Rigiht, ML. In Maine, the water will be too cold.
:)>-
Already mentioned it but Cocoa Beach is still nice even in August. It’s much cooler than the west coast beaches.
Go see the Space Center and an hour from Disney World.
OP back again. I’ve headed much of this wonderful advice. Thank you!
Someone suggested St. Augustine, so that is looking good. Looks like there is a lot to do, places to explore, day trips to NASA. Maybe the weather would be slightly better than my initial FL spots? Or maybe I’ll continue moving up the Eastern coast. Hilton Head? Outer Banks? (We’ve done N Myrtle Beach too much.)
I also explored St. John in USVI, which also looked good, but air fare will probably move it out of our budget, and I don’t know if I’m adventurous enough to stay at a private house that is not within the confines of a resort while in a foreign country.
The original plan was a cruise. That’s what we were all planning. D could not find a girlfriend to accompany her (college internships, study abroad impacted her friends), so now its the boyfriend, and so I need a place with multiple bedrooms.
I appreciate this community and everyone’s insight.
St Augustine area sounds like a good idea. Not sure how much cooler the beaches will be, but there is a lot to do in that area other than the beach or shopping, so if it’s hot people won’t be bored. If you’re not staying on or near Amelia Island, it’s worth driving out there to see that area. AI and the coastal area around AI is really gorgeous; in fact the drive up the coast there is scenic enough to be worth doing. Going for a “walk” in the air conditioned car might not be a bad activity one afternoon when it’s too hot to do much else or rain is possible so you don’t want to plan on outside things. The historic area of St Augustine is very interesting, especially the fort, but if I remember correctly there isn’t much shade and it all gets hot quickly so might be better as a morning activity.
It’s a bit of a drive, but you’re only about 2 hours away from one of my favorite Old Florida places and activities - tubing or canoeing to the Ichnetucknee Springs. Very hick, very relaxing, very fun. You either canoe or tube down a river and at various points along the river are blue springs. The springs are cold and crystal clear, perfect for swimming. If you’re fit and like a little activity then canoe - you’ll see more things, get the chance to try more secluded springs. If you just want to bring some beer and float down the river then tube, it’s will be more crowded but still fun.
If you’re thinking budget, I just saw on the news that the Big Island of HI has some deals right now. Apparently way too many people think the volcano/lava is affecting the whole island and have cancelled vacations. 'Taint so. It’s a small area and many resorts and activities (there are oodles of both) are pretty empty - hence - the great deals. Whether those deals will last into August or not I’m unsure.
The water in HI should be ideal. The fish and snorkeling there are unparalleled in the US (aside from maybe the USVI). Perhaps by August Volcanoes NP will be reopened as well. It’s an awesome place to visit. HI beats FL for us, though we go to FL often for the ease of it (location) and my son having been in college there the past four years. We’re looking forward to getting back to HI now that he’s graduated.
Just a thought.
St. John is US- not a foreign country! The villa rentals through the agencies such as DestinationStJohn are very safe and reliable. It’s a small, safe island. The air fare is a problem, though. Our villa 2 weeks ago was gorgeous with views like you’ve never imagined. 3 king rooms and a pool. We’ve been to St. John 6 times and know the island well.
I think staying on Amelia with trips into St.Augustine sounds perfect!
Speaking of the Big Island, we snatched a couple of cheap last minute tix on Alaska and are enjoying our points at a Marriott property. 
Not in a million years we would have been able to afford to fly to HI on such a short notice! There were about 30 employ seats on the plane on the way here.
Speaking of needing several bedrooms, Waikoloa here has nice condos at very reasonable prices to rent. Not on the beach, but very close. There is a shopping village with a cinema, a grocery store, and a ton of restaurants, a Hilton and a Marriott with good water activities.
We return to Santa Rosa on the panhandle every year- sometimes twice. We rent the same place. Love it! We can park the car at the house and walk to a different restaurant every night. We like to chill, walk and read on the beach. Late August will be quieter. The GA/FL/AL schools start back in early August.
