Depending on how far you want to travel,the area around Fort Myers Island is great,
We used to stay on the Island and from there visit Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Fort Myers itself is a nice town and has Henry Fords house which is now a small museum .
Edisons house is on the other side of the street which is open to the public.
Its a short drive to the Everglades where you can ride on the airboats.
Further south the town of Naples is lovely for window shopping.
We found this area quieter than Clearwater/St Petes area.
If you have a look on Google earth it gives a clear image of the area with lots of photos.
Where ever you end up you will love it.

belated thanks for your prompt response...looking foprward to the trip.....iceland permitting of course....cheers

Any other suggestions ...anybody??????????????

We travelled around Florida Last November. We did Downtown St Petes (nice), Melbourne (quiet but nice), Fort Lauderdale (nice but more expensive area in general and quite a trek), Naples (nice but quiet but lovely beaches), St Pete's beach (loved it!).

We stayed at the Tradewinds Island Grand in St Pete's beach, got a good deal from either Hotwire or Priceline. We drove up to Clearwater which was lovely too. Not sure if you have been anywhere and looking to try something different.

Thanks for reply no we havnt been on the gulf coast at all..we want to see as much as possible in the 16 days we are there..we will try all the places so far recomended...hope the oil doesnt get on to the beaches...what an absolute disaster