We like Naples much better than Captiva.

We love Grand Cayman.

Spanish Wells or Eleuthera Bahamas. Didn't like Captiva after having been here.

OP again. For those of you who love Captiva/Sanibel/Gulf towns, what are the logistics of getting there, grocery shopping, etc.? Would we have to rent a car, and get all of our groceries in Ft. Meyer?

I totally disagree with 20:30. The water isn't as clear as some Caribbean beaches, but it's gorgeous. And it's not boring! We rent a house and bike, swim, cook (who wants to eat out every meal, but there are about a dozen restaurants, and more at adjoining Sanibel), play on the beach, walk, relax, take boat cruises to see Dolphins, hunt for shells, read.... There are even a few upscale shops. If you're looking for nightlife and a posh scene, it's not for you. But if you want casual fun, it's awesome.

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Old Florida Beach or Seaside

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/north-west/beaches-of-south-walton/santa-rosa-beach/old-florida-beach

Bermuda! Amazing PINK sand, clear water, glass-bottom boat trips and a direct flight -- can't recommend it highly enough!

Anonymous wrote:OP here. These are fabulous suggestions - thank you! I'd never heard of Captiva... I'm sold!

Water isn't clear on Captiva. It's very isolated and quite boring. You'll be stuck eating at the resort, and it's overpriced for what it is.

Big difference between the beaches and water in the Caribbean and the Florida gulf coast.

OP here. These are fabulous suggestions - thank you! I'd never heard of Captiva... I'm sold!

Anonymous wrote:Turks and Caicos

+ 1 Best beaches I have ever been too. Snorkling was great but you could see fish with your naked eye.

We did VRBO and stay at the Grandview on Grace Bay. It was a great 3 bedroom, 3 bath with a pool and steps to the ocean.

Perfect for families. Though you would just need 2 bedrooms

Anonymous wrote:Captiva Florida. Gorgeous, easy to get to, perfect for kids, and convenient because it's still the US. Rent a house and rent bikes and you're set!

+1
Or Siesta Key / Sarasota or anywhere along there. Pretty beaches, easy trip.

Ha! The only problem with experiencing beaches with white sand and turquoise water is that it's hard to go back from that!
Agree with many of the options. T&C has incredible beaches. Within your travel range, Cancun is also an option at a family friendly place- or GC, St. Maarten, Barbados, Bahamas, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, etc. Miami beach might also fit the bill?

Turks and Caicos

Captiva Florida. Gorgeous, easy to get to, perfect for kids, and convenient because it's still the US. Rent a house and rent bikes and you're set!

Grand Cayman or the Bahamas. Short flights.

I am 35 years old, and I have never been to a beach with clear water. I'm planning a family vacation for later this year - where should we go? I'm open to options inside or outside the U.S., but I'd like to stick to someplace within a 4-hour flight range.

Please recommend general areas/cities, or I'd also love to hear specific hotels/resorts we should consider. We'll be traveling with a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old.