beach question

[princessandpiratemom]

My family and I are going to be at the Contemporary from 6/1 through 6/8. We rented a car for 6/2 with plans to drive to the beach for a day. Any recomendations on the beach options? I have a son who is 11 and a daughter who is 4 - neither have ever been to the beach. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[McRed]

St. Pete Beach on the Gulf Coast. In October, we tried the Atlantic Beach at Melbourne, and found the Surf very rough. Two days later we traveled the other way to St. Pete and it was very nice.

 

[jen2207]

I agree with PP, go to the gulf side especially if your kids haven't been to the beach before. Typically calmer water, easier for wading/ swimming. St. Pete is very nice and Clearwater too. Easy drive from Orlando to Tampa area.

 

[princessandpiratemom]

Thanks for the info!

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

Some of our tips to make the beach extra fun!

- Bring a small container of baby powder. When you're ready to leave, sprinkle it on wherever you have sand stuck to you and when you brush it off it takes the sand with it. Makes the ride home much more comfortable!

- Lots of water for both drinking and for rinsing eyes/face as it's a safe bet your youngest will rub her eyes with sandy hands at least once (happens to one of our kids every single time... ).

- There's no shade at the beach unless you bring your own umbrella so be sure to bring hats, sunglasses, sunblock, etc. to give your skin a break from the sun.

- Bring a few cheap sand toys as you're never too old for them! A pail, shovel, etc. You can get a few cheap ones from the Walmart near Disney. If you don't want to bother bringing them home, donate them to another beach family when you leave.

- Make sure everyone drinks lots of fluids to avoid any dehydration headaches, but bring medicine for headaches just in case.

- Be careful in the water and watch for rip tides and unexpected currents. Be safe!

Have fun! We drove over to Clearwater (on the Gulf side) from Orlando many years ago and had a blast.

 

[ScotsMinnie]

We did clearwater with our DDs ages 7 and 2 at the time. they loved it - it was so beautiful. Calm waters so perfect for them to paddle in and have a swim. We took bucket and spades to make castles. Going to do the same this year and are thinking about St Petes beach, Meribel Island or Treasure Island which are all next to each other, just to see somewhere new.

 

[MickeyMouse'sBFF]

Head to Saint Petersburg for the nice sand and warm water. Gulf side rocks! Clearwater beach area same too!

 

[srwarden1928]

St. Pete Beach is my favorite of all beaches. I first went there over 40 years ago. I took DW there for her first time over 10 years ago. We have returned several times since. The entire atmosphere is what we both love in a beach. We are splitting this vacation between ST Pete and Disney.