Best Beach

[elittleton]

I know this is the worst weekend to go to the beach but timing wise it's the only option. We will be at Disney May 23 - June 1. We have friends arriving on May 27 for their vacation. We are planning a day trip to a beach on the Gulf. That will be Memorial Day weekend. Which beach would be our best option for lower crowds?

I have asked if they could drive toward Tampa on the 26th and we we just meet at the beach on the 27th instead of driving toward Disney and going to Universal on the 27th. I have not heard back on that option so I'm looking into best beach options for the 28th or 30th.

 

[KaSe]

I don't know about crowds specifically as I'm a Midwesterner, but I have a friend in Tampa who takes me to Fort De Soto beach or Siesta Keys beach when I visit. Siesta Keys is nicer, but comparing from those two, it's usually more crowded than Fort De Soto so likely to be pretty busy Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully, some locals will have more specific answers for you. I just know I like those two beaches.

 

[elittleton]

I don't know about crowds specifically as I'm a Midwesterner, but I have a friend in Tampa who takes me to Fort De Soto beach or Siesta Keys beach when I visit. Siesta Keys is nicer, but comparing from those two, it's usually more crowded than Fort De Soto so likely to be pretty busy Memorial Day weekend. Hopefully, some locals will have more specific answers for you. I just know I like those two beaches.

Thanks. I wish we could go on the 27th but that's less like an option. I figure it will be wall to wall with people.

 

[KaSe]

Possibly. Or maybe all the locals know it's crazy crowded so they all stay home that weekend. One can dream, right? LOL!

 

[Ametista]

St Pete and Treasure Island are both really awesome beaches, so are Indian Rocks and Clearwater. I love Siesta Key but it's like 2 hours from Kissimmee. We were there 3 weeks ago and it took us 2.5 hours to get there because of construction. Do you want lifeguards? Concessions? Walking distance to restaurants? Fort de Soto is nice but it's remote and a long drive.

If low crowds is your biggest thing, then go with Indian Rocks Beach. There are beach access parking lots at several places along Gulf Blvd (free) and it's never anywhere near as crowded as other places. Plus there are some really good restaurants like Keegan's that you have to eat at if you go.

 

[elittleton]

Thanks. We are used to the beach without lifeguards so the kids are not allowed to go beyond angle deep without an adult. We will need somewhere that we can buy lunch. I'll look into Indian Rocks Beach. I've been to the beach when it's wall to wall people and would like lower crowds if possible.

 

[Joe White]

Treasure Island has the best beach in the area. It's huge and not crowded. There's an awesome pizza place called the original or something similar. Madeira area is great for shopping and eating too. It's only 5 minutes up the road.

 

[elittleton]

Thanks. I'll look at Treasure Island.