Don't know where to start!

Question

I've been to Florida several times - but never the gulf side. I'd love to bring my family of 6 there next April for my daughter's final spring break trip with us.

We'd love an airbnb/vrbo with a pool, a nice beach and a cute town where we can walk all around. I'm sure there are a million places like this but I'm not sure where to start?

People have mentioned Santa Maria Island, Captiva, Clearwater... can anyone recommend a place there we can stroll on the beach for miles? We do NOT need a party scene or anything crazy. Just want warm weather and white sandy beach!

Answer

Florida's Gulf Coast is a fantastic choice for a family trip—especially for a spring break that focuses on relaxation, beaches, and charming towns. Since you’re looking for a family-friendly destination with a pool, beautiful beaches, and walkable towns, you have several great options to consider.

Here are some of the best Gulf Coast destinations that fit your description:

Sanibel Island: Famous for its shell-covered beaches and quiet atmosphere. The island is small enough to explore by bike or car, with local shops and restaurants near the main town of Sanibel. Beaches are wide and sandy, perfect for long strolls with kids. Many Airbnbs and VRBOs offer private pools.
Captiva Island: Just north of Sanibel, Captiva is even quieter and more secluded. It’s ideal if you want a peaceful getaway. The beaches are pristine, the sunsets are incredible, and the island has boutique shops and casual restaurants. Some vacation homes come with pools and easy beach access.
Clearwater Beach: Located near Tampa, Clearwater has soft white sand and calm waters. The area has a slightly more “town” feel with a central promenade, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. While it’s more developed than Sanibel or Captiva, there are still quieter areas with beach rentals that include pools.
Anna Maria Island: A charming, low-key island town with a vintage Florida feel. There’s a mix of boutique shopping, cafes, and restaurants within walking distance of the beach. Rentals often feature pools, and the beaches are wide and less crowded than Clearwater.
Siesta Key (Sarasota): Known for its soft, powdery white sand and beautiful sunsets. Siesta Key Village has shops and restaurants you can walk to, and many vacation homes include pools. It’s very family-friendly and has miles of sandy shoreline for long walks.

For a family of 6, I recommend looking for a house or condo that offers:

At least 3-4 bedrooms to comfortably accommodate everyone.
A private or shared pool to relax after beach days.
Beach access or beachfront property to maximize convenience.
Proximity to small-town shopping and dining so you can walk around easily.

Spring in these areas is typically warm and pleasant, perfect for spending the day at the beach without the crowds of summer. Sanibel and Captiva will give you the most tranquil experience, while Clearwater and Siesta Key offer more activities and dining options if you want a bit of variety during your stay.

Since your priority is quiet, family-oriented beaches and walkable towns, starting your search with Sanibel, Captiva, or Anna Maria Island would be ideal. These areas are picturesque, safe, and very family-friendly, giving you the classic Gulf Coast experience with beautiful white sand and calm waters.

Don't know where to start!

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