gulf coast/busch gardens

[Roseka]

we're off to Kissimee next week for 3 weeks(yipee!); we have 2 DS aged 6 and 9, and are thinking of making a 2 day trip of Busch Gardens by staying overnight and visiting the beach too. Can anyone suggest, firstly, which beach resort would be best, and secondly, any tips for finding a reasonably priced motel we could stay in for 1 night - do many people do this?

Thanks
Kate

 

[hulabird]

I haven't researched the resorts because we are staying in WDW and will just take one day to go to a beach, but I did research the best beaches in that area. I wanted a beach offering facilities (bathrooms, concessions, picnic area) and a lifeguard on duty.

First, this site will help you:


Florida Beaches

They have a map that you can click and it will show you beaches.
My favorite in that area so far are Treasure Island (about 1 hour 45 min. from WDW) and Madeira Beach. Once you figure out what beach area you like then you can look for resorts.

Here is another link for the Tampa area:

Tampa Bay/Clearwater Beaches

The sites have links to lodging so it should help you.

Last trip we went to Cocoa Beach and didn't care for it. My mon and dad go to Long Boat Key all the time and they told me it was about 2 hours from WDW and to check Bradenton/Anna Maria Island area beaches because the water and sand at those beaches are way better than going to the Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Bch area. In the Anna Maria Island area I found that Coquina Beach and Manatee Beach look like they are very nice. Check the sites and it will give you a better idea.

Have fun! Feel free to inquire again with any more questions as I have been researching this for the last few weeks.

 

[got2lovedisney]

Not much help from me except to mention...don't go to the Masters Inn in Seffner unless you happen to like the smell of sewage and drunk men yelling at their wives around the pool.

Ugh!

 

[Roseka]

ok thanks for your help, will check out the sites.
Kate

 

[flamom]

the last time my family went to busch gardens we stayed in madeira beach which is very nice. not sure exactly how far away it is i would guess less then an hour. you might want to go to there chamber of commerce's site and see if it sounds good to you.i know they have some very inexpensive places there. hope this helps

 

[CPM]

I would recommend St. Petersburg and staying at Loew's Don Cesar. They have good summer rates.
http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/stpetebeach/default.asp

 

[karlad61]

Our family loves the Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach.

 

[dllmnmdth]

My family and I stayed at Indian Rock or Indian Shores beach and we really did not care for it. The sand had alot of broken shells which made it had to walk. The gulf was pretty to look at but it had alot of seaweed also. We stayed at a resort called Sandcastle I. The resort itself was beautiful but I really did not like that area of beach.

 

[hulabird]

Hey guys! I think I found the perfect beach....Siesta Key...it has lifeguards, concessions, bathrooms etc....and the best part is that the sand on the beach was voted best in the world, I guess the sand doesn't get hot, as cool and textured as flour is what i read, mad eof up 99% quartz and is white and they said even the water is gorgeous. It was also voted #1 beach in Florida by Florida Trends magazine and was also in the top 10 by that guy they call Dr. Beach. Also, it said it is a beach perfect for children...here is the link so you can check it out. It is 2 hours from WDW.

Sarasota Beaches-Siesta Key

This is where we will head for a day during our trip!

 

[CPM]

In regards to Siesta Key. Yes, it's stunning but did you check out the hotel prices @@@

 

[summersfam4]

I second the vote for the Don Cesar or the Tradewinds hotels on St Pete Beach. In fact I am bidding on four star hotels on St. Pete Beach this week (those are the only 4 stars) on priceline, and I have heard on biddingfortravel.com of people getting them for between $45 and $65 a night plus the $12/night resort fee but a really good deal anyway!

Good Luck and have fun my family LOVES Busch Gardens!

Kelly

 

[CPM]

Originally posted by summersfam4
In fact I am bidding on four star hotels on St. Pete Beach this week (those are the only 4 stars) on priceline, and I have heard on biddingfortravel.com of people getting them for between $45 and $65 a night plus the $12/night resort fee but a really good deal anyway!
Kelly

Wow, that's good to know. I haven't used Priceline in awhile. Maybe it's time for a weekend away.

 

[hulabird]

CPM--

No, sorry I did not, as we are only going there for the day to visit the beaches, we are staying at WDW and will just take a day trip. I am going to look at them just out of curiosity, but after paying Disney's prices, nothing seems too outlandish to me!

 

[Gillian]

Siesta Key is nice, but it's a longer drive. We have family nearby. There are hotels that are not anywhere near the beach, if you want to stay in the area but not spring for a beach resort. There is a newer country inn & suites close to the highway.

St Pete beach is very nice too. They have public beach access for day trips, rest rooms & concessions as well. The sand might have more shells than Siesta Key. I think it depends on exactly where you are.

 

[LMC]

My vote goes to Siesta Key too! The sand is so fine that you don't even know it is on your skin. You know that gritty feeling when you reapply sunscreen? Well, you don't have that there! We have been to this beach several times in the last few years. My DD calls it the pretty beach. We can't even go to the other area beaches because the sand is not pretty. This kids just like playing at Siesta better. We go to the NW FL/AL gulf coast ALOT, and they are suppose to be good beaches but Siesta has them beat hands down!

 

[hulabird]

I read on a site that Siesta Beach was the best for children, they said there is virtually no undertow. I always worry about rip currents.