USVI-On-Line

I know this is off topic, but who better to give beach advice than St. John fans, right? Looking for comments/suggestions on US east coast and gulf beaches for an August vacation with our kids (17 and 20). We're considering Marco Island, Amelia Island, Destin or Boca Raton in Florida, and would love any feedback on those or other destinations. Thanks!

Do you want beaches where there is a lot of activity for the kids or beaches that are more secluded?

Do you want a lot of restaurant options or do you all cook most of your meals?

Good questions. We like things a little more laid back. Our kids don't really need a boardwalk or nightlife to keep busy. They like the options of jet skis or parasailing, but it's not a requirement. And we always eat out. Thanks!

We go to St. George Island, Florida every year. (but don't tell anyone about it...it is a secret place! ) It is on the Gulf Coast...over by the Apalachicola area. You go over a 4 1/2 mile bridge to get to the island.

Here are two rental agencies that we've used, just so you can get an idea of what is out there for rent. We always, only, ever stay on the East End.

http://www.collinsvacationrentals.com/

http://www.resortvacationproperties.com/

There are some restaurants on the island, but other than our first night eating at the Blue Parrot, we cook all of our own food. There are 2 men, Dale & Doug, who bring trailers over every morning with the fresh catch of the day. So we go and get fresh Apalachicola oysters, grouper, snapper, gulf shrimp. They also have frozen fish like ahi tuna. I think Dale may have opened a store there now.

We go with 2 other couples and gorge on seafood for a week...there is nothing like gulf coast seafood, nothing!

have been to marco island and we had a great time there. very nice beach and area in general. naples is just up the road and lots of stuff to do there. went to sannibel island also (didn't stay there though, just drove around) and it is very nice also but pretty expensive i think? gulf coast spots are always our favorites....

We went to Amelia Island a couple of years ago and my children still talk about going back someday. Beautiful beaches and quite abit to do on the island. There is a Fort there that you can explore. A large fishing pier,skateboarding park,ect. I looked up a website and they sent a brochure about the area. There are some great restaurants around the area. The Fort cost a few dollars but was really interesting as they dress and act like back in the day. The views from there are incredible. There are lots of trails and bike riding all around the island. Wildlife everywhere. Hope this helps.

Sanibel Island. Once we found it about 12 years ago, we've always gone back.

Much of the Island is a preserve. Also, there are bike trails around the whole Island, so once you park your car you can go anywhere on a bike.

Seashell capital. It's crazy the amount of shells we've brought home.

So clean, no high rises, safe and some great places to eat.

I agree with Coden about St George Island- we went for a family reunion and had a great time. However since you said your preference was to eat out, have you considered the upper keys like Islamorada? There are all the watersports and less crazy than Key West- close enough to Miami to fly to then drive just a little, plenty to keep the kids happy!

We love the Florida gulf beaches. St. George Island is great as noted above.

We really really like Grayton Beach - in fact we've been there 3 times so far this year. A trip there can take almost any form you want, from laid back to action filled with restaurants, shopping, fishing, and other activities fairly close by.

With the early start to school down here, in August prices drop from their peak to a cheaper late summer/early fall rate in many cases. That whole stretch from Destin down almost all the way to Panama City is pretty nice. I can recommend some rental agencies if you want.

Have fun!