Where to go?

Question

Hi all! I’m struggling with where to vacation for 1 week in early July. Help me out with recommendations??

I have two older teens. We stayed in Ft. Myers Beach and in Anna Maria Island when they were really little, in early June. We love the white sand and especially the gorgeous turquoise water. I’d love to go back to AMI. I’ve never been to the east coast of FL.

But… 1) now that they’re older, they don’t want to spend *all* their time only at the beach, 2) they require at least a little wave action, and 3) we can *only* travel in early July.

What is a must:

-waves good enough for at least tame-ish boogie boarding

-ability to do water sports like parasailing and/or jet-skiing, snorkeling

-other stuff to do. No, I do not know what. 😄

-some beautiful nature.

What we don’t want or aren’t into:

-Pensacola area. (Reason: family history-related, not that I don’t like it.)

-Normal stuff we could do at home, like movies, bowling, mini-golf… etc.

-Super-crowded beach scenes

-Our kids are nerdy, and not interested in clubs or things like that. They like family time and wouldn’t be into going off on their own with other kids they don’t know.

Other stuff we like:

-They are musicians, and like good jazz; music events or venues could be fun

-Big, interesting aquariums to visit could be fun

-Shelling

-Restaurants on the beach

-We like kayaking, but not sure if that would be too hot?

-We are outdoorsy, so normally, we’d be into hikes, exploring, biking…. But I am sure it will be way too hot for that in July?? We’ve done some of that in FL on our prior trips, but those were not in July.

I have no idea what else, am open to suggestions!

TL;DR- looking for not prohibitively sweltering in early July, beautiful water and beach, enough waves to do some tame-ish boogie-boarding, not crowded/not a party place but not boring, with water sports access and at least a few other things around to do besides beach, too.

TIA for any input!! I have analysis paralysis…

Answer

Early July in Florida is hot and humid, especially inland, but there are several destinations that balance beautiful beaches, water sports, and other activities suitable for teens and families. Since you already love the Gulf Coast’s white sand and turquoise water, it’s worth considering both Gulf and Atlantic options, keeping in mind your desire for waves, nature, and family-friendly activities beyond just lounging on the sand.

Here are some options and what they offer:

Anna Maria Island / Longboat Key / Siesta Key (Gulf Coast) – You’ve loved AMI before, and the beaches here are still gorgeous with soft white sand and clear water. Waves on the Gulf are generally smaller than the Atlantic, but you can often find gentle surf for boogie boarding, especially on breezy days. Water sports like parasailing, paddleboarding, and jet-ski rentals are available. Nearby, you can explore:

Shelling at nearby beaches, including secluded spots on the north end of AMI or nearby Egmont Key.
Kayaking or eco-tours through mangroves and backwaters, though it will be hot in July—early mornings are best.
Historic Bradenton Village and small cultural spots for family-friendly outings.

New Smyrna Beach / Daytona Beach Area (Atlantic Coast) – The Atlantic generally offers more surf than the Gulf, making it better for boogie boarding. New Smyrna Beach is quieter and less crowded than Daytona Beach, with a nice mix of local restaurants and natural areas. Activities include:

Surfing or boogie boarding rentals and lessons.
Kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon or nearby estuaries.
Exploring Canaveral National Seashore for natural scenery and wildlife viewing.
Nearby Marine Discovery Center and small aquariums for educational outings.

Fort Lauderdale / Hollywood Beach – Not as iconic as Miami, but offers good waves and a mix of water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. The area is family-friendly and has quieter stretches compared to Miami Beach. Nearby attractions include:

Everglades airboat tours for a unique natural experience.
Fort Lauderdale Beach Boardwalk with restaurants and live music, sometimes featuring jazz.
Intracoastal waterway kayaking or eco-tours in the morning to avoid the heat.

Florida Keys – Key Largo / Marathon / Islamorada – Turquoise water, snorkeling, diving, and water sports are plentiful. While July will be hot, the ocean breezes help. Activities include:

Snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo).
Kayaking and paddleboarding through mangroves.
Fishing charters, boat rentals, and other family-friendly water activities.
Nature-focused outings like visiting the Turtle Hospital in Marathon or exploring small state parks.

Other considerations for early July travel in Florida:

Expect afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity, so plan indoor or shaded activities during peak heat.
Try early morning or late afternoon for outdoor activities like kayaking, snorkeling, or exploring natural areas.
Look for accommodations with resort-style pools, easy beach access, and possibly on-site water sport rentals to minimize travel time.

Based on your priorities—waves for boogie boarding, water sports, shelling, and a mix of activities—the Atlantic Coast beaches like New Smyrna Beach provide more consistent surf and quieter crowds, while the Keys offer unparalleled snorkeling and tropical scenery. Gulf Coast destinations like AMI or Siesta Key remain gorgeous for relaxation, shelling, and calm waters, but wave action may be more limited in early July. Combining a few days in one area with a day trip or short excursion to a nearby nature or music venue could give your teens enough variety without overwhelming them with crowds.

In short, the top picks for your family would be:

Anna Maria Island or Siesta Key for beautiful sand and relaxed Gulf Coast vibe.
New Smyrna Beach for Atlantic waves, boogie boarding, and quieter beaches than the typical tourist spots.
Florida Keys (Key Largo / Marathon / Islamorada) for snorkeling, eco-tourism, and unique water sports experiences.

Planning a mix of beach time, water sports, and one or two nearby attractions (aquarium, nature tour, or live music) will make the week engaging for older teens without relying on crowded or party-oriented areas.