Day trip to the Beach

[Canuckbiggs]

Our plan includes one day spent on the beach.

We have never been to the Gulf side so we are planning on heading that way, even though it is further than Coco beach.

Does anyone have recommendations on which beach to hit specifically over near Tampa??

I am thinking Fort De Soto park looks interesting. Obviously it is more "natural" than a beach lined with condos.

Where else might we consider?

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

Thanks.

P.S. Pretty sure this doesn't belong in the Theme park forum. But wasn't sure where to put it.

 

[Itinkso]

Our plan includes one day spent on the beach. We have never been to the Gulf side so we are planning on heading that way, even though it is further than Coco beach. Does anyone have recommendations on which beach to hit specifically over near Tampa?? I am thinking Fort De Soto park looks interesting. Obviously it is more "natural" than a beach lined with condos. Where else might we consider? http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm Thanks. P.S. Pretty sure this doesn't belong in the Theme park forum. But wasn't sure where to put it.

This will get moved to Orlando Hotels and Attractions.

Beaches to consider:
Clearwater
Siesta Key

 

[neffernie]

Fort Desoto and Sand Key are the best. For something a little more touristy try the beach and boardwalk of John's Pass in Treasure Island.

 

[mblondie0509]

We just did this on our trip last month and it was wonderful. We flew in and out of St. Pete so we spent our last night in Clearwater at the Pier House 60 right on Clearwater Beach at Pier 60. It was so beautiful and not very crowded for a nice Saturday in August. I looked into Desoto but decided against it because a friend described it as much more rocky than what we were looking for for my son's first time at the ocean.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

Thanks guys (and gals).

I think a less developed beach area might appeal to us over a beach lined with condos.

 

[staceyrhood]

Thanks guys (and gals).

I think a less developed beach area might appeal to us over a beach lined with condos.

Honeymoon island is very nice too. We are locals and that is our beach of choice on the gulf side.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

Honeymoon island is very nice too. We are locals and that is our beach of choice on the gulf side.

Thanks. I will check it out.

Now - we are likely to be doing this on a Friday. What am I looking at for traffic? I'm afraid if we pack up to head back at 4 pm that I will be stuck in rush hour traffic trying to get back across Tampa to Disney??

Is the thought of going up the east side of the bay from Fort de Soto on 275 something to consider?

Just wondering.

 

[NinaBella]

Ft Desoto is awesome! The beaches at Ft Desoto do vary in sand. Some of the sand can be more crush shell (I think that is what the other poster meant by Rocky) and some is more powder sand. The North end has the nicer sand. We did make a mistake our first visit and went to the beach at the closest spot to enter. It's worth driving down to the North Beach.

 

[neffernie]

I work in Tampa; live near Clearwater. Do not try to go through Tampa or around Tampa any later than 4pm. Ideally you would be past Tampa by then. Either leave at 3 or wait until 6:30. The beaches don't close until sunset. That could be around 6:00 in winter (Dec-Feb) or as late as 9 in midsummer.

Going around (south on the Skyway Bridge and then to I75 and northeast to I4) will just add time and tolls but won't save you from traffic.

There are alot of things you can do to kill time though: have dinner, play in the ocean, take a dolphin boat or pirate ship tour, etc.

 

[Canuckbiggs]

I work in Tampa; live near Clearwater. Do not try to go through Tampa or around Tampa any later than 4pm. Ideally you would be past Tampa by then. Either leave at 3 or wait until 6:30. The beaches don't close until sunset. That could be around 6:00 in winter (Dec-Feb) or as late as 9 in midsummer.

Going around (south on the Skyway Bridge and then to I75 and northeast to I4) will just add time and tolls but won't save you from traffic.

There are alot of things you can do to kill time though: have dinner, play in the ocean, take a dolphin boat or pirate ship tour, etc.

Thanks.

If we left the beach at 3:30 which route would you recommend? I75 northeast to I4? I am okay with tolls, even if it is the "won't be worse than the other route, but might be better".

Thanks.