Which would you do? The Gulf or the Atlantic Ocean?

[Kitty 34]

We want to experience a "real" beach our next trip to WDW so I'm wondering, which coast would you recommend for a couple of nights stay?? (We will have two teenage sons with us)

 

[iluvtig2]

We live on the Atlantic in Ft. Lauderdale, but often find ourselves at the gulf beaches of Clearwater/Tampa/Naples/Captiva & in the panhandle. The water is beautiful and warm. It is much calmer than the Atlantic. Often you can find beautiful sea shells and sand dollars. The sand on some of the beaches is like talcum powder. (Especially up north)

The Atlantic is typical beach, and during the summer often has sea lice. There are some decent waves, though, and the water here is warm, too.

Personal favorite is the gulf.

iluvtig

 

[Kenbar]

Gulf by a mile

Ken

 

[AWW]

Without a doubt, another vote for the gulf. If you want white sand and tropical blue water head for the gulf side. Iwould recommend Siesta Key, Longboat Key or Sanibel-Captiva.

 

[sammi]

There's nothing that compares with the Gulf! It's like heaven on earth with the pure white sands and aqua water!

We've spent time on both sides of Florida but my vote is for the Gulf side! In March we're off for one week at Fort Myers and can't wait!

 

[FLeisure]

It really depends on what you are looking for. Many people favourite side is the gulf because the sea is a lot warmer, the sand is white and generally because they've always gone that way to explore.

The Atlantic has its qualities too, if you are prepared to explore them. The sea is more fun,IMHO, with its larger waves and the sand is like most destinations in Europe.

Both sides are good and we've enjoyed excursions to Daytona, Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano, Miami, Melbourne, Vero just as much as we have Clearwater/ Indian Rocks area, Captiva, Marco, Sarasota, etc.

Why not do both ? You can be at Clearwater in 90 mins from the Disney area and about 70 minutes will get you to the other coast to explore Daytona/ Cocoa. Have the best of both worlds !

 

[chucked]

I'm a big fan of the East coast. With 2 teenage boys, I would say that they would enjoy the sights and sounds of Daytona. To me, the gulf coast is like a big lake. The East coast is the ocean, complete with waves to jump over, or body surf down. I love the sound of the waves crashing and watching the cars and people on the beach is an all day parade.

 

[baileybrad]

The south end of the Daytona Beach area. The Sun Viking Lodge and Tropical Manor Motel are both great.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Being a native Floridian, and having been to many beaches, the Gulf is by far the nicest, prettiest, whitest powder sand. St Pete Beach is gorgeous, about 1 1/2 hours from WDW. Daytona area used to be the spring break area-very touristy. Now Panama City(Gulf) is that destination. It depends on what you want from the beach. The Atlantic side seems "darker" with respect to the water and sand, but the waves are bigger. Gulf has clear water that I can actually SEE any sea creatures that might be approaching(stingrays were easy to spot and we moved). Lots of shells at St Pete Beach too ! Read this:
http://family.go.com/travel/places/expert/dony0401beach_ft/dony0401beach_ft.html
It depends on what you want out of the beach. Either will be great in the long run, but different experiences.

 

[Tom'sdad]

THE GULF!!!!!!

 

[sammi]

LOL We just received word that our next trip (March/April 2003) will have the best of both coasts! First week:Cocoa Beach Second week:Fort Myers and Third week:Orlando! We've never been to Fort Myers or Cocoa Beach but both sides will be lovely I'm sure!

 

[Russell]

The Gulf of Mexico! I just returned and I'm wishing I was there now! No contest between the two if I have a choice.

 

[Kitty 34]

I'm enjoying all the replies. Thankyou!


I had to chuckle tho cause just today I ask my boss which coast she likes as she goes to Florida every year. I told her I had heard there was a difference between the two (thanks to all your replies!! ), She thought for a minute and said she thought they were just the same!! Go figure!!!