Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 21:09     Subject: Sarasota?
Anonymous wrote:Anyone been to Sarasota? Anyone drive there from the DC metro area? Mapquest says it's 14 hours away---true?

Wondering if it's worth the schlep, looking for tips on places to stay, and curious if there's a decent place to stop along the way to break up the trip.


Depends so much on what you're looking for.

Sarasota area beaches are very quiet, relatively few worthwhile restaurants or "exciting" activities on or near beaches--it's about peaceful R&R. Good food in Sarasota proper, but it's a bit of a drive from the beaches.

Large snowbird/retiree population, most other visitors are families with kids (used to be overwhelmingly from the Midwest, but this is balancing out somewhat).

Drive is 14 hrs. with no stops and no traffic on 95. Plan on 17+. Savannah thru Jax good stopping points. Get carry-out from Malson's BBQ in Kingsland, GA (amazing) or stop off at Duke's in Walterboro, SC for a country-style lunch buffet with the locals.

If you go, I'd stay on LBK and rent a condo at one of the small "old Florida" style places (Wicker Inn, etc.). The large condo buildings are nightmares.

Also a new hotel there--Zota. Looks nice, but kind of funny to see the guests packed like sardines into a tiny swath of beach. Very un-LBK.

Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 10:00     Subject: Sarasota?
We are going to Longboat next week. Family has a condo there and we go every year at some point. I love the area.

Been to HH too. Prefer Longboat but not by a ton.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 09:53     Subject: Sarasota?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It is right around 14 hours. Savannah would be a good stopping point. As others mentioned, better vacation spots close, Siesta Etc. if you want a calm beach warmer and prefer driving, I would just do Hilton Head.


I've seen pics of Hilton Head, and it really doesn't look like the FL gulf coast. How does it compare? I am looking for calm beaches with white sand and turquoise water.


We've been to both, and love them both. Hilton ahead has beautiful clear warm water, but it is not turquoise like the gulf side. Because of the gentle waves, the sand churns up and the water looks light brown from a distance. But when you're in it, it's crystal clear and you can see your feet. We love it. The island is very relaxing and laid back, lots of trees hiding all the buildings. Lot of families, plenty of kids for your little ones to play with at the resorts. Fun boat trips, can go shrimping and to see dolphins, fun family activities like outdoor movies, singing and fireworks. Nice resort spas, great food. 1 hr from beautiful historic Savannah. One of my personal favorite vacations.

We also loved the SW FL gulf coast beaches. Beautiful clear blue water and white sand. "Old Florida" vibe. Lots of retirees. Not as many families and family activities as HHI. A bit more DIY. Fewer nice resorts and hotels, but plenty of rentals. Much quieter area, especially during summer (off season down there, I think). Loved loved loved the variety of water birds we saw down there, just incredible. Fascinating ocean life too, we saw some of everything in the water and the air. Felt very up close and personal with nature in this region, maybe due to not as many tourists at the time? Loved this vacation too, but very different from HHI.

I say do one this year, and pick the other for your next vacation. Try them both!


Thanks, pp!

Do you drive to HH? How long does it take (and what's your starting point)?
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 09:41     Subject: Sarasota?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:It is right around 14 hours. Savannah would be a good stopping point. As others mentioned, better vacation spots close, Siesta Etc. if you want a calm beach warmer and prefer driving, I would just do Hilton Head.


I've seen pics of Hilton Head, and it really doesn't look like the FL gulf coast. How does it compare? I am looking for calm beaches with white sand and turquoise water.


We've been to both, and love them both. Hilton ahead has beautiful clear warm water, but it is not turquoise like the gulf side. Because of the gentle waves, the sand churns up and the water looks light brown from a distance. But when you're in it, it's crystal clear and you can see your feet. We love it. The island is very relaxing and laid back, lots of trees hiding all the buildings. Lot of families, plenty of kids for your little ones to play with at the resorts. Fun boat trips, can go shrimping and to see dolphins, fun family activities like outdoor movies, singing and fireworks. Nice resort spas, great food. 1 hr from beautiful historic Savannah. One of my personal favorite vacations.

We also loved the SW FL gulf coast beaches. Beautiful clear blue water and white sand. "Old Florida" vibe. Lots of retirees. Not as many families and family activities as HHI. A bit more DIY. Fewer nice resorts and hotels, but plenty of rentals. Much quieter area, especially during summer (off season down there, I think). Loved loved loved the variety of water birds we saw down there, just incredible. Fascinating ocean life too, we saw some of everything in the water and the air. Felt very up close and personal with nature in this region, maybe due to not as many tourists at the time? Loved this vacation too, but very different from HHI.

I say do one this year, and pick the other for your next vacation. Try them both!
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 07:41     Subject: Sarasota?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Not really a vacation spot. Many beautiful beach areas in that region that would be better for a vacation. Siesta Key, Longboat key, Anna Maria island, Venice beach


Op here. I should have said "Sarasota area" because I really meant those nearby beaches.


Beautiful and very nice area!! If you have time, quite the arts community/museums.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 07:41     Subject: Sarasota?
Anonymous wrote:It is right around 14 hours. Savannah would be a good stopping point. As others mentioned, better vacation spots close, Siesta Etc. if you want a calm beach warmer and prefer driving, I would just do Hilton Head.


I've seen pics of Hilton Head, and it really doesn't look like the FL gulf coast. How does it compare? I am looking for calm beaches with white sand and turquoise water.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 07:40     Subject: Sarasota?
Anonymous wrote:Not really a vacation spot. Many beautiful beach areas in that region that would be better for a vacation. Siesta Key, Longboat key, Anna Maria island, Venice beach


Op here. I should have said "Sarasota area" because I really meant those nearby beaches.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2018 02:36     Subject: Sarasota?
It is right around 14 hours. Savannah would be a good stopping point. As others mentioned, better vacation spots close, Siesta Etc. if you want a calm beach warmer and prefer driving, I would just do Hilton Head.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2018 23:42     Subject: Sarasota?
Not really a vacation spot. Many beautiful beach areas in that region that would be better for a vacation. Siesta Key, Longboat key, Anna Maria island, Venice beach
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2018 08:51     Subject: Sarasota?
Anyone been to Sarasota? Anyone drive there from the DC metro area? Mapquest says it's 14 hours away---true?

Wondering if it's worth the schlep, looking for tips on places to stay, and curious if there's a decent place to stop along the way to break up the trip.