Florida vacation for the Griswolds

[griswold]

So, as I mentioned on the other board, the Griswolds are planning a trip to the beach this summer (with a quick jaunt over to Universal for Hogwarts).

I'm looking at Melbourne Beach as an option.

I've been to Cocoa beach and enjoyed it but Mrs. Gris and I would like to try a different beach either north or south of Cocoa.

We are both into quieter beaches particularly with a beach house setting versus a condo or hotel.

Any recommendations?

Top Chucklie and Jason have been a big help....any other thoughts from the Junkies?

Thanks!

[griswold]

So, I've looked at Melbourne Beach, Satellite Beach and Indian Harbour Beach.

They appear to be okay, but nothing great in regards to beach houses, etc.

I'm bumping for any additional thoughts.

Thanks.

[swampdragon]

flying? driving? I used to stay on the east coast many times - then we tried the west coast - very, very, nice

I have never used this but places look nice
http://www.vrbo.com/

[griswold]

flying? driving? I used to stay on the east coast many times - then we tried the west coast - very, very, nice

I have never used this but places look nice
http://www.vrbo.com/

We're going to fly.

I've used primarily vrbo and homeandaway.com and they have some nice listings.

Just not sure which areas are good or bad. Jason and TopChuckie have provided some guidance.

Any other thoughts, folks?

[Gregg]

I have no thoughts on the matter....except have a great time!

[schlesinj]

It has been several years since I have been to Florida outside of a Disney vacation. Actually, trying to plan our first trip with the 4 kids, but deciding when the best time would be since my youngest just turned 1.

Anyway, back to your topic when are you going? Can you sneak over to any Spring Training games. That was always fun for me as a kid.

[TopChuckie]

Have you looked into the West Coast yet? I know there are far more little rental cottages over there. Over here we've been overrun by the high rise condos.

[griswold]

It has been several years since I have been to Florida outside of a Disney vacation. Actually, trying to plan our first trip with the 4 kids, but deciding when the best time would be since my youngest just turned 1.

Anyway, back to your topic when are you going? Can you sneak over to any Spring Training games. That was always fun for me as a kid.

No, we're going in June or July....so spring training games are out.

Thanks for the thought though.

[griswold]

Have you looked into the West Coast yet? I know there are far more little rental cottages over there. Over here we've been overrun by the high rise condos.

I've thought about it. But how far away is the Gulf Coast? Isn't it a 2-3 hour drive each way?

I'm only planning on going to Universal one day but maybe it would be better to fly into Tampa and stay on that coast and only drive to Orlando once.

Where on the Gulf Coast do you recommend?

Thanks again, TC!

[Gregg]

No, we're going in June or July....so spring training games are out.

Thanks for the thought though.

The last time I was in Florida was in July. It was so hot the mirror melted off my van. Side moldings as well.

If you have a choice June would be better.

[griswold]

The last time I was in Florida was in July. It was so hot the mirror melted off my van. Side moldings as well.

If you have a choice June would be better.

Yeah, I'd prefer June as well.

[TopChuckie]

Google says it's 1:55 from Orlando to Clearwater, so that's about twice as long as the drive to Cocoa, but that's from downtown Orlando and Universal is a little closer to Clearwater. It's a pretty straight forward drive, getting from I-4 to Rt. 60 through Tampa is the hairiest part. The main artery into Clearwater is Rt. 60 and once you hit the beach, any beach house you can find north of 60 should put you in a nice area.

Being from Ohio, any beach is probably a welcome sight to you, but if time on the beach is going to be the majority of your vacation, then you really should consider the West Coast. It will just feel more "beachy" on the beach and all around town than the East Coast. I just think you'll get more of a vacation feel for your money, but of course I live here on the East Coast so it just doesn't feel vacationy to me.

I'd probably go with the airport that has the cheaper flights, which very well could be Tampa, or I'd try Southwest or someone who sells cheap one ways and maybe fly into Orlando, stay a night and go to Universal, then drive to the West Coast and fly out of Tampa at the end of your trip.

You could even catch a Rays game in their beautiful basement of a stadium and, unless the Yanks or Red Sox are in town, tix will be cheap, and free parking. If the Yanks are in town, maybe you can get away from the family for a few hours and you, J, and I can catch a game.

[TopChuckie]

BTW, Busch Gardens in Tampa is the best amusement park in Florida if you're over the age of 10.

[Moonlight J]

Tampa has 2 airports to fly into - the St Pete one has some of the cheaper flights with some of the lesser airlines and Allegiant flies from Youngstown into that airport.

Five adult tickets, leaving 6/2 and returning 6/9 for $831

[griswold]

Tampa has 2 airports to fly into - the St Pete one has some of the cheaper flights with some of the lesser airlines and Allegiant flies from Youngstown into that airport.

Five adult tickets, leaving 6/2 and returning 6/9 for $831

Thanks Jason.....I'll look into this.

On the Gulf Coast area around Tampa....are there some areas that are less congested?

It seems that Clearwater and surrounding areas would be very crowded.

Top Chuckie mentioned north of Rt 60....any areas that you would recommend over others?

Thanks!