Beach Suggestions!

[Pinkos]

I apologoze if this thread is in the wrong spot ... I couldn't find an appropriate place! We just got back from an AWESOME Disney trip - Much thanks to all of you who answered questions and have advice during the planning stage!

Our next trip we want to stay offsite - most likely St. Pete's beach, Clearwater, Treasure Island, etc. WE think we;d like to not go all out DIsney next time around. Not that we didn't love it, we just don't like to do the same thing twice in a row ... So I'm thinking maybe a day or 2 at disney on either the start or end of our trip, and then a condo rental on a beach to discover other things and of course, relax!!

Any suggestions? We would be travelling with at least one other family, maybe more, so we'd like to get a few condos together. We want to be within walking distance to a boardwalk, and be on the beach. I haven't spent much time in this area of Florida in years (like 25 years, when I was just a wee one myself), so any help / suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Grumpy92]

On the West coast of Fla I recommend Fort Desoto it has been rated one of the best beaches in the country for many years. Other good ones are Caladesi St park and Siesta Beach.

 

[Pinkos]

Rentals in the area?

 

[NinaBella]

Tradewinds is a great family resort. http://www.tradewindsresort.com/

John's Pass in Madeira beach is a popular area to rent a condo. It is about a 15 minute drive from Tradewinds.
http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/article/johns-pass-village-boardwalk

 

[Lynne G]

We stayed on Sanibel Island several times. Sun Dial Condos -rented from a owner. Great location right on the beach and nice resort.

Love the Gulf area. The water is clear and blue, and the waves are not as big as on the East coast. My kids loved it there too.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Why not Vero Beach? Disney has a beautiful resort there. We stayed at Vero last year, with a few nights at Disney added on. You get Disney quality and service, but it is an entirely different experience from the parks.

It is only about an hour and half drive or so from Disney, and it is a great family resort. Lots of Disney activities like making Mickey tie-dye shirts, an Unbirthday Party for the kids, and Disney trivia at the pool. The only complaint some people have about it is there is little night life and not much to do outside the resort, but that worked great for our family, since we have small children and were not interested in non-resort activities or going to bars and nightclubs.