Gulf Coast Beaches

[Pixie_Dust]

Hi DIS Community

I saw a Florida's Top Ten Beaches on theTravel Channel, and here were three: Sanibel Island for sea shells, Siesta Key Beach near Sarasota for soft white sand, and Lover's Key Beach near Ft. Myers. It made me want to take a side trip to the Gulf Coast during our upcoming trip. Any experience with these beaches or others?

Also any experience with the Knights Inn in Sarasota? I found that for $42/night on Travelocity for our early December weekend (2 adults). Or do you have any other hotels to recommend? For that matter, would you recommend staying near Sarasota or Ft. Myers?

Thanks if you can recommend anything that is not a dump and also does not cost an arm and a leg, and also any recommendations of places to go/things to see during our weekend.

Cheers

 

[Blondie]

I can't comment on any of the beaches mentioned because I've never been. But I can say that Sand Key Beach on Sand Key Island (right off of Clearwater) is beautiful. Very calm crystal clear water.

Clearwater is also nice, as is Naples, my all time favorite.

 

[sammi]

Wow I feel very lucky to say that we've been to 2 of the beaches mentioned.

We've been to Siesta Key and Lover's Key and yes they are beautiful. I've always said that the Gulf beaches are like heaven on earth.

We stayed with family at their timeshare resorts, so I can't help you with hotels but have a great time planning your trip.

 

[FOJMO]

A little bit north of Clearwater Beach area is the gulf coast area known as Honeymoon Island. It has a ferry that takes you across the Caladesi State Park. It is very beautiful there and not as crowded as Clearwater Beach.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland/default.asp

 

[judi]

We've stayed on Sanibel Island the past three years and love it. The beaches are beautiful and the shelling is awesome. Plenty to do. If staying during the off season, summer or before Christmas, staying on the island in a condo isn't bad. We usually get a 2 bedroom for about $1300 week. Thats gulf view with the water being just a few steps away from the condo. Lots to do on the island besides the beach.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

OMG when I just read the title I automatically thought "Siesta Key Beach, if she's looking for recommendations"

I live just 20 miles south of Sarasota and I LOVE Siesta Key Beach...it's so beautiful. A lot better than the beaches down here in Venice (which aren't terrible, but not as pretty IMHO). Funny thing is, I always hated the beach because the sand hurt my feet (the kind with all sorts of broken shell in it) and the water was nasty. Siesta Key isn't like that (or at least wasn't last time I went ).

 

[Dave A]

Hi Blondie. Thanks for the nice words on Sand Key Island. I live farther down that island from CLW Beach. Nice middle class family atomosphere here.
Check out the other coast, Palm Beach, for the upper crust folk. Course, Rush is out of commission this month. LOL
Dave

 

[FreshTressa]

We took the kids to Sanibel Island. It kind of seemed like a long drive, and I was expecting bigger shells, but it was still pretty incredible. The whole beach was pretty much shells.

Fun for a change from sandy or rocky beaches. It was fun!

 

[Galahad]

We just moved back north after living near the gulf beaches. Our favorites are Siesta Key, Longboat Key and Lido beach, all in the Sarasota area. You can't really go wrong with any of them! Have a great time if you go!

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Oh yeah! I forgot about Longboat Key - VERY nice

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We loved the Don Cesar at St Pete Beach, but that is 5* and can be pricey at rack rate. They do offer deals and have a sister resort-"beach house suites" that can be more reasonable. Our FL AAA offers discounts on both at times. The beach at Don Cesar is exquisite , and not crowded nor commercialized. Purely beautiful. I don't see any deal online right now like the one we got. I grew up on the gulf coast beaches(panhandle), and this place is my favorite. I am forever spoiled now !

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Thanks everyone, keep those recommendations coming

How about must-do places to eat or rainy-day alternatives to the beach (just in case)?

Any more advice for a good but inexpensive place to stay? We are just going for one weekend.

Cheers

 

[LadyAurora]

We have been to Longboat Key, and it was beautiful. Almost deserted when we went, too. Didn't see any facilities, though, nor any lifeguards. Usually we go to Clearwater Beach. Plenty of places around there to stay. Our recent favorite is Ft. DeSoto Beach, also no lifeguards. Good shells and sea creatures to look at, and an old fort to explore. My stepson did get stung by a jellyfish there, which can happen at any beach, but I think it is more likely at the less crowded beaches.