Gulf beach help!

[Holstar]

Hello!

We're coming to the end of our three week trip, and would really really like to do a day trip to a gulf beach.

We've had Siesta Key, Sanibel and Anna Maria recommended to us, but I have a potentially weird question that I'm hoping someone might be able to help with?

One of our girls is very very fair and requires shade when in the sun. In the UK, all major beaches have little stores or stands where you can rent beach umbrellas and what not, would there be something similar in the US?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hornjb]

at some beaches you can rent. I would recommend just buying an umbrella and anchor for it. total cost would be about $35 - $50 American dollars. Probably just as cheap if not cheaper than renting. You could just give it away to someone on the beach when you leave if you don't want to take it home with you. You can find these in just about any store in beach towns.

 

[jtopicz1]

Any Walmart on the way will sell a cheap beach umbrella that will provide some shade and you can just toss when you're done.

If you want a beach with rentals, stick to one of the more touristy ones. Clearwater and Sand Key both rent umbrellas.

 

[Ametista]

Treasure Island is gorgeous and rents these cabana structures for around $20/day. Its less than buying an umbrella and plus those cheap umbrellas are small. If you scroll down here you can see the structures I am talking about.

http://www.florida-beach-lifestyle.com/public-beach-access-treasure-island-fl.html

Another favorite beach is St Pete which is also beautiful and just south of Treasure Island.

 

[Gillyrose779]

The coast from Clearwater down to St. Petersburg is great. Clearwater and Treasure Island is a bit more touristy but has plenty of rentals and shops.

St. Petersburg is a bit more laid back.

 

[MIKEYD820]

Where are you staying?

We have always rented a condo on the Gulf and the rental has always included two beach chairs and umbrella for each day.

The only time this does not work is after they close for the day (usually sunset) and they pick-up all the chairs and umbrellas for the day.

 

[Pembo]

We love Anna Maria Island and there are a few places that rent beach umbrellas/chairs etc for the duration of your stay. They will even drop them off and pick them up.