Best beach

[dblr]

We will be spending 4 days outside Disney @ the Thousand Trails campground and my oldest son asked about going to the beach so which would be the best and or closest to go to for the day, we are use to the beaches in NJ or De so he was hopeing the water would be cleaner and warmer. As many times as we have been in Fl. we have never been to the beaches.

 

[des1954]

We will be spending 4 days outside Disney @ the Thousand Trails campground and my oldest son asked about going to the beach so which would be the best and or closest to go to for the day, we are use to the beaches in NJ or De so he was hopeing the water would be cleaner and warmer. As many times as we have been in Fl. we have never been to the beaches.

The closest beach is Daytona Beach. Just hop on I-4 east and drive for about 45 minutes to an hour. When I-4 merges with I-95, follow the signs.

The prettiest beach nearest to where you will be is Clearwater Beach, on Tampa Bay. However, it's about 1.5 hours away, if there is no traffic.

If you don't mind the drive time, I would go to Clearwater. The Gulf is totally different than the Atlantic. As of right now, the oil spill is not affecting any beaches that far south in Florida.

 

[chilipyro]

When I was growing up, we had relatives living in Orlando. When we came to visit, Ormond beach was where we swam. It was nice then, though highly commercialized. Ormond Beach is straight out I4 - very convenient. The gulf beaches are suppose to be prettier, though further away. I don't know what the oil situation is now, on that area of the gulf. Florida ocean water is warm - like a bath. Very different for us Northerners.

 

[bookwormde]

There are some nice beaches south of the space center so if yo want an add on advature that might be a good choice.

bookwormde

 

[LMC]

I love Siesta Key Beach, near Sarasota. I think it is about 2.5 hours away.

 

[KimIce]

Daytona Beach is actually about 1.5 hours away. I live just south of there in New Smyrna Beach, and we have a nice beach. You would take I-4 east to the New Smyrna Beach exit and head east on SR 44. It is about the same mileage as Daytona maybe a little less. You can drive on the beach in Daytona & New Smyrna Beach.
I do agree that if you go to the west side of the state, the water from the Gulf is clearer. New Smyrna is a little less crowded then Daytona.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[Solamom]

Another vote for Siesta Key! You should get there in 2 - 2.5 hours or so (if no traffic). Also, Ft. DeSoto Beach is awesome and there is a campground there too.