stay at in Key West is called the Mermaid and the Alligator.