What Beach? staying in Davenport?

[newfiegirl]

Hi, I hear that st. petes is the best family beach in the Orlando area. I have never stayed off disney, but on this trip we are planning on renting a vehicle and going to the beach for an afternoon. What would you suggest as the best beach, that is within a reasonable driving range (maximun 1hr to 1 hr 15 mins)? Thanks

 

[spiceycat]

one near Tampa - so Clearwater or that island

st peterburg is there too

 

[infopurposesonly]

Depending on traffic, it usually takes me close to an hour and a half to get to Clearwater Beach. Very nice beach, plenty of places to eat within walking distance, playground, lots of activities like jet-skiing, pirate cruise, etc. My favorite "quiet" beach is North Beach in Ft Desoto Park, at the very tip of St. Petersburg. There are life guards, facilities, and some food, but not a lot of activity. Very pretty and unspoiled!

 

[Comeundone87]

I've been to Coco beach (Atlantic), Clearwater (Gulf) & Treasure Island (Gulf) and I would recommend Treasure Island hands down. Clearwater was nice but very busy area (lots of businesses and lots of traffic). I don't remember how long it took to get to anywhere but probably no more than 1.5 hours. It took FOREVER to get back from Treasure Island only because we were stupid and left at 4:30 - right at rush hour in Tampa! Now we know better.

 

[newfiegirl]

would there be a closer beach that 1.5 hours from orlando?

 

[atwmommy]

Do these beaches have public showers?

 

[DisneyF4]

would there be a closer beach that 1.5 hours from orlando?

Nope. You're dead center of Central FL, so your closest two beaches are either Cocoa Beach (which is my personal preference, BTW) or Clearwater. There are showers outside at both locations for rinsing off.

 

[newfiegirl]

about how long a drive from davenport to cocoa beach?

 

[Detailor]

about how long a drive from davenport to cocoa beach?

It's likely an hour fifteen to an hour thirty from where you'll be in Davenport (assuming one of the rental developments off Route 27) to either Cocoa Beach or Clearwater Beach. So, if you're intent on a beach day it's a toss-up unless you have a specific type of beach day in mind.

Cocoa Beach is on the east coast of Florida on the Atlantic while Clearwater Beach is on the west side on the Gulf of Mexico. Expect fine sandy beaches and relatively calm, warm water on the Gulf side while the sandy on the Atlantic side is generally grittier and the water cooler but the wave action can be pretty neat to see.

Personally, I'm with infopurposesonly - my favorite beach in that area of the state is at Fort DeSoto Park. Expect that trip to take an hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Dick Taylor

 

[spiceycat]

now disagree slightly - you are at exit 55 so only 55 miles to tampa (pretty sure) - so would say an 1 hour to clearwater from Davenport

maybe an hour and half to cocoa beach.

that say Cocoa beach if you are staying - can definitely be cheaper