Best beach on gulf coast?

[busymommy2pink]

Hi everyone!!

We are planning for a beach day on our upcoming trip since we can do some more downtime this year. Which is the best one? My girls want to find shells. We like quaint beachside towns, so it doesn't have to be a tourist trap. Would prefer no lore than three hours each way driving. Thanks!!

 

[mskateb]

I think you would like pass a grille beach. It is next to st. Pete beach, but quieter, at least most of the time. You would drive as though you were going to st Pete beach, but instead of turning right at the don Cesar (the giant pink hotel), turn left and go to the end if the island.

 

[allisch]

Seaside/Watercolor/Rosemary Beach. The beaches of South Walton are gorgeous and very family-friendly.

 

[Stephaniesue]

We always go to Sarasota after Disney. It is about 2 1/2 hour drive. But the beaches are amazing.

 

[Poipu]

Check out Sanibel Island. It's a cute little beach town and TONS of great shells.

 

[minnieandfamily]

I second Sarasota...we love Lido Beach and the beaches on Longboat Key. Nearby St. Armand's circle is a great place to get lunch/dinner or ice cream...plus little shops and boutiques. We stayed on Longboat Key last year and my kids found plenty of seashells!

 

[JillianLeigh]

I second Sanibel Island. Tons of shells. It is about 3 hours from Orlando, though.

 

[Princess Melody]

Depends how far you want to drive. Sanibel and Sarasota area beaches are great for shelling. Much closer & still with some shells is Honeymoon Island/Caladesi state park. If you want to go to Caladesi Island get there early & catch the first ferry over for the best shells. We also really like Anna Maria Island & that's a quaint little beach town with family friendly beaches. Not as quaint or full of shells as Sanibel but still fits the bill of what you're looking for and not quite as far either!

 

[busymommy2pink]

Thank you so much for the suggestions!!! Sanibel looks amazing!! As well as Sarasota. Tough choice!!

 

[debster812]

I second Sarasota...we love Lido Beach and the beaches on Longboat Key. Nearby St. Armand's circle is a great place to get lunch/dinner or ice cream...plus little shops and boutiques. We stayed on Longboat Key last year and my kids found plenty of seashells!

I second this. We stayed on Longboat Key in December while my son's soccer team played in a tournament in Bradenton. LOVED the island, and the beach was just gorgeous. Spent a little time in St. Armand's Circle, and on Lido Beach. Really cute area on Anna Maria Island and Longboat.