Recommend a warm weather destination in the continental US for Christmas?

[Anonymous]

Looking for a place where it's warm enough to swim outside and that can be reached non-stop from DC/Baltimore. Thanks for any ideas.

[Anonymous]

You can fly non-stop from DC to Jacksonville, Florida and then drive (or catch a hotel shuttle) 30 minutes to Amelia Island. There are two major, family oriented resorts -- the Ritz Carlton and Amelia Island Plantation. There is a quaint historic section of the island, the city of Fernandina Beach and great restaurants. Espana is the best -- authentic paella. If you choose, there are also a great deal of beach houses or condos you can rent for the week as opposed to staying at one of the resorts. Whatever location you choose, I hope you have a great trip.

[Anonymous]

PP here. I just noticed that you would like to be able to swim outside. The ocean water will probably be too cold but I believe both resorts have a heated pool.

[Anonymous]

Thank you--I appreciate the recommendation!

[Anonymous]

Captiva or Sanibel Islands off of Fort Meyers. My family has been going to Captiva every Thanksgiving since I was a little kid. Because it's the Gulf of Mexico the water is fairly warm and you can swim in the Ocean. You can take a direct flight from National on Air Tran for a decent price.

[Anonymous]

Can you recommend any hotels or rental agencies? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Second Sanibel. Less than 30 min. drive from Ft. Myers if memory serves correctly. We went in Jan. and did both the ocean and heated pool. Bring a sweatshirt for early mornings and late afternoons. We rented a condo from a site on the internet (sorry do not recall).