Beaches near Orlando

[Fantasia Sam]

Could anyone tell me what a good beach would be to go to for a day next week, warm waters are my preference - have any of them been affected by Wilma at all?

TIA

 

[ducklite]

Many have had beach erosion from the storms this year. The Gulf is warmer than the ocean, but a longer drive. Also there is another tropical storm brewing in teh South Caribbean, and even if it doesn't hit FL, it will likely cause strong ripcurrents, so be careful.

I like Treasure Island Beach and St. Pete Beach and Madiera Beach. But I'm not a huge beach person, and others might have better ideas for you.

Anne

 

[spiceycat]

I like Clearwater.

You choices are the Tampa area Gulf Side - Clearwater, Treasure Island, St Peterburg.

Atlantic side -South - Cocoa Beach, Melbourne area or North - Daytona Beach area.

I think they are about equal distance. the beaches close to WDW are part of KSC and I don't think you can get near them?

if it is just a beach - WDW has them at the Polyn, GF, Cont, WL, FW, BC, YC and CBR.

there is a lake at Pop Century, don't remember if it had a beach or not - I don't think so?

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Thank you both for your help I really appreciate it

 

[Time4Orlando]

Bahama Bay, a new villa resort, has a beach on Lake Davenport

 

[GoldenAfternoon]

Pass-a-grille beach on the gulf coast gets my vote. It's quiet and beautiful

 

[jtdl]

I've been to Clearwater and Daytona. I think they are both approximately 45 minutes from Kissimmee. I prefer Clearwater Beach. There are also lots of Dolphin Cruises out the Clearwater marina which we really enjoyed. As another poster said, there are beaches at some of the resorts in WDW but they are not for swimming.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I've been to Clearwater and Daytona. I think they are both approximately 45 minutes from Kissimmee. I prefer Clearwater Beach.

Another vote for Clearwater, the beaches on the west coast are generally much nicer.

Not sure about 45 minutes though, it is a good 100 miles or so - last time we went it took a good 90 minutes.
Further away than Daytona but worth it.

 

[riu girl]

I think if you are planning a full beach day, that it would be worth the extra drive to get to a nicer beach.
Depending on the time of year you are going, I think that the gulf water is warmer then the atlantic also (winter months). We were in Daytona for Christmas week last year and the water was freezing. This Christmas we will be on the gulf side (Siesta Key) and hope the water temp might be a little warmer?

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I live on the Gulf side & my mom & sis live on the Atlantic side. My kids like the Atlantic side better since there are waves. I am not a beach person at all (my idea of a beach is the hammocks at the Poly ) , but can tell you that there are much less "rip currents" on the Gulf as opposed to the Atlantic. To me the Gulf is safer if you have children that will be playing in the water. I am not saying that there isn't a rip current threat, just that the chances are less on this side.