florida vacation in february or march

[nynor]

where should we go? i'd like it to be warm and near the beach so we can snorkel. i'd like to stay away from the big cities.

any ideas?

[BRPORSCHE]

bahia honda state park. I am fairly certain they have cabins. We used to always bring the pop up for easter vacation a couple years in a row. Beautiful state park. Don't knock it till u see the reviews.

[nynor]

bahia looks awesome.

[URY914]

You and the rest of America will be here during Feb/Mar. Good luck.

[nynor]

yeah, i figured. we'll manage.

you have any ideas, paul?

[id10t]

If you want to snorkel, be sure to hit the springs. Blue Springs (near me in High Springs) is great, won't be crowded at all, and the water will be 72. Manatee should still be in Crystal Springs. I'd recommend a day trip or two with Lars Anderson and this outfit - Adventure outpost tours

Also, remember that many colleges are going to be doing spring break in late february and early march, so book hotels and such now if you really want to do beach stuff.

[nynor]

spring break. i forgot about that. we'll be missing that, for sure. maybe we should go early february or late march.

[id10t]

Nah from mid feb on thru april is spring break season... but that is just beach stuff. Call around now, book if you have to, and then make plans around that time period.

[ramonesfreak]

sanibel island is nice. just came back from there. been there many times over the years. check it out

not a big snorkeling area though

[nynor]

ok. early february it is.

[URY914]

You better pick a place south of Tampa if you are coming in early Feb.

[Bobbi66]

My two cents, will never vacation down there in February again. 3 or 4 times did so and ended up buying turtlenecks and socks... both Orlando and Key West. Probably just my bad luck but now I stick to 3rd week of March or later. My parents spend winters in Vero Beach and they tend to agree. If you end up near West Palm Beach check out Peanut Island where you can snorkel and camp. You can tour the old Kennedy fall out shelter. Pretty cool. Have fun!

[esample]

Originally Posted by BRPORSCHE

bahia honda state park. I am fairly certain they have cabins. We used to always bring the pop up for easter vacation a couple years in a row. Beautiful state park. Don't knock it till u see the reviews.

Bahia Honda is a beautiful park. Best for camping. There are a very few cabins there, reserve early. Be advised, the beach is a strip of sand a few feet wide (depending on the tide, never more than 20'). No waves, very shallow water to several hundred feet out, and the real snorkeling is 12 miles offshore. You'll need to drive south to Looe Key to get a boat ride out. Also, bring or rent a wetsuit. At that time of year, the water is very cold.

YMMV. I'm not an expert but did live there for five years.

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by Bobbi66

My two cents, will never vacation down there in February again.

Agreed. The rule of a sun vacation in February is to go as far south as you can afford. My wife & I wore winter coats on Marco Island last February. The fine sand + north wind made the beach only good for sandblasting.

Ian

[nynor]

we may go to louisiana instead. it sounds like florida in february is not as ideal as i thought. i've always wanted to see louisiana and experience the food and atmosphere. we'll see. it is a ways out, so i am completely flexible about where we go. i am also considering savannah, ga.

[BRPORSCHE]

Hmm Louisiana is tough. It's very hit or miss. Small kids? New orleans can be fun, but to be honest it can get old fast. Especially if you won't be hitting the quarter every night once the kids go to bed. I hear Savannah is supposed to be really nice, especially at that time of the year with new vegatation. But keep in mind a cold front could come through and both Louisiana or Georgia will be pretty cold.

Don't worry what everyone says about there being to many people at bahia honda. It's a small park because it's a small island. The beach is world class and you really don't notice how many families are really there. I was probably 13-17 when we went there and I must say I had a blast. Your kids would really enjoy it if they just like tide pools and close to the beach snorkeling. I was never disappointed. Plus you will see plenty of "Nemo's" on the bay side next to the bait shop looking for a easy bite.

You have many options.

[nynor]

ok, i'll continue looking at bahia honda. think the cabins are already booked for the whole time we are looking at, but i'll give them a call. regardless, it will be warmer there than it is here. tide pools are fun and i don't mind wearing a wetsuit in order to snorkel.

[Jagshund]

Would not recommend NO around Mardi Gras unless you want to revisit your college days. I love the city but make a point to avoid Feb and March.