Gulf beach for the day?

[oret]

We will be in Orlando the beginning of August and would really love to visit a beach on the Gulf side for the day. Have any of you done this?
Is it too long and stressful a drive? Is traffic a big problem-we would try and visit on a weekday. Would love to hear from any of you who have done this and your advise and recommendations.
My kids (12 and 10) have never been to a warm water beach so this would be a treat for them-especially the shell picking!
Thanks fo your help.

 

[AJKMOM]

The Clearwater Beach area is about 2 hours from Orlando. It is nice, calm Gulf water, but I read that there aren't a lot of shells. The best shelling area is much further south, at Sanibel. The Atlantic area is closer, Cocoa Beach. But, we went there and it isn't as nice as Daytona, which is about 2 hours away, depending on what area of Orlando you are driving from.

 

[orvilleair]

Like the gulf beahes better than the Atlantic beaches too.
Siesta Key Beach is my favorite and it is about 2 1/2 hours away from WDW south of Sarasota. Ft Desoto is nice too. Not good shelling at either one. Sanibel Island had the best shells because you could walk out during low tide and see the shells in the clear water. I haven't been to Sanibel in a lonnnnng time, but I enjoyed it. Siesta Key has great sand, nice changing rooms, snack bar, picnic area. The parking lot does get full, so it would be wise to arrive early. One more thing, I-4 is under construction and traffic was congested when we were there in April. Clearwater and St Pete Beach are nice too, but very sandy, not shelly. Check traffic conditons before you go.

 

[oret]

Thanks for your replies. Looks like 2 hours without traffic may be what to expect. I had heard about possible construction on the I-4, which will be the route we will take from Sanctuary villa but will need to check and see more recent updates.
Two hours just seems a little long for a day trip but I have my heart set on visiting the Gulf side.

 

[jeffreyml]

We've stayed at Disney and always plan a day trip to Madeira Beach on the Gulf side. We like to stay around Madeira Beach because you can park at the public acess spots and walk over to John's Pass to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping to take a break from the sun. Lots of shells and the water is usually calm, and in August the water is about 86-88 deg. It usually takes us about 1-1 1/2 hrs drive to get there from WDW. We also sometime take a stroll down the beach to the Holiday in where they have a nice outdooor tiki bar with great Rum Runners and a big pool to relax in...Then the best part of the trip is to take tome pictures of the beautiful sunsets with the family..

 

[oret]

Rum Runners.....hmmmmmmm. Sounds good to me. One and a half hours doesn't seem too bad. A definite consideration. Thanks!

 

[floridafam]

We enjoy Sand Key. It is the next bridge past Clearwater Beach.

The beach is huge and quiet. We love to look for shells and have seen dolphins quite a few times while we were in the water. Any beach along the same road as Sand Key is quite good. We also like Indian Rocks Beach.

www.beachsand.com

This should give you a good picture of the beach at Sand Key. There is a public park right next to the Sheraton that is very nice.

 

[jeffreyml]

For those who are interested, here is a recipie for Rum Runners that one of the bartenders at Crabby Bills gave me.

1 oz. light rum
1 oz. dark rum
1/2- 1 oz. Barcadi 151 rum
1 oz. blackberry brandy
1 oz. banana liquer
1 oz. grenadine
8-10 oz. pineapple juice
8-10 oz. orange juice.

Mix well and serve over ice and enjoy....

 

[texteach]

We will be staying on Anna Maria Island on Brandenton Beach at the Via Roma. Does anyone know anything about this area?

 

[Gillian]

I think the beach at sand key park is nicer than Madeira Beach public access. The Madeira Beach public beach is too far to walk to johns pass, but it's a short drive.

Here's a link with info on sand key. There are also links to other public beaches in the area.

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/15_Sand_Key.htm

 

[Wishing on a star]

Bump!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Hey orvilleair,

We didn't want to drive quite that far, but the beaches at Siesta Key seem soooo nice. I love that white 'quartz' sand. This is what is at Destin Fl. The photos look so similar!

Are the beaches at Siesta Key much nicer than Fort Desoto, and Sand Key? Is it worth the drive? Is it easy to drive to? Are there showers at the changing areas? How about options for lunch and/or supper?

I hope you see this post. If not, I may send you a PM.
Sorry for all the questions!!!