search is down, need beach info...

[jdm]

Hi

Leaving in two days and want to go to one of the beaches. We've never been to any FL beaches and was wanting some info. We are thinking about Daytona (when races end) but I hear Gulf side is very pretty also. We're looking for something that can be done in a day trip. We've got two kids 10 & 12 with us and was hoping for a lively atmosphere, although would entertain quiet and serene if it was really nice :~)...

Any info at all would be great. I thought I saw a link about Clearwater beaches under the new restaurant link the other day but I just checked and it's not there...

Thanks,
Jenn

 

[SimonV]

Jenn, you basically have two mian choices, quite contrasting, with about 90 minutes' drive.

St Pete's/Clearwater is the more serene and, to my mind, prettier side of the coast, with gentler beaches, fewer crowds and a handful of genuine attractions (check out www.floridasbeach.com).

The Daytona Beach area is livelier, busier and occasionally a little rowdy (although it does have some wonderfully quiet and scenic spots, like Lighthouse Point). You will also find more to do here with two kids. Daytona USA is great for race car fans, then the Boardwalk and Pier both have a lot to keep kids amused. Look up www.daytonabeach.com for all the info.

 

[jdm]

Thank you so much for the reply and the links.... I'll check them out!

Thanks again,
Jenn

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

The beaches on Siesta Key in Sarasota are absolutely gorgeous! The sand is pure white and very fine--I swear it's like walking in powdered sugar! We wanted to go to a nice beach for a couple of days last May before hitting WDW and after reading about the Sarasota beaches and seeing pictures, that's where we chose. Check out: http://www.sarasotafl.org/framesets/sub/siesta.html

I can't speak for any other beaches since this is the only area we explored. I'm sure the others are nice too! Have fun!

Sue

 

[Steve P]

I live in Redington, half way between clearwater Bch and st pete bch. very nice (well, I'm partial, it's my home .
Fort Desoto Park at the south end of st pete bch is beautiful.

Ther most 'tropical' looker is coquina beach at the end of bradenton beach, just before the bridge to longboat key. Beautiful green water due to the sandy (not grassy) bottom.
Take I-4 west to I-75 south to S.R. 64 WEST. go to the beach and turn south.

Also, consider that Cocoa is right at the end of the beeline, about
45 mins from I-4.

 

[jdm]

for the great tips... still not sure which one we're heading too. DH said tonight that he didn't want the kids to swim (sharks) at the beach... duh-- I guess I missed something. He said- beach- and I thought -swim...
Oh well, guess we'll see what happens.

Thanks again
Jenn