Gulf Coast Resort advice

[LJT]

Hi Tuggers - I am beginning my research into gulf coast resorts. I know exchanging into them is almost impossible but I am looking to purchase down the road so am willing to pay $ to visit and try before I buy. I want to look at several - here is my info:

Just me and DH - no kiddos so don't need family friendly
Want to be on the beach - not across the street
Want to walk to restaurants but don't have to be in the middle of action

My preference is north of Miami but south of the panhandle as we would want to go in winter. Suggestions??

 

[DeniseM]

I would start by reviewing the TUG Resorts and Reviews for that region - linked in the red bar at the top of the page.

 

[ronparise]

Hi Tuggers - I am beginning my research into gulf coast resorts. I know exchanging into them is almost impossible but I am looking to purchase down the road so am willing to pay $ to visit and try before I buy. I want to look at several - here is my info:

Just me and DH - no kiddos so don't need family friendly
Want to be on the beach - not across the street
Want to walk to restaurants but don't have to be in the middle of action

My preference is north of Miami but south of the panhandle as we would want to go in winter. Suggestions??

I dont quite understand how Miami gets in a question about The Gulf Coast, In any case, North of Miami and South of the panhandle doesnt exclude much of the State

I would want to stay south of Sarasota for the winter. Its too cold north of there>

I woud however make an exception for the right property. I think I might buy Wyndham and wait for the new Clearwater property. There are supposed to be 175 timeshare units as part of the project

 

[LJT]

Thanks. That's the kind of info I was hoping for.

 

[Nancy]

Clearwater area

We live p/t in Clearwater-St Pete Beach area. Temps here aren't much different than Ft. Myers area. Maybe 5 degrees cooler. This winter there have been times that we were warmer because Ft Myers area had storms.

Nancy

 

[ronparise]

We live p/t in Clearwater-St Pete Beach area. Temps here aren't much different than Ft. Myers area. Maybe 5 degrees cooler. This winter there have been times that we were warmer because Ft Myers area had storms.

Nancy

If 5 degrees isn't important. By all means Tampa St Pete is a fine choice but those 5 degrees are what makes it possible to spend my evenings on my dock or lanai in the winter. It's also why I like to head north in the summer

 

[weems637]

Marco Island and Sanibel Island are great, except for lack of availability, especially during snowbird season

 

[Don]

I agree with Ron. Those five degrees can mean all the difference in the world. I live on the peninsula just north of him. We've been here for almost 16 years. Several days in the winter we will have a light frost, but in a few hours the temperature will usually climb as much as 20 degrees. Here's a link to the average temperatures for the Cape Haze Peninsula in Charlotte County.
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USFL9960

 

[myoakley]

If you want to enjoy "the best beach in the USA" (voted as such in 2015), head to Siesta Key. In nearby Sarasota (which is becoming the cultural capital of southern FL), you have museums, live theatre, opera, and so much more.

 

[Sea Six]

Avoid Sanibel, unless you like dark, murky water and the smell of dead fish. The fresh water releases from Lake Okeechobee are ruining that area.

 

[LJT]

If you want to enjoy "the best beach in the USA" (voted as such in 2015), head to Siesta Key. In nearby Sarasota (which is becoming the cultural capital of southern FL), you have museums, live theatre, opera, and so much more.

I've been to Siesta beach and agree it is the most beautiful but stayed with relatives. Any recommendations on a timeshare or resort? I've been reading our tug reviews but haven't seen anything that sounds right.