The Beaches...

[bubble88]

Hi there,

Im going to Orlando on the 12th of sept for 2 weeks i'd like to go to the beach one day. In your opion's what beach is the best. My ideal beach is calm waters, that are crystal clear. No blinky jellyfish or sting rays lol White sand and plenty of sun, but just to be picky shade too be it from a rented brolly...
If possible could you give rough travel times from a car ...

Hope you can help me its all so confusing Laura

[Val]

Hello,

Personally we usually pop across to Clearwater beach or St.Petes. Another nice day out is to any of the beaches off Longboat Key and travel down over Gulfport for some spectaular views.

Enjoy your holiday.

Val

[Bookworm]

I would second what Val says about Clearwater - it's stunning!

Joanne

[becbecs]

Gulf Coast beeches a fabulous.

May be a little to far for a day out but the beeches on the Key's just off Sarasota are wonderful.

Can't comment on the Atlantic Beeches as never been but i'm sure there wonderful with some of the comments I have read on other threads

[Susan J]

For a day, you could go to the 'surf side' of Cocoa Beach or on the calmer gulf side, to my favourite, Clearwater- there are some lovely beaches further afield also, but for a day, you cannot beat Clearwater. Nice restaurants also are abound. And if you want to push the boat out, I suggest any of the restaurants at the Sandpearl Hotel [lovely place].
THe gulf waters are in the 80's in September and there is plenty going on. Clearwater has a new 'boardwalk' also making lots of places accessible from the beach. You will have a lovely time- enjoy!

[Magical Dreams]

We love the beaches on both coast in Florida.

Cocoa / Melbourne beach are within easy access and you are there in just over an hour from Kissimmee.

The beaches on the Gulf Coast are quite a bit further but worth the drive.

Plenty to choose from which ever way you go.

I posted some photo's from Englewood Beach from Friday. (Gulf Coast)
Lovely Boardwalk and great beach! Red Hot too.

[SteveandJan]

We love St Petes

[Nielsen]

Laura,

For what you are looking for I would go for the beaches around Clearwater.
They are easyly done in a day. Set out fairly early, spend the whole day and maybe have dinner there before returning home. Thats what we normally do. A full day out and the kids sleep in the car on the return journey.

Enjoy,

TOM

[abbeyvillas]

Both the East coast and West coast beaches are within easy reach if you are staying in a villa in Central Florida ( about 45-60 mins drive ). It's a full day out but we've gone for the day before, you just need to set off early morning. Cocoa and Daytona beaches (you can drive on the sand there) are both good, the gulf coast beaches are fab and worth the extra drive. If you want shade, you can rent the cabanas at most beaches

Pam

[UK Jane]

Hi Laura

Our vote would be for Sand Key Park, just south of Clearwater beach on the Gulf coast.

It is nicely laid out with proper changing / shower & toilet facilities.

It has life guard patrol at busy times, and beach guards who police the no alcohol rule on the beach.

Large wide beach, just right for beach games of footie and frisbee, and warm waters where if you are lucky you may spot dolphins off shore following the wake of the "Screamer" boat.

In the surrounding grounds of Sand Key Park, are plenty of parking spaces, a small childrens playground area and plenty of places with free BBQ facilities provided where you can cook up a great lunch or dinner.

Enjoy.

Jane