Beach near Orlando

[calena]

Is there a beach anyone would recommend near Orlando for a day trip? I doubt the water would be warm enough for swimming (Feb 23-March 6) but I would like to hit the beach with the kids (10,8,4) for a day.

 

[G00fyDad]

I asked this question not too far back. The response I got was Daytona. But I wanted to take the kids to a clear water beach so they can see through the water to the bottom like you can in the Keys. So, its off to (oddly enough)Clearwater, FL LOL.

From Orlando:
Clearwater = 1 hour 50 minutes
Daytona Beach = 1 hour
Cocoa Beach = 1 hour 10 minutes
Edgewater = 1 hour 10 minutes
Port St. Lucie = 2 hours
Madeira Beach = 1 hour 50 minutes
Saint Pete Beach = 2 hours

 

[cabmom]

Hi, we go to St. Pete's Beach! It's beautiful. The kids went in the water in early Jan, but it was also 26/27 degrees.

It takes about 90 minutes to 2 hrs to get there.

Marilynn

 

[riu girl]

I would recommend Clearwater/St Petes. We spent a week in Daytona last month and had a great time, but the water was FREEZING. I have read that the water in the Gulf of Mexico is much warmer then the Atlantic during the winter months.

 

[twinz]

We also went to the St.Pete's area and the sand was like sugar, it was so white and so soft. We went in December of 2002 and it was HOT!

 

[riu girl]

Can anyone recommend clean inexpensive beachfront, kitchen accom. anywhere in the st.petes/clearwater area? This year we only paid $45/US nt in Daytona and it was wonderful. Indoor pool, beachfront, large balcony, full kitchen. We couldn't have asked for a better value.
I have sent away for the area brochure but it hasn't arrived yet. I am totally unfamiliar with this area.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Suzy V.

 

[calena]

Thanks for the replies! It sounds like St. Petes would be warmer. This makes sense being on the gulf. Is there a particular beach there you go to? I think we will also look at forecasts while we are down there.
Last year we were at Fort Myers for a bit and I found it freezing! The kids did enjoy the sand though.

 

[G00fyDad]

St. Petes Beach

 

[cottontail]

Hi: We enjoy a trip to either of the beaches. I especially like looking for a school of dolphins and watching the pelicans.

Deb.

 

[mom_rules]

Went to Daytona last October-was pretty interesting seeing all the hurricane damage but still a great day. We swam, tanned, walked the waterfront and played in the sand. Took 65 minutes from WDW.

 

[riu girl]

Can anybody tell me differences/similarities between the Clearwater and St. Petes area? We will not be going for awhile but when we do it will be for a full week.
Suzy V.