Beach advice needed. Wondering if this beach exists?

[♥♥LittleSeaRose♥♥]

It's possible that we'll visit a beach whist in FL.... that is if I can find one that I really think is worth the trip. I've scoured the websites and researched what I can but really haven't seen anything quite impressive.

I don't mean to sound "stand-offish" or picky, but I'm looking for something a little less "tourist" filled, clean sands dotted with fun seashells perfect for a sandcastle, natural settings of palms and clean clear water you can walk forever in, preferrably no skyscrapers, and preferrably without dogs.

I have been searching and searching and I'm really looking for a whole hearted response to this. I have heard so many people write Cocoa beach (WAY too packed)... Sanibel for shells (they weren't kidding- you can't even find the sand... ) ... Clearwater is too "big city" for my tastes... and I can't for the life of me take my family to any "shark bite capitals of the world" kind of places...

Would love some suggestions if you have some.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Have you done any research on Siesta Key.. it is near Sarasota. It has what you are looking for.. but it may have too many people since many "locals" like to go there away from the "tourist"....

 

[Orlando Vic]

It's possible that we'll visit a beach whist in FL.... that is if I can find one that I really think is worth the trip. I've scoured the websites and researched what I can but really haven't seen anything quite impressive.

I don't mean to sound "stand-offish" or picky, but I'm looking for something a little less "tourist" filled, clean sands dotted with fun seashells perfect for a sandcastle, natural settings of palms and clean clear water you can walk forever in, preferrably no skyscrapers, and preferrably without dogs.

I have been searching and searching and I'm really looking for a whole hearted response to this. I have heard so many people write Cocoa beach (WAY too packed)... Sanibel for shells (they weren't kidding- you can't even find the sand... ) ... Clearwater is too "big city" for my tastes... and I can't for the life of me take my family to any "shark bite capitals of the world" kind of places...

Would love some suggestions if you have some.

For 20 years, we have owned a condo at Crescent Beach, just south of St. Augustine. It is a small, family-friendly beach with soft white sand and no crowds to speak of. It is approximately 2 hours away by interstate highways I-4 & I-95. Here is a map: http://beacherslodge.com/images/content/mapofstaugustine.pdf

An added bonus is the proximity to St. Augustine, America's oldest city.

 

[loveysbydesign]

Fort DeSoto beach is just like what you are looking for! Very out in nature type of beach! Look it up on googlemaps!

 

[kvnchapman]

Check out the Gasparilla Island area.

 

[Dolby1000]

Check out Moss Park, it is only about 20 minutes from Disney. Granted, it is a lake and not the ocean, however, it does have a sandy beach on a clear lake.

It is quiet, out of the way place, no crowds, condos or massive crowds.

It has hiking, sandy beach, playground and is part of a bird sanctuary so it has natural wildlife too.

Just a suggestion.
Dolby1000

 

[FireDancer]

Check out Honeymoon Island State Park.

It is attached to Dunedin via Causeway Blvd and sounds like the place you are looking for. When I lived in FL the beach was never very crowded and the people there were all locals.

 

[Orlando Vic]

Check out Moss Park, it is only about 20 minutes from Disney. Granted, it is a lake and not the ocean, however, it does have a sandy beach on a clear lake.

It is quiet, out of the way place, no crowds, condos or massive crowds.

It has hiking, sandy beach, playground and is part of a bird sanctuary so it has natural wildlife too.

Just a suggestion.
Dolby1000

There is just one potential problem with swimming in any fresh water lake in Florida. That would be Florida's official State Reptile. It is a safe assumption there is at least one gator (or more) in every fresh water lake. There may be a nice beach and some people may go into the water, but I sure won't.

 

[1GR8DISNEYFAN]

Check out Anna Marie Island. Very quaint.

 

[Art 1]

We go to Lido Key or Longboat Key.

 

[Mrs K]

I know you said no way to Cocoa Beach, but it's worth a second thought. If you are planning to stay over, and not make it a day trip, the Hampton Inn has a nice private beach. We have stayed there several times in July and August and it has never been crowded. The hotel is clean and the staff is very nice.

 

[DanenRox]

St. Pete Beach, about 90 minutes south of Orlando. A beautiful stretch with hotels scattered along the coast. No neon, no big bands, no cruise ships. Lots of restaurants within walking distance, plenty on the beach itself. Nothing better than dining barefoot in the sand watching the sun set. St. Pete Beach is the perfect compliment to a Disney vacation, a place to decompress after the hustle and crowds of Orlando. Lots to do if you go looking...Busch Gardens, Tropicana Stadium for example. Best for doing nothing at all....casual, relaxed and peaceful. Plus with a local airport (TPA) you can fly into Orlando and out of Tampa! We found a wonderful woman who's condo we rent right on the beach for the same price as a beachfront hotel room (2 bedrooms/2 bath/kitchen/washer & dryer). PM me if you want more details....
St. Pete Beach...but don't tell too many people....

 

[StuckInKS]

I second St. Pete. We love love love it. We went in May and it was surprisingly empty. There is not ONE 'bystander' (people sitting or walking on the beach in any of our photos. We went during the last days of June and first days of July last year and the 4th of July crowds were starting to arrive. A little more crowded that trip, but nothing like I imagine cocoa beach. I like white sand and wide beach where we can have a lot of space to ourselves, so I like St. Pete.

 

[swilshire]

I'd say Sanibel or Captiva. The trees aren't quite as nice since the last hurricane, but they would both fit the bill. The shells are not always as thick as you mention. I've been there a few times when there weren't that many at all. I guess it depends on the season and recent weather.

Sheila

 

[mrsklamc]

Nothing on the Atlantic side is going to have the clear water she's looking for.

 

[Danibelle]

Nothing on the Atlantic side is going to have the clear water she's looking for.

Also, you can't always depend on shelling. Sometimes, there just aren't any on the Atlantic.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

So OP... have you done anymore research on the suggestions the other posters here have given you? If so, are you making any headway on where you what to go? keep us posted on your decision. Fl does have many nice beaches..

 

[HayGan]

We are heading to Treasure Island for a day on upcoming vacation. I haven't heard anything but wonderful reviews of it. My mom says that it is by far her favorite beach in Florida. It is in the Tampa/St. Pete area. It isn't supposed to be nearly as crowded or commercial as Clearwater and the shell hunting is supposed to be fanatastic!

 

[two*little*birds]

I second Siesta Key!

 

[PrincessBelle39]

I'm far from a Florida beach expert but spent the day at Cocoa Beach following our cruise which was a Saturday in September. We were probably lucky to see 1/2 dozen people. It was exceptionally quiet even though it was an amazingly beautiful (and hot) day. Now I'm not saying it doesn't get busy but maybe thats dependent on when your trip is.