It is a 7 mile stretch! Take the tram. The ride is about 10-15 mins and they run frequently. Once you get down there you can rent your tubes or floats (we didn't realize this and carried ours on the tram). You can also have lunch right there. No need to leave for anything. They bring drinks to you right on the beach. There are many umbrellas and lounges, just you might want to arrive early to stake one out near the area where restrooms and food are located. We like to be farther away, depends on how much you like to walk.