ques. for people familiar with FL

[cricket429]

Hi. We have decided to take a couple days after Disney and relax at the beach before our drive home. We live in NY and I was thinking we should head to the Ormond beach area, as it is on our way home and will not add any extra driving. My dh prefers the gulf side and was thinking the Clearwater, St.Petes area. My question is regarding spring breakers as this will be a couple days before Easter. Do you have any suggestions on Gulf side beaches that are not going to be completely taken over by spring breakers? I know this is probably asking alot for that time of year, its just our dd is 5 and we just want some downtime before we head home without there being a "kegger" in the next room

Thanks for all input

 

[jl3614]

I think most college spring breaks are the first couple weeks of March. Your timeframe "a couple days before Easter" might miss most of the college tomfoolery. Probably the further north you go the lighter the crowd, you do take a chance with it being too cold for the beach - especially playing in the water.

Some people like Cocoa Beach, it is directly east of WDW and probably isn't too crowded. I believe Daytona has cleaned up its act and is family friendly now. If it is within your budget Amelia Island should be pretty quiet - check the weather to be sure it historically isn't too cool.

The Gulf coast - St Pete, Clearwater, Sarasota would add a couple hours to your drive - but since you will probably be taking two days to travel, those two hours won't be too noticeable. The gulf water temperature is probably a little warmer than the Atlantic. I prefer the gulf or panhandle sand over the hardpacked stuff on the Atlantic side - but that is just my preference.

 

[RachelTori]

Most of the spring breakers on the gulf side like Panama City Beach & Destin. The beaches of Clearwater & St. Pete are some of the nicest I've ever seen and very family-oriented.

 

[cricket429]

Thank you. Now I just have to find somewhere to stay. It is not a big deal if we do not swim in the gulf if the water is too chilly but I do want to stay right on the waterfront. Sunsets, shell searching, etc..

 

[kilee]

You will most likely only be running into mostly families. As a previous poster said, most of the college kids will already of had their breaks. We've done both Daytona and Clearwater. I thought the general vicinity of Clearwater was much nicer and "cleaner" (hotels and such). However, I thought Daytona was more fun w/ more activities.

 

[GOOFYFREEK]

You might also want to check out St Augustine, FL its between Daytona an Jacksonville. Oldest City in the US. Several decent priced hotels on the beach no big crowds. And several things close buy to keep you occupied.

There isnt much in the way of Shells on the Gulf side. But the water tends to stay a little warmer.

 

[susy]

How about Disney's Vero Beach resort?

 

[Hippychickali]

I would much prefer the gulf side as well. We always used to stay in Indian Shores and Indian Beach just down from St. Pete's. We often stayed at the Beach Cottages condiminiums right on the beach. Just down the road was John's Pass which is a great little boardwalk area with restaurants and shopping yet the beach is so relaxing. Keep in mind, it's been quite awhile since I've been there. So if any of this doesn't exist any more, someone correct me.

Ali

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

Hello ~

Yes, the Gulf side is beautiful and worth the drive! And John's Pass has been completely redone, and it's amazing to walk and wander around. Don't forget to see the dolphins (always frolicking) by the causeway!!! And bring a camera if you drive to St. Pete Beach and take pics of The Don CeSar, it's the most beautiful pink castle you'll ever see (actually its a resort, but locals call it otherwise...!)

Have fun!

Princess Candace Marie

 

[ArielsMommy]

DH and I were married at the "pink castle". We just love the beach there. I have always preferred the Gulf side because the water is warmer and there are smaller waves. I like it even more now that we have a little one. This is truly a great place to live!!