I need a beach =)

[MzDiz]

This isn't really about Orlando, but there was no "other parts of Florida" forum.

Can anyone recommend a beach? My husband has never been to the ocean, and since we're going all this way anyway, he'd like to see one.

Anyone know somewhere nice and not too crowded?

Thanks!

 

[caa1000]

This isn't really about Orlando, but there was no "other parts of Florida" forum.

Can anyone recommend a beach? My husband has never been to the ocean, and since we're going all this way anyway, he'd like to see one.

Anyone know somewhere nice and not too crowded?

Thanks!

Some has suggested the New Smyrna Beach area between Cocoa Beach (Space Coast) and Daytona Beach. I tell you the truth! Never seen Florida Beaches, since I came to Orlando from Puerto Rico, which is fully surrounded by beaches!

 

[kilee]

Most people prefer the gulf side- the beaches are just generally nicer. If you only want to go for a day visit then places like Clearwater or St. Pete's Beach. If you want to make more of a 2-3 day trip-- Sannibel Island is supposed to be incredible.

 

[kapica3]

Travel Channel recently had a special on the top 10 beaches and I think there was one mentioned about 2 hours away from WDW Here is the link to their review of Siesta Key http://travel.discovery.com/convergence/beachweek/siesta.html They are said to have sand the consistance of baby powder.

Or try siestakey.com Also, I hear that Sanibel and Captiva are very beautiful and they have everything from big hotels to beach cottages to rent.

Both these places are on the Gulf side and not actually "Ocean". but quite beautiful none the less.

Good luck in your quest for a great beach.

 

[Rocket-Man]

Two words...

SIESTA KEY

 

[JohnnySharp2]

The beaches on the west coast are much nicer and can recommend Clearwater and St.Petes, they are further away from Central Florida but it's worth it.

 

[Ted and Holly]

I agree. Siesta Key is as close to paradise as you can get. I like Siesta Beach (?), rather than Turtle Beach.

Ted

 

[spiceycat]

but if he insists on the ocean side - Coca Beach

the beaches are brown....

I like my gulf beaches nice and white sand!!!!

oh until you get to Ft Lauderdale there is not a nice beach on the Atlantic side in Florida - my opinion....

but the ocean can be beautiful - pretty scarey at times....

 

[jeff968]

we have friends who have a house in West palm and have visited them during some of our orlando trips. the water there is beautiful, clear, blue green and the beaches are great. It is about 3 hour drive.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

we like all of the Clearwater/St. Pete beaches, but SK is as good as it gets on the gulf side. and it's easier to get to, you don't have to drive through Tampa and negotiate the causeways. it's anywhere from 1:45 to 2 hours from WDW.

 

[AWW]

Ditto- SIESTA KEY (located in Sarasota, by the way). White sugar sand and very calm waters.

AWW

 

[cruiseonmagic]

12345

 

[spiceycat]

you pictures show 'brown sand'

go look at the gulf coast - that is 'white sand'.....

 

[Sylvester McBean]

The other posts are right though...if you want to see white sand and calm water you can go to the gulf coast--or you can go just down the road and see Lake Michigan

wow, you are so right, the gulf coast is exactly like lake michigan.

 

[hiimfiffy]

siesta key! i live in sarasota where it is and the beach is gorgeous

 

[kilee]

I live on Lake Erie and I'm thinking it's a lot like Lake Michigan. It is nothing like the gulf coast-- which is part of the ocean. It's just much prettier and nicer to visit usually than the Atlantic side.

 

[riu girl]

We spent two weeks in Siesta Key over Christmas.
This is THE beach to see.

I have been to about a dozen Caribbean beaches and Siesta Key is comparable, if not better then most/all that I have experienced in the Caribbean.

We love it so much I have booked two weeks for Christmas 2006.
AMAZING powder white sand. Siesta Key public beach is the widest beach I have ever been on.

On the other hand Christmas 2004 we spent in Daytona. Dark brown sand, not fine at all, very rough cold , dark water. Can't compare the two at all.

About 30 minutes south of Siesta Key you can also see Carpensen Beach (where you can collect sharks teeth on the beach). Simply breath taking. Amazing sand dunes all over the place to view (but not climb). Incredible area.
The beach itself is lovely but a ton of shells etc, so not a fince white sand like you would find in Siesta Key, but amazing in its own sense.

 

[Ted and Holly]

We spent two weeks in Siesta Key over Christmas.
This is THE beach to see.

I have been to about a dozen Caribbean beaches and Siesta Key is comparable, if not better then most/all that I have experienced in the Caribbean.

We love it so much I have booked two weeks for Christmas 2006.
AMAZING powder white sand. Siesta Key public beach is the widest beach I have ever been on.

On the other hand Christmas 2004 we spent in Daytona. Dark brown sand, not fine at all, very rough cold , dark water. Can't compare the two at all.

About 30 minutes south of Siesta Key you can also see Carpensen Beach (where you can collect sharks teeth on the beach). Simply breath taking. Amazing sand dunes all over the place to view (but not climb). Incredible area.
The beach itself is lovely but a ton of shells etc, so not a fince white sand like you would find in Siesta Key, but amazing in its own sense.

That is Casperson Beach in the Venice area. I have heard, however, that due to beach restoration, shark teeth are harder to come by.

Still a beautiful, rustic beach.

Ted

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Clearwater can be hard to predict. At times, you can walk into the water up to your shoulders & easily see your feet. There's also times when it's not as clear. Mostly, when there's a storm out the ocean somewhere. Naturally, it seems it's always worse, when we take out of town guests with us. The farther south you go, your chances are better for consistently clear water. Personally, I think Clearwater's Beach is much better than the others. It's a huge beach with soft, white sand. I've never seen another one as wide. It's more crowded on most days than Siesta Key though. Fort Desoto also has a good beach, & you can have it pretty much to yourself most days. Whether you would prefer the Gulf or Atlantic, really depends on what you're looking for. If your main objective is to play in the waves, go to a beach on the Atlantic. On the other hand, if you prefer beautiful beaches & clearer water, the Gulf is the place to go. Enjoy your trip!

 

[cruiseonmagic]

you pictures show 'brown sand'

go look at the gulf coast - that is 'white sand'.....

You know what...its not worth it.