any advice on beaches

[a jay]

Never been to any of the beaches surrounding Orlando. Can anyone recommend a worthwhile beach for a day tip. Don't mind driving a couple of hours but not sure where to start looking. Any help would be great.

 

[MorningGlory]

First of all, you have to decide if you want the Atlantic coast or the Gulf coast. The Atlantic is slightly nearer, but IMO the Gulf coast beaches are much nicer and the water is actually warm!

If you decide on the Gulf coast, there are several beaches on a fairly short stretch, all with their own merits. If you take Fort de Soto beach as a starting point (it's just South of St Petes beach) and work your way North you have...

Fort de Soto beach - rated the #1 beach in the whole of the USA.

St Petes Beach - only a couple of miles north of Fort de Soto.

Treasure Island - just a little further North again, and supposedly a hidden gem

Indian Rocks beach - another beach that's very highly spoken of

Clearwater beach - famous for its beachfront cafes selling grouper sandwiches, and plenty of watersport opportunities

These are all around a 1.5hr drive from Orlando

 

[scottish mum]

our favourite is clearwater beach. I think nearly all beaches on the gulf coast are nice.

We've also been to Daytona, on atlantic, and it was nice but there was lots of seaweed and generally just not as nice as over on the gulf coast

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

We usually take a day trip to Clearwater. Its about an hour and a half and absolutely beautiful. Water is lovely and warm, and plenty of loungers for hire.