I know the 30A area pretty well- let me know if you decide to go there.
Downtown Sarasota is pretty happening at night. St. Pete X 5.
St. Pete is nice because you have beaches, nightlife and are close to Tampa for Busch Gardens and Adventure Island (water park).
I found some places near St. Augustine along Cinnamon Beach in Palm Coast, FL. Any opinions? Some of the reviews mention large coral rocks along the beach that make boogie boards dangerous. Some rental owners said, “Well, just walk a little way down the beach and you’ll find a spot clear of rocks.” True?
And the sand is made up of crushed shells (larger than normal sand) so it’s hard to walk along the beach barefoot? Is that the case all along that part of FL coast?
The sand and beaches at Amelia were gorgeous- lots of white sand.
We stayed at Disneys Vero beach resort. Very nice, directly on the beach. Nice pool. Easy ride into Disney if so inclined. Drove in to restaurants in area. Many on the river etc
Going back this August.
In August you can get some great rates so I would rent a VRBO condo right on the beach. I can only speak for the gulf side and would opt for Bonita Springs Beach, Siesta Key near Sarasota or Sanibel Island.
^^ There’s a reason you get great rates- it’s miserable! Not the time to go to SW Florida.
If you do the Ichetucknee, and I also recommend it if you have time, definitely do it in a tube. Also, no food or drinks, pets, fishing, tobacco, alcohol or disposable items on the river. There was a time when people floated down with an extra tube holding a cooler of beer, but that sort of thing is no longer allowed.
<<I found some places near St. Augustine along Cinnamon Beach in Palm Coast, FL.<<
It is fine. There are coral reefs that form, but with a boogie board you’ll avoid them. They form at Melbourne Beach too, and it’s not a problem to swim there.
This will be a very quite area. Not huge night life (which I like). You can go up to St. Augustine Beach if you want a little more action. There is a farmer’s market/art sale on Wednesdays, some beach bars. There is an amphitheater with concerts of various levels (some newcomers, some oldies, some up and coming acts).
I would identify a bit more from your family what they want in a “beach vacation”. If they are dreaming of laying in the sun with a good book and playing beach volleyball I would rethink doing that in Florida in August with the excessive heat and humidity. Even day trips unless inside could be miserable.
So much of the country can provide AMAZING weather in August at the beach.
(said as someone who is not drawn to Florida at anytime really, but also who LOVES the beach but knows that it ain’t all it could be cracked up to be with 90’s and same humidity!!)
It’s hot in Florida, but it is hot in NJ in August too, and can be at the Cape. If they want Florida (and many many people do!) just take into account the heat. I prefer the ocean side to the gulf. I like the waves and a little breeze. I love St. Augustine, Amelia Island and those types of towns because there aren’t that many people. Not as crazy about the Myrtle Beach, Cocoa Beach type towns as there are just more people.
My friends live on HHI and I’ve been there in Aug. It’s hot and there are a lot of people there trying to get into the restaurants. But it’s lovely. It’s hot on the beach in Aug.
OP again. So many great suggestions. My various VRBO boards are filling up with possibilities. We are back to exploring Puerto Rico since my young adults think that would be more adventurous than FL, and I have nixed the Keys and South FL. Personally, I’m loving the places I found in Santa Rosa and the water looks Caribbean blue in the pictures. I was surprised to discover that flying from MI to the FL panhandle was more expensive than flying to Puerto Rico!
I’m getting tired of the searching, and I need to make a decision. I appreciate all the great insight from you Florida travelers. I understand heat and humidity, but perhaps not the intense heat and humidity of FL in August.
For me, a perfect vacation would be 3 days at the pool and beach with a good book, a day of water adventure (kayaking, boat tour, snorkeling, etc.), a day of museum/culture or exploring off the beaten path, then a final day at pool/beach.
Puerto Rico is very nice just need to be careful about what is back up and running properly. Just looked at Las Casitas Villas to recommend and it is still closed