Updated - Looking for great Florida beach

[dtuleya]

We're in the early stages of planning a two week trip to Florida the end of June 2005. We'd like to split our time between theme parks and the beach. We're looking for a great beach on the Gulf coast. Any suggestions?

We'd consider staying at a resort or a condo, just as long as there is a nice pool.


Update - My DH now decided that we'd better look at Atlantic beaches too since DSs love to play in the waves.

I'm looking for suggestions on resorts too.

 

[FINFAN]

Well. there are MANY beautiful beaches, just depends on how far you want to travel. I love Siesta Key and Longboat Key, maybe 2 hours from the parks...if you mean that you are splitting your stay by changing hotels etc., Iwould make the 31/3 hour drive to Naples and soak up the sun there for a few days. There is also Sanibel Island. I think it depends on what you are willing to pay. Any hotel/resort right on the beach will run your more, but June can be little less expensive, especially if you are flexible. It will be plenty warm in June and the ocean temp will be very nice. I sure wish I was you, 2 weeks is a wonderful amount of time to have. Plus the beach is a perfect place to rest up from WDW at!

 

[Ripsaw]

I would have to say that the best beach is Siesta Key. We have stayed there a number of time's. We will be staying there this July for two weeks, following three day's at USO/IOA. Here are a few link's you may find usefull.

http://www.siestakeychamber.com/

http://www.4sarasota.com/

http://www.sarasotafl.org/home.shtml

Great site to find a nice condo, siesta key #5557 is are favorite.

http://vbro.com/vrbo/flngulfcoast.htm

 

[floridafam]

We were married on Sand Key. The beach is huge.

It's nice and quiet and not as busy as Clearwater Beach.

You can see a picture of the beach at www.beachsand.com

 

[legs22]

I love Sanibel and Captiva Islands, by Ft. Myers.

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! Looks like I've got some research ahead of me.

 

[disneyfan551]

I'd love to know a nice beach on the Gulf Coast to visit for the day, when my Mom and 2yo dd go next month. My 2yo isn't that fond of waves, so maybe it's a good thing if we choose this coast...

Any suggestions???

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We love St. Pete beach and the Don Cesar. We got a lot better Promo rate than what is up there now. So check from time to time. Pure relaxation, white sand and clear water. Ah...
They have a sister site-the Beach House Suites, but we have not stayed there (site is at the bottom of main site).
http://www.doncesar.com/

 

[JDH]

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island (Atlantic side) very kid friendly or Watercolor on Gulf Coast (Panhandle).

 

[floridafam]

Ditto...on the Ritz at Amelia Island or the Watercolor Inn in Seagrove Beach. We are staying at the Watercolor in October and can't wait.

 

[MarthaB]

I almost hate to give away a well-kept secret, but Sanibel Island is FANTASTIC. Beaches are so clean. The sand is pure white, like powder. The Gulf doesn't really have waves, so it's great for small children. The island is very into conservation. There are lots of great things to do and see there. If interested, let me know. We visit my Dad every winter there. There are fabulous restaurants, but not much night life, if that's what you're into.

 

[Aurora63]

This is probably too far away for you...

But Destin/Ft Walton and Pensacola are gorgeous beaches. However, they are something like six hours from the parks.

But if it's on your way, you might want to swing by. Gorgeous emerald green water, sugar sand, absolutely beautiful.

 

[bsnyder]

On the Gulf, Anna Maria Island. Very laid back, old Florida. No high-rise condos.

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for all the recommendations! Just realized I forgot about Vero Beach. Anyone stay there?

 

[legs22]

Disney Vero Beach is a very nice, quiet, laid back resort. It's right on the beach and the beach definitely has waves. Great pool area too. Vero Beach is a nice area. Quiet. Upscale.
Here is the pool slide at DVB:

ACK!! Sorry that photo turned out so small. I don't know why it did that.

By the way, the rocking chair photo that floridafam has in each of their posts looks like the back porch of the main bldg. at DVB that looks towards the ocean.

 

[floridafam]

Here is a link to some photos taken when we were at VB.

We love VB and have been there many times.

It is different than the Gulf side of Florida but we LOVE it.

http://homepage.mac.com/energylab/PhotoAlbum2.html

 

[dtuleya]

Thanks for all the great ideas! Looks like I have my research work cut out for me!

 

[darlene9947]

If you ever get around the panhandle the asolute best beach, IMHO, is Navarre Beach. It's between Pensacola Beach and Destin/Fort Walton. Beautiful blue green water, white sand and nowhere near as crowded as the Destin area.