We really want to do a day trip to a gulf coast beach. We want something beautiful, white sand, clear water, within 2 hour driving distance tops. We're not HUGE beach people, so really, only need a couple hours of the day to actually be at the beach. Really want to experience a gorgeous Florida beach (compared to what we're used to at Jersey Shore here).
Not super early people.. plus hey, we're on vacation, aren't we!? Would be looking to have breakfast, leave WDW around 11:00 (10, 9:30 the absolute earliest)... so leaving later gets me concerned with parking still being available when we arrive at beach around 11:30 or as late as 1:00.
From what I've been looking at online... looks like Siesta Key would be just what we want - though worried about getting there in time to still get parked. Clearwater is another option - but is Siesta Key nicer? What about parking at Clearwater?
St. Pete, Fort Desoto, Lido Key... how are the beaches there and the sand? Parking? Any other areas to recommend?
for now, thinking best with Siesta Key and figuring out how to get us moving earlier in the morning - or if there is something else beautiful out there that parking won't be as much an issue, would love recommendations!
Also, we need to rent a car - and probably would be doing it that morning before leaving, so may want to allow time for that.
We'd be going July 5th or 6th, so concerned also about 4th July crowds. Will decide when there which day we'll be going, see how weather is those days. Don't want to be locked into July 5th with our plans, for instance, to have it be a stormy day, so keeping both days open as options.
Not super early people.. plus hey, we're on vacation, aren't we!? Would be looking to have breakfast, leave WDW around 11:00 (10, 9:30 the absolute earliest)... so leaving later gets me concerned with parking still being available when we arrive at beach around 11:30 or as late as 1:00.
From what I've been looking at online... looks like Siesta Key would be just what we want - though worried about getting there in time to still get parked. Clearwater is another option - but is Siesta Key nicer? What about parking at Clearwater?
St. Pete, Fort Desoto, Lido Key... how are the beaches there and the sand? Parking? Any other areas to recommend?
for now, thinking best with Siesta Key and figuring out how to get us moving earlier in the morning - or if there is something else beautiful out there that parking won't be as much an issue, would love recommendations!
Also, we need to rent a car - and probably would be doing it that morning before leaving, so may want to allow time for that.
We'd be going July 5th or 6th, so concerned also about 4th July crowds. Will decide when there which day we'll be going, see how weather is those days. Don't want to be locked into July 5th with our plans, for instance, to have it be a stormy day, so keeping both days open as options.
