Need florida beach recommendations

[Melct]

I am planning a trip to Disney in February. We would like to stay at Disney a couple days then stay on the beach somewhere for the rest of our vacation. Can anyone recommend a good place to go? We will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary and bringing our 8 month old.

Thanks!!!!
Melissa

 

[NHAnn]

I'd go west to the Gulf coast beaches as opposed to east to the Atlantic coast.
The Tampa/St Pete area is less than a couple hours from WDW....there are a LOT of nice beaches and beach resorts. We've stayed at Sand Key just south of Clearwater,and Treasure Island, and Redington Shores....love that whole area.

Have fun, and welcome to the DIS!

 

[Microcell]

I agree with NH Ann! Treasure Island has thousands of tiny sea shells if you have kids and they like that kind of thing. Hands down my favorite is Clearwater Beach!!!

The hospital is not condescending if you take your 4 year old to the ER there for a Jellyfish sting!! It is only blocks away from the beach if you are a midwesterner that is sure your DS is going to die of that Jellyfish sting!

ETA: Daytona (on the Atlantic side) is dirty and they drive on the beach.

 

[DisneyBlonde]

I have limited experience here but I'll toss in my two cents. I spent a few days in Daytona Beach a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

And my parents have a time share on Longboat Key (they fly into Tampa), and of all the places they've been to, and they travel a lot, they call this place heaven. hth

 

[Blondie]

Another vote for Clearwater Beach. Sand Key is also very nice and it's just across the bridge from Clearwater so you have the best of both worlds!

 

[kdudley3]

We stay in Indian Shores (in between Clearwater anf St. Pete). It's in the same area that the other posters are talking about. Great place. Laid back, but with many places around to do things.

We go every year. First the parks and then the ocean. Makes a great vacation. The beaches are great. Fort DeSoto is a great park, it's beaches were in the Top 10 FL beaches on the Travel Channel.

I'm getting depressed just thinking that this will be the first year we aren't going.

 

[Melct]

Thanks everyone!

Melissa

 

[Jpgirl]

I vote for Clearwater Beach too!!! As a matter of fact I vacation there every Feb. Feb is a good time-start of "high" season but hardly anybody there during that time-just retirees. There's a lot of condos for rent and tons of restaurants. There's also Pier 60-and it's a nice little park-with a playground I do believe. Have fun

 

[shortbun]

I like the Clearwater area but I have to say I'd make it to Sanibel or Captiva for those wonderful beaches. I also LOVE Amelia Island which is north near Jacksonville and has marvelous beaches. Both these areas are more remote with bird/wildlife sanctuaries nearby or ON the island. Old Florida style vacation guaranteed.

 

[FSUGrad97]

I would stay on the gulf side - Clearwater and Sand Key are beautiful! The Sheraton Sand Key is a WONDERFUL place to stay if you need a hotel suggestion. Sanibel Island, Anna Maria Island, and Sarasota are nice areas also - just further away than Clearwater/Sand Key.

The Atlantic side is way too touristy for me.

 

[chasbos]

We are heading to the Fort Myers area in January.

What are the beaches and water like there?

We were very dissapointed with the beach at Cape Canaveral - very dirty and the sand sucked! I know the beaches are not going to compare to the Caribbean Island beaches, but what am I in store for??

 

[GalDisney]

I spent a weekend a couple of years ago at Ft. Myers Beach..I stayed at the Pink Shell Resort and loved the beach and the resort. Saw dolphins in the Gulf. Wonderful !

 

[lucas]

We love Sanibel Island!

 

[Linda/MA]

Sanibel is beautiful and low key -- nice with little children. I love Siesta Key beach in Sarasota. The sand is pure white. It's always voted as one of the best beaches in the U.S.

 

[iluvflorida8]

You can always stay at Disney's Vero Beach resort. It is only about 90 minutes from WDW. It will not be that crowed in Feb...

 

[AnnR]

I vote for Longboat Key

 

[hpygrll]

Another vote for Vero - we love it!!!! Feels very non-commercial.

Jenny

 

[Amity 3]

we've got our choice of west coast beaches.

Siesta Key and Fort DeSoto are pretty much the only ones we visit. Lido Key is nice as well. the east coast beaches don't compare until you get near Miami.