We have always just gone to the Siesta key public beach . We have always just had a picnic lunch or food from the concession stand. The siesta key public beach is very child friendly almost no thongs or such swim suits.
We have spent four weeks in Siesta Key since late 2005 and have had the opportunity to explore the beaches in depth and would reccommend the Siesta key public beach for a one day visit. Nice wide soft white sand beach, large playground for kids, clean public washrooms and good concession area. For lunch we often leave the beach and go into Siesta Key village and have lunch at the Daiquiri Deck, but if you are just coming for the day I would not leave the beach area and simply pack a lunch or get some food at the concession.
I am glad to hear this as someone on another forum pm me about this beach and told me not to go to clearwater due to development also and apparently Turtle beach is great for shellling!
Looks as though we will be surfing it up at Siesta Key public beach! Is the Daquiri Deck child friendly? It is typically the menu options we have the most difficulty with. Six year olds can be so darn picky!
I can't remember if the Daiquiri deck had a kids menu or not. We have been there with kids but usually just split a few appetizers for lunch. I would say it would be child friendly until 8 or 9 pm then it turns into more of a bar atmosphere.
You can't beat the ocean....BUT if you are pressed for time or don't really want to drive check out Typhoon Lagoon. It is great for small kids because it has alot of sand as opposed to Blizzard (lots of cement). DS5 and DD8 loved it...and Mom and Dad did too! A nice relaxing day in the sun.........