Day trip to Ocean

[kjpotter]

We are staying at Windsor Hills and would like to do a daytrip to the ocean. It is mainly for the kids who have never been to any ocean before.

We'd like an area where we would be able to show up in the morning, swim and play till late afternoon and then drive back in the evening. Bars/shopping/tourist activites are not necessary.

Ideas?

 

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

We are staying at Windsor Hills and would like to do a daytrip to the ocean. It is mainly for the kids who have never been to any ocean before.

We'd like an area where we would be able to show up in the morning, swim and play till late afternoon and then drive back in the evening. Bars/shopping/tourist activites are not necessary.

Ideas?

I had this same question last summer. We chose Lori Wilson Park at Cocoa beach. It is a very nice, quiet little beach. We stayed at WH as well, and if I remember right, it took us about 45min. to get to the beach.

There is a restroom/changing area and free parking. We went on a weekday during the month of June and there were only a few families there. Look on beachhunter.net for some pics/info. http://www.beachhunter.net/cocoa-beach/lori-wilson-park.htm

Of course if you must have the white sand and turquoise waters, then you are going to have to drive a bit further and choose a gulf beach. The waves will be much calmer there as well. We simply wanted a quick drive and a day at the beach for our kids (who had never been before), so it worked out okay for that particular trip.

 

[Beccabunny]

We were at Windsor Hills last week and drove to Fort De Soto Park one day. It took us about an hour and a half to get there but it was well worth the drive. Warm, crystal-clear water, beautiful white sand, quiet and uncrowded....possibly one of the most beautiful beaches I've seen.

 

[Disneymommy2006]

What about Siesta Key? I know it's a longer drive but I've been looking into it and it's mentioned on several sites as the best beach???? We are thinking of going there in June...anyone have any input?

 

[3floridarays]

What about Siesta Key? I know it's a longer drive but I've been looking into it and it's mentioned on several sites as the best beach???? We are thinking of going there in June...anyone have any input?

Siesta Key is beautiful - powder-soft white sand and calm, clear water. The sand is quartz, so it never gets hot. The beach has lifeguards, restrooms, picnic tables, and a playground. It has been ranked one of the best beaches in the world.

There are lots of other beautiful beaches in Sarasota County that are not as crowded as Siesta, but if you want lifeguards, restrooms, etc it is a good choice.

 

[Microcell]

We love Clearwater beach in Tampa... It is the Gulf of Mexico and not technically the Atlantic, but it seemed great to us! Warmer water than the Atlantic too!

There are several beaches in Tampa all in a row going up and down the coastline, but that is our favorite!

 

[Promomx2]

Mapquest Madeira Beach on the gulf. It's a quiet gulf beach right past tampa, about 1 hour 75 miles drive.