Can anyone recommend a beach

[sami66]

We would love to do a day trip to the beach. We have heard that the west coast is beautiful and since we've been to Daytona and New Smyrna we would love to hear your beach reviews of the west coast. How long was the drive and what beach did you visit?

 

[Gillian]

Clearwater is nice, but very busy. Just south of there is a place called Sand Key Park. It's a state park. I'd say it's about 1 1/2 hours, depending on traffic & construction.

For mapquest, use this info for sand key
Sand Key Park: 727-588-4852
1060 Gulf Blvd Clearwater, FL 33767

 

[sami66]

Gillian...thanks for the info. I will definitely check that out. I am astounded at how wonderful and helpful the DISers can be.

 

[IndyJammer]

We did Cocoa Beach in March. It was nice, not too busy, and convenient! We're from Indy, so it was nice that all we had to do was jump on the interstate & drive about an hour East to the Beach!

We have 2 kids (8 & 2) and they both really liked the time we spent at Cocoa Beach!

 

[LisaMM]

Hi. Are you driving or flying to WDW? If you're driving, have you thought about going to the beach for a day or two on the way home? We MUCH prefer the gulf coast to the Atlantic. The water is so much clearer and bluer (is that a word?) and the beaches are great. Sanibel Island is South of Orlando, I think. I don't know what the drive time, but it's a beautiful place -- lots of shells on the beaches if you like to collect. We've also been to Clearwater, which is nice, but as another poster mention, usually more crowded and commercialized. We've been to Destin several times -- it's up in the panhandle, so you probably wouldn't want to go there unless you live in that direction; it would be a longer drive. Destin is known for it's emerald green waters and is a great place for younger kids; the beaches form sand bars just a few feet from the shore which creates big "puddles" next to the shore. The kids can play in the big "puddles" without worries of getting bowled over by the waves. Lots of Destin restaurants are kid-oriented and there are other things for the kids to do like a race track/mini amusement park for the kids. The amusement park (more for 2-8 year olds) has gone downhill over the years, but my kids still like it.

 

[sami66]

We are flying to WDW. We are fortunate enough to be staying for 2 weeks, so we thoght we'd fit in a day at the beach, and then another day of shopping. $$$$$$ Sanibel island sounds just beautiful. My daughter can spend a whole day just collecting seashells. Anyone know just how far Sanibel Island is........... and what beach are we looking for when we get there?
Thanks a bunch!

 

[Forever42]

Even though I grew up just north of Clearwater, my grandmother owns a timeshare in Treasure Island, which is just north of St. Pete Beach. It's my favorite beach area, better than Clearwater IMHO, and there are a lot of things to do down there around John's Pass Marina.

Plus you can check out the relatively new International Plaza mall in Tampa on the way

 

[LisaMM]

I got St. Petersburg and Ft. Meyers mixed up. Sanibel Island is off of Ft. Meyers -- WAY south of Orlando. Even though it's a great beach, that would be too far to go for a day trip! Sorry 'bout that!

I pulled out a map. Although I definitely prefer the gulf side, it's a much longer trip to any beach than the Atlantic side.

 

[jeffreyml]

We like to stay in Madiera Beach. it's about 1 1/2 hours Southwest of Disney. Great shelling and warm Gulf waters, lots of fun things for the kids to do. One place you might want to check out is John's Pass

 

[Gillian]

If you're getting confused, Madeira Beach is just North oF treasure Island. John's Pass is the waterway between them and there is a shopping/eating area there, also called John's Pass. We stayed in Madeira Beach the 2nd week of May.

If you're not staying overnight, you are limited to getting on the beaches where there is parking, at the public beaches. Condos and private homes block access at most other areas. I thought the Madeira public access was okay, but not as nice as Sand Key or some of the other places.

St Pete Beach is also nice, and there are things to do around there. It's a big beach. You can get an all day St Pete Beach parking ticket for $5 that allows you to move your car and come back. It's from a little machine and you put in on your dashboard. Very cute.

All of the beaches in that area are decent and you can have fun anywhere!

 

[Gillian]

Found more info with maps.

Here's a good website with info about parks and public access. The link goes to Treasure Island. You can do a virtual tour. The beach there looks good!

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/20_Treasure_Island.htm

 

[sami66]

I believe this would be the correct smiley. Oh my! Just a little confused. I'm not at all familiar with any of these places.
Gillian...I printed directions to Sand Key from Mapquest and this is my first choice....... so far. I've been known to change my mind. Drives my husband nuts!
Everything is under control!

 

[Forever42]

One good thing is that the beaches that Gillian and I have mentioned are all on that same road, Gulf Blvd. It's a long road that runs down the chain of islands down the west coast of Pinellas county.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

We stayed a Fri-Sat at the Coutnry Inn Sanibel Gateway (super cheap Priceline bid), and on the way down stopped at Siesta Beach (beautiful!) and had a sunset dinner on Venice Pier.