Best beach in Florida???

[Markus H]

We - husband, wife and 5,5 years old son from Sweden - are planning a holiday in Florida in Jan-Feb. We are staying with a friend in Ft Lauderdale, and spending some days in Orlando. But we also would like to spend a week at a really nice, "tropical" beach - you now, not to crowded, with white sand, blue sea, green palmtrees... Where should we go?? We don´t want to be dispointed, since we are travelling from far away.

Markus

 

[dreaming]

well I guess I will get this started for you, but am sure you can get some better expert opinions from DIS'ers who live in FL. I used to live in Ft Lauderdale in the late 80's and my favorite "tropical feeling" beaches were in the middle and upper keys. Key West is great but I didn't like the beach too much. In the middle keys the sands tend to be very white and because of the reef the water is a tropical blue/green. Also, on the gulf coast Captiva and Sannibel Islands have great beaches.

 

[punkin]

in Jan/Feb you would be better off going south if you really want to get some swimming in. I happen to like Destin beaches (sand like white sugar) but it will be too cold to swim. Miami beach or the keys would be best. Miami beach can be a zoo (but I love it for the people watching alone on south beach) but I'll second the suggestion of the Keys.

 

[JulesMom]

We went to Clearwater Beach for the first time in June and had a blast. It was about an hour drive from WDW. It wasn't too crowded and was very clean! Nice clear water!

 

[paulakim]

Was Clearwater beach easy to access? What are the directions from WDW? Is the beach nice for children? Sorry about all the ?'s my DH just stated that he would like to visit the beach (Gulf-side) during our upcomming vacation in two weeks so I'm trying to find someplace quick!

thanks! Paula

 

[rfriend]

IF you take interstate 4 West, you will get to Clearwater.

Here are the directions, that I got from www.mapquest.com
NOTE: My driving time, is ALWAYS shorter.


1: Start out going West on W SOUTH ST toward BOONE AVE. 0.14 miles

2: Merge onto I-4 W via the ramp- on the left- toward TAMPA. 82.44 miles

3: Merge onto I-275 S via the exit- on the left. 5.20 miles

4: Merge onto MEMORIAL HWY/FL-60 W via exit number 39 toward TAMPA AIRPORT/CLEARWATER. 1.78 miles

5: Take the SR-60 W exit on the left toward CLEARWATER. 0.10 miles

6: Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp. 0.29 miles

7: Merge onto FL-60 W. 13.82 miles

8: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto COURT ST/FL-651 S. Continue to follow COURT ST. 1.70 miles

9: COURT ST becomes PIERCE BLVD. 0.27 miles

10: Turn LEFT onto MEMORIAL CSWY/FL-60 W. Continue to follow FL-60 W. 1.68 miles

11: Enter next roundabout and take 3rd exit onto CORONADO DR/CR-255/FL-699. 0.12 miles

Total Estimated Time: Total Distance:
1 hour, 55 minutes 107.54 miles

 

[Seahunt]

I just found a great Florida beach research tool from a TV ad here in Florida - try <www.floridasbeaches.com> - click on the coast you're searching (Atlantic - eastern, Gulf - western, Panhandle or Keys, etc. then check out all the beaches for that area listed on the left- lists all kinds of info. It also shows lodging and restaurants, some with actual menus and prices to help you get an idea of cost to help budget. Hope this helps you plan your trip! (By the way, if you have any questions about Daytona Beach, feel free to ask - I live there!) I vote with "Dreamin" post above though about the Keys - since you'll already be in Ft Lauderdale, the drive to the Keys would be OK, and becomes absolutely spectacular the further you go on the bridges between the Keys PLUS the weather at that time of year would be better the further south you go!

 

[AnnR]

Longboat Key on the Gulf side (near Sarasota) is beautiful. There are all ranges of hotel/motels there. The Sand Cay is really nice -condos. Also the Sea Club V? is nice -villas with a motel. Just make sure the hotel you pick is on the Gulf side. We were there last March. The water was beautiful -there were dolphins swimming offshore.

 

[Boots]

I too would go south. I prefer Destin too, but like mentioned in an earlier post it will be too cool to swim. I have heard that Longboat Key is beautiful!

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

We've just come back to the UK from Marco Island and the Keys - both places terrific. Marco Island would be very easy to get to from Ft Lauderdale and well worth a visit. Beautiful white sandy beaches, palm trees, crystal clear water and great restaurants nearby.

After four trips to St Pete/Clearwater area, Marco Island really did feel special. Anywhere near there - Captiva/Sanibel/Naples - would be worth a visit for sure