US Beach Vacation with Baby

[Pink_Converse]

Any suggestions on where to go for this:


Beach (clear water, not rocky)
Pool
Baby club or on site babysitting (my son will be around 1)
Deep Sea Fishing Charter trips
Close to Texas if possible so we have a cheaper flight or can drive (I'm thinking Florida maybe?)
All inclusive would be nice but not necessary
I would consider staying at a condo or somewhere we could prepare our own meals

Thanks in advance!

[savannahgrl]

I think Sandestin, Florida would be perfect. Here is their link if you want to check it out.
http://www.sandestin.com

ETA: Sandestin is in Destin, Florida

[ManteoChik]

You've pretty much described where I live, only its NC.

The Outer Banks (Manteo, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills....also Corolla, Duck, Cape Hatteras).

Closest Airports:
Norfolk, VA (ORF) - About 1 1/2 hrs, car rentals available
Raleigh, NC (RDU) - About 3 1/2 hrs, car rentals available
*Southest flies into both Raleigh and Norfolk with some really reasonable flights...I always fly in/out of Norfolk. Its a small easy to navigate airport and its closer.

www.outerbanks.org

Check out www.pirates-cove.com
Pirate's Cove (PC) is a gated waterfront community. Its totally residental, and every unit (condo, house, or townhouse) is privately owned. Some people live here year round and those who don't put their property into the PC rental program. You can rent anything from a one bedroom (two or three) condo all the way up to a large 7 bedroom house with elavator. The nice thing about this is that you can cook, which saves money on eating out, do laundry at the house so you can pack less luggage.

By renting in here you have access to the marina, restaurant, shipstore, clubhouse, pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and miles of docks that you can walk. We are the Sportfishing Capitol and most of the county income is made up of tourits and offshore fishing.

If you are here in the summer time, the clubhouse has a kids camp where you can drop your child off for a few hours (if they are old enough) and they do things like tie-dye, fishing in the pond, ect. If your child is too young for that, you can obtain a list from the activity director of certified babysitters.

In edition, there are several things to do in the area other than just sit on the beach. We are home to The Lost Colony (longest outdoor drama where Andy Griffith got his start), Wright Brothers Monument, The Elizabeth II, Elizabethan Gardens, NC Aquarium, Severl Lighthouses, Whalehead Club. There is also hangglidding, kayaking, jet skis, boat rentals, fishing, great restaurants, shopping, ect...

If you have any more questions or woul like specifics please feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to give you specifics as I'd rather not give out too much personal info out to the general public.

[Regina Phalange]

You've pretty much described where I live, only its NC.

The Outer Banks (Manteo, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills....also Corolla, Duck, Cape Hatteras).


While I do like those NC beaches, I'd have to say that if you are looking for "clear water" like you said, NC beaches aren't the place for you. If you are looking for more tropical "carribean-like" water, the gulf coast will be your best bet. I'm currently looking at Destin or Naples FL for a May vacation.

[beachlvr]

Destin, FL or somewhere nearby is my recommendation. I've taken all of my infants there and it's perfect for them. The waves in NC can be a little rough.

[KrissyCat7]

You might want to look into Marco Island, Florida.

[HeatherFL]

I think Destin is a great idea too.

While I like Marco Island, I don't find the beaches that nice (sorry KrissyCat7!) And I also find there isn't much to do there.

The Florida Keys are really nice. And there are a lot of great bed and breakfasts too, so the breakfast and some snacks would be included in your price. Here is a list of child friendly places in Florida (http://www.virtualcities.com/ons/fl/flchildren.htm). Some have an age requirement and some don't.

I'm not sure what your price range is, but one place I will tell you is absolutely awesome and has everything you've described, but is not all-inclusive, is Hawk's Cay Resort in Duck Key (http://www.hawkscay.com) (a bit north of Key West.) It also has a kid's club. And of course fishing in the Keys is just a way of life. They have accommodations from Guestrooms to Suites to Villas. They also have family packages (http://www.hawkscay.com/Accommodations/Packages/FamilyPackage.aspx) that include:

Daily breakfast for family at Palm Terrace.
Children 12 and under eat free off children’s menu when accompanied by a dining adult.
One day complimentary participation in the Kids Club and welcome gift for each child 12 years old and under.
One half hour tiki kayak boat rental for two children.

They also have "Hot Dates" where the rates go down. All I can tell you is that it is a wonderful place!

~H.

[Pink_Converse]

Wow! You guys are great, thank you!

[HeatherFL]

Let us know what you decide. :)