Fort DeSoto Park - ? for locals

[lademps]

We will be Orlando at the end of April. Considering a "day trip" south to Fort DeSoto Park? Are we crazy to consider this? I am trying to figure drive time and it appears atleast 2+ hours, and guessing more depending on traffic.

We are staying offsite, near Mall of Millenia area. We can leave as early as necessary, and we'll travel there on a Tuesday or Wednesday for the day. Just wondering about rush hour commuter traffic on I-4 and best time to leave Orlando and return to Orlando.

We have done Cocoa and Clearwater in past, just looking for something different.
Any comments are very much appreciated.
Thank you!
Ann

 

[CheeseburgerParadise]

Hi,

I'm not a local but we were vacationing in the area for more than a month last September.

Fort DeSoto beach is wonderful but your drive times are spot on. Personally, I think it's too much of a pain to do on a day trip. Drive wears you down.

However, if the long drive does not bother you, you're determined to see this beach and can leave very early in the morning, then it's do-able.

Would some of the other beaches in the Clearwater area or one of the natural freshwater springs be a viable alternative for you? Check them out.

 

[lademps]

Thanks so much for the info CheeseburgerParadise!
We will definitely save this place for a future visit when we have more time.

DS7 will be most likely be on sensory overload to begin with (from several park days), so too much time in the car will surely backfire on us. Just looking for a calmer, relaxing day.

Any thoughts on St. Petersburg Beach area? We do love the gulf side. The springs sound nice too - I will try to research them also. Thanks again for your help!

 

[Detailor]

I can't comment on St. Petersburg beaches but if you're concerned about the length of time for a trip to Fort DeSoto beach then a trip to St. Pete, in general, should concern you, too. It would take you a little bit less time but not much more than 10 minutes.

Dick Taylor

 

[lademps]

My error - Thanks Dick. I didn't have a map in front of me and now realize they are practically one in the same area. We have never ventured south of Clearwater area - and that was when vacationing only in Tampa area. No WDW on that vacation. Thanks for pointing this out to me.

 

[CheeseburgerParadise]

Hi again lademps!

Have a look at this place: http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/
It's about a 40min drive from Orlando. It can get very crowded but when we were there there were only about 20 other swimmers and scuba divers there. Very nice place and the cool, clear fresh water very refreshing.

Also, have you been to this beach?
http://www.beachhunter.net/caladesi.htm
Quite nice. not as nice as the beaches south of St. Pete's all the way to Naples, but within easy drive of Orlando.

 

[silvergoldberry]

If you are looking for somewhere natural, not too far from Orlando and with water, I say try Wekiwa Springs Park. The swimming in the spring is just wonderful.
I used to live in FL and camped there once. Very memorable, but great for a day trip as well.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/WekiwaSprings/