Which beach/coast for 1 day?

[Barnsey]

Hey everyone,

We're planning to spend a day of our short week in Orlando at a beach, any recommendations for somewhere quiet and just really really nice. I don't mind driving a couple hours to get there.

Thanks!

Andy

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi,

West coast beaches are further but much much nicer, pure white sand.

Can recommend Clearwater and St.Petes, just under a 2 hour drive away.

 

[UKDEB]

West coast beaches are further but much much nicer, pure white sand

And the sea's warmer being on the Gulf Coast rather than the Atlantic.

 

[paulh]

would say clearwater nice beach,and an easy run from disney.Were doing the sea screamer in august
Paulh

 

[dbriggsq]

If you like somewhere nice and quiet try Anna Maria Island just north of Sarasota - some really lovely beaches, white sand and clear blue sea (lots of dolphin sightings). It's about a 2 hour drive.

 

[tashasmum]

depends on what you want. the West Coast has Cleaner Beaches and Pure White Sand. The East Coach has great waves

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Clearwater Beach is fantastic - very wide and an easy 2 hour drive

My personal Favourite is Lido Key at Sarasota with the beautiful St armands circle a short stroll away with lovely shops, cafes and more importantly fabulous ice creams parlours!!!

But wherever you decide, I would say West Coast definitely!!

 

[Barnsey]

Many thanks everyone, I think we'll try Anna Maria Island out or perhaps Lido Key

 

[tony64]

Another vote for Anna Maria, It's our Favourite place, We would move there tomorrow if we could.

 

[castanea1985]

Andy,

There are a few beaches, around Clearwater, which are voted America's number 1 and 2 beaches.
Caldesi Island can only be reached by ferry, (north of Clearwater) and has a 'castaway' feel to it. It is ideal for swimming, shelling, picnics. It is beautiful!
Fort De Soto Park is south of Clearwater, and is a large country park. It has seven miles of beaches, boat docks, camp grounds, fishing piers and nature trail.
Easy to get to, follow I4, then follow the 60 to Clearwater!

http://floridasbeach.com/topbeaches/index.php

You could always eat at Frenchy's after your day on the beach!

http://www.frenchysonline.com/

Hope this helps!
Tracy

 

[Graeme]

We've driven out to the coast looking for beaches and been quite disappointed. Tried Daytona, Clearwater, St Petes and New Smyrna Beach.

The exception was Vero Beach when we drove to the Disney Hotel there, Disney's Vero Beach Resort. We had a few hours on their deserted beach, (with lifeguards), then a great lunch in one of the hotel restaurants. Only regret was that we didn't book a room for the night but I would next time. I think it was about a 1-2 hour drive from Orlando.

 

[Simbee3]

I would say, anywhere on the west coast. We really enjoy the Siesta Key beach. Beautiful white powder sand that doesn't stick to you in any way. It comes right off, so that means no bringing it back to the hotel with you. Gotta love that.

 

[castanea1985]

We've driven out to the coast looking for beaches and been quite disappointed. Tried Daytona, Clearwater, St Petes and New Smyrna Beach.

The exception was Vero Beach when we drove to the Disney Hotel there, Disney's Vero Beach Resort. We had a few hours on their deserted beach, (with lifeguards), then a great lunch in one of the hotel restaurants. Only regret was that we didn't book a room for the night but I would next time. I think it was about a 1-2 hour drive from Orlando.

Take a look at these Graeme..

http://americasno1beach.com/

 

[Barnsey]

Many thanks to all your beach fav recs, so much choice

 

[Booknut]

If you like somewhere nice and quiet try Anna Maria Island just north of Sarasota - some really lovely beaches, white sand and clear blue sea (lots of dolphin sightings). It's about a 2 hour drive.

Totally agree, Anna Maria Island is beautiful, just near Bradenton, quiet beach, lovely warm water and soft sand, its paradise!!!