Recommendations for a day at the beach??

[skbaker]

We'll be doing a Disney World trip in June, but would like to take one day and spend at the beach. I would appreciate any recommendations about where to go (i.e. Distance from Orlando, nice beach area, good facilities, etc.)

 

[Barbydoll8]

I live on the west coast near the Gulf of Mexico so my preference is going to be to say go here! Clearwater beach is one of the best beaches in the country. Really, it's been rated that way.

It's about an hour and a half due west of WDW. I live about 4 miles from CLWB and it takes me about an hour and a half to get to the world. Beaches are clean, white sand and the water is calm. We don't have much of an under tow in the gulf so it's easy to just relax and chill in the water. This is fairly touristy so there are tons of places to stay with tons of stuff to do. I believe there is a Hyatt resort directly accross the street from the beach.

Now Daytona beach on the east coast is a bit closer to WDW. About an hour vs. 1 & 1/2 but it is the Atlantic coast line. It's a much more rough surf and you can't see your feet (you usually can in CLWB). Sand is a bit more course. This is also a very heavily trafficked area so there is every type of accomodation available. Someone who lives there can comment on a specific place.

You can't go wrong either way.

 

[tina.tina]

Can you drive on the beach anywhere in Florida? I think that is a unique experience. Of course, DH didn't listen to me and got stuck in the sand. DD still talks about the colorful language of the helpful guys who pushed us out.

 

[tina.tina]

Anyone have an answer about beach driving?

 

[CaraBoo]

We always go to Jetty Park at Port Canaveral. It's a beach and campground. I think the cost to park is $10 or less. It's very clean, parking is very close to the beach, and there are changing/bathroom facilities and onsite snack bar and general store.

It's also a wonderful viewing point for launches from Canaveral and I believe there is a Space X launch scheduled in June.

You can google Jetty Park Beach for more info.

 

[Mik2DW2007]

There is on-beach driving available in CWB... In June 2007 my daughter and I had a 1 day trip to MK & then 2 days in CWB. We had the best time! There's a state park, Caladesi Island, accessible by ferry. It has awesome walking trails, beaches, picnic areas and a playground. We stayed at a pretty gross little hotel called Quality Hotel on the Beach, the location was incredible but the room was very dated, it had an IHOP attached which was convenient

 

[Hootch]

finish our trip on the Gulf Coast side at Anna Maria and Longboat Key beaches. I agree with Barbydoll8 on the benefits.

It has been a long time since I have been to Daytona but there were cars on the beach then.

 

[Barbydoll8]

Hi again.

As far as I know you can not drive on CLWB anymore. I believe Daytona still allows it in specific areas only. But unless I was in an SUV/jeep, I don't think I would attempt it.

Caladesi Island it a little north (about a 15-20 min drive) of CLWB in a town called Dunedin. Just slightly south of CLWB is a county park called Sand Key Park. It's where I personally go when I go to the beach. So it's where the locals hang out.

It's clean, has good facilities and is about a 10 min drive from the heart of Clearwater beach. CLWB is very nice though. They've re-done the whole thing and it's very nice. On Friday/Sat nights before Mem Day they have street performers (everynight in the summer) and vendors along the pier. Tons of shopping and very good restaurants. Don't know why I didn't tell you about this place but Shepard's beach hotel is a nice place, walking distance to the main beach (they have their own private) and has a good restaurant as well.

Have fun.

 

[scorpad99]

Can you drive on the beach anywhere in Florida? I think that is a unique experience. Of course, DH didn't listen to me and got stuck in the sand. DD still talks about the colorful language of the helpful guys who pushed us out.

Daytona Beach you drive right on the beach and park your car and sit on the beach in front of it, so you can keep everything in a cooler in the car

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

We love Honeymoon Island state park on the gulf coast.

You can rent beach equipment and bikes. The restrooms/bath house is very clean. There are a ton of sea shells.

going there in a few weeks!

Take about 1 hour and a 1/2 to get there but so worth it.

There is a nice café to get a bit to eat.



http://www.romantichoneymoonisland.com/cafe-honeymoon.html

 

[staceyrhood]

We love honeymoon island too! We live in central Florida and It's our favorite beach to go to. I highly recommend it

 

[Unyeah]

Wow! Very helpful!

 

[disneyshea]

Funny thing... I just replanned our entire trip today to accommodate a quick day at the beach. I also read that Cocoa Beach is pretty close by. Does anyone know anything about that beach?

 

[lindaprvs]

Funny thing... I just replanned our entire trip today to accommodate a quick day at the beach. I also read that Cocoa Beach is pretty close by. Does anyone know anything about that beach?

We went to Cocoa beach last time in Orlando. . 2012. . it was a easy drive, the beach was nice, free public parking with nice restroom facility. Highly recommend it.

 

[disneyshea]

I think that we're going to try out Cocoa Beach. We live in Texas, so the we always visit Gulf beaches. I want the kids to get a chance to see the Atlantic side this time.

 

[j2thomason]

Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota is just a 2 hour drive from Orlando. It's always rated by Tripadvisor as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. I've been going there for 44 years and I agree! The sand is like baby powder. It's not touristy or crowded.