Need Great beach location

[felinosaurus]

Okay I've made my Orlando reservations... soooo excited that I've got that all set. Now I need to find a great beach location to spend a few days after we leave Orlando.
East coast or Gulf, doesn't matter. Don't want Daytona Beach, though. Something a little more relaxing and less commercial.
Would like some quaint little beachfront motel/apartment/suite (something with a kitchen).

Anyone have any experiences with a place that sounds similar?

 

[Pigsty333]

Try Venice Beach. It is the Shark Teeth Capital of the World. Heard great things about it.

Keep in mind that with all the hurricanes we had hear, a lot of the beaches suffered extensive damages. New Smyrna Beach is one of those as well as Daytona and Cocoa.

 

[dtuleya]

bumping it up for ya

 

[tarheelmjfan]

If you don't mind driving further South, I'd recommend Siesta Key, on the West coast. It's definitely a small beach town, with a white sand, and crystal clear water. However, it will take you about 2 1/2 hours to get there. As far as the East coast versus the West coast, it depends on what you're looking for. If you want waves, the East coast is the place to go. If you want calm water, think an enormous lake, but with clear water, then the West coast is the place for you. If you're interested in the West coast, but don't want to drive so far, I'll be glad to try to give you alternate recommendations.

 

[felinosaurus]

Would prefer not to drive that far south.
Know of anything a little further north on the west coast? Anything around Clearwater?
Thanks!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

We live in North Tampa, so this is our local beach area. Sorry, but I can't help with a place to stay, because we just go over for the day. I can recommend some nice beaches. Sand Key, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, and St. Pete Beach. They are all just south of Clearwater Beach. Where one ends, the other pretty much begins. The water will not be as clear here as it is further south, but it will still be much more clear than on the east coast. It is just as calm. My favorite thing to do is take a fun noodle, or any kind of float, and you can float all day. For places to stay, try www.tripadvisor.com, or do a google search for the specific beach. None of these beaches are highly populated. Also, while you're in the area, check out Fort Desoto. It is a county park. The fort is on the ocean, and there are times that you can literally have the beach to yourself. There is a minimal toll on the road to get to the fort, but after you're there, everything's free. Stop by the welcome center, if you want fort info, a map, or for answers to any other questions you may have. Hope this helps!

 

[winterman]

Wife and I spent a very relaxing week at Treasure Island, just south of Clearwater. We stayed at the Sea Chest motel, not a lot of glitz but great accomodations directly on the beach. Had a room with Queen bed, dining area, small kitchen, dressing area and bathroom. Swimming pool of course. I can confidently suggest that you research this place.

Sea Chest Motel: www.seachestmotel.com

Have a great trip.

 

[Gillian]

Any suggestions on a resort for a weeks stay? We like the tampa area but want a place that will pamper us a little. I've been sick and I think we'll need relaxation!

We don't mind the siesta key area (family there) but where to stay....

 

[tarheelmjfan]

If you want to be pampered, I would suggest Don Cesar Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach. It's a very nice Loews hotel, with lots of amenities. Check it out here: www.doncesar.com This place is amazing and right on the beach.

 

[Gillian]

Thanks! I know where that is and will check it out.