Best beaches near to Disney

[vampiress88]

Went to Clearwater this year.
Was quite good and would like to do beach again.
Where does everyone recommend?
About 2hours drive is enough for us (one way)

[Hank]

Have a look at Anna Maria Island some what different from Clearwater to say the least.

This will give you a lovely beach and show you the reason the Gulf Coast gets better and better the further South you go.

Hank

[DisneyCupcake]

On my recent holiday in Florida News 13 was broadcasting that "Red Tide" was coming back to parts of the Gulf of Mexico beaches - it has been a big problem in the past in certain years. So it might be worth checking the local media closer to your travel next year to make sure where you hope to go isn't affected.

eu.news-press/story/tech...ic/4051932002/

The good news is that it doesn't happen every year.

[mick]

Anna Maria is our beach day trip choice as well. Around 2 hours from where we always stay at Highgate Park. Can be a bit longer if you get caught in "rush hour" traffic in Bradenton (city not beach)

When you arrive at Manatee Beach here just go straight over the lights for free parking. Also shops and toilets there and a trolley stop to catch the free AMI trolley which runs the length of the island.

Mick

[vampiress