Best beach to hit after doing disney?

[mommy2boysaz]

Where is a good, family friendly beach that we could go to for part of our Disney trip? We've never been to Florida as a family so are not sure where to go. We're thinking of going the end of November 2007, so maybe it will be too chilly for the beach, anyways? (oh, kids will be almost 4, 8,10)
Thanks!
Britte

 

[chriswilliam]

We're planning on going to Siesta Key, right south of Sarasota. Travel Channel gave it some award for having the best sand. Having said that...

I'd love to hear other recommendations.

 

[tripletots]

We leave for Disney in 16 days and we stay 6 nights after that we are heading to Daytona Beach for 4 days. I can't imagine going to Florida and not go to the beach! We haven't been to FL in 10 years since the birth of our triplets made our family of 4 a family of 7. Prior to that we use to go to Daytona Beach and stay at the Hilton Ocean Walk (use to be Adams Mark) and do Disney for one day. We are staying at the OceanWalk this visit because we need a bigger room. Daytona is just an hour away. There is also Cocoa Beach, but I've never been there. There is St. Petersburg/Clearwater Beach just past Tampa the sand is white and fine compared to Daytona.

 

[Ella's Mom]

I would go to the Gulf of Mexico side. I think the sand is much softer on that side. Since you are thinking of going at the end of November, I would head as far south as you can since it can get a little chilly by then. Siesta Key near Sarasota does have a beautiful beach. The weather is usually really nice in Fort Myers Beach at that time of year.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Naples or Marco Island, 3 hours south of Orlando on the GUlf Coast, prices in November are still off season. You can get a 2 bedroom condo on the beach for $700 per week

 

[princessjacqlyn]

just got back in june. we went to cocoa. was really dissappointed in the beach. we had a blast but it was my kids first time to see the ocean and i was hoping for more clarity in the water and a whiter softer sand. next year after disney we will try the clearwater area.

 

[crossfamily]

oh I love the cocoa beach area. Daytona beach is also nice. Guess it depends on the time of year you go of it there has been a storm to bring in stuff from the ocean. Cocoa Beach is the closest and Daytona beach isn't much further. Melborne is a nice area too. Just pick a place and go you should have fun wherever you decide to go. I will be at cocoa beach next weekend with the family.

 

[ynottony99]

We live here in St. Petersburg, and are partial to the Gulf beaches. Clearwater beach is beautiful. It is highly develped and often crowded. I enjoy it very much, but many prefer more natural, less populated areas.

We have some great beaches right here too. A couple of our favorites are Treasure Island, and St. Petersburg Beach. Fort Desoto has made it to the top of Dr. Beaches list a couple of times and also has the old fort and a campground right on the bay waters.

South of us from Anna Maria Island, through Long Boat Key, and on past Sarasota, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches around. White sand with beautiful water.

I guess, it is hard for me to tell you which one I recommend. They all have their own charm!!!!!

 

[Bonnie40]

If you're looking for a place that's quiet, and family friendly, try Venice Beach which is just south of Sarasota. We make a point of staying there every trip! Our kids just love it there because they have fossilized sharks teeth that wash up on the beach. They have a quaint little downtown area with some nice shops. It's like stepping back in time...We love it!

 

[disneygirlatheart]

I have to agree with previous posters. We stayed a week in the Sarasota area before heading on for 10 days at WDW. We went to Anna Marie Island, where we saw dolphins playing, Bradenton Beach, where we got a wonderful picture of dolphins and a manatee. That was one of the highlights of our vacation. Beachwise anyway. We liked Sarasota, and St. Pete. Venice Beach was ok, we did not find any sharks teeth though. Casey Key we just toured the area did not do the beach there. I believe it may all be private, not sure though. This area is very nice. When we were down 2 years ago after doing Universal we stayed at Cocoa Beach. We also really liked this area. I just can't compare them to tell you the truth. They both have their upsides and downsides. I believe it is just what you prefer. Whatever you choose have a wonderful time!

 

[tripletots]

You guys have me sold! How far is Sarasota from Disney?

 

[Bonnie40]

A good 2 hrs with decent traffic flow...well worth the drive!

 

[Charlotte D]

I am off to Daytona Beach in september with my family can any one give me ideas for places to eat and things to do with my 4 and 5yr old children as never been to a beach in florida before only ever done disney.

Any ideas would be gratefully received.

Thanks.

June 1997 - Honeymoon Florida
Sept 1998 - Vistana Resort LBV Florida
Sept 1999 - California
Dec 1999 - New York
Sept 2004 - California
Dec 2005 - Villa in Davenport florida
Sept 2006 - Daytona