What Beach to visit?

[Goosieloosie]

We are going to Orlando next May for our very first visit and would like to take a day trip to one of the beaches while we are there, but which is best? We will have 3 kids with us (13, 12 &10), I've heard Clearwater is lovely, but we are clueless really, help!!??:erm:

[robbinsretreat]

Hey Goosie

I really like the gulf coast as it is much calmer and warmer!! the beach I always go to is part of Sand Key park have a look at there website http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/15_Sand_Key.htm

I do like the atlantic coast (Daytona), but i find that the sea is so rough and much cooler (ideal surfing) and you can drive along the beach

Personally with children - Gulf coast

Hope this helps

Phil

[BillyC72]

Can only speak about Clearwater, which was lovely, the water was warm the sand soft and the weather fantastic, also lots of boat trips at the marina to tempt you all, and its an easy drive.

Also lovely seafood at Crabby's

[Hal]

To be honest I don't think its worth trekking all the way to one of the beaches - you can get 99% of the benefits by going to one of the Orlando waterparks. Try Typhoon Lagoon and Aquatica before hand in your trip - if you still want to go to a beach then great, but you might find these a lot more convenient for a relaxing day on the sand and swimming.

[jellie]

If you've travelled all that way I'd definately take time out to see some of the beaches, St Petersburg is lovely, about a 2 hr drive, just a bit further than Clearwater. There seems to be 2 parts to Clearwater, Sand Key park as mentioned in a previous post is metered parking and has restrooms/shower facilities and almost shingly sand, and by the pier has crystal white powder sand. We did find it a bit of a problem to park but eventually found a parking meter with a max stay of 2 hrs. We spent a couple of hrs on both beaches then went to a lovely restaurant at the end of the boardwalk behind the Marriott hotel overlooking the marina. (By Sand Key park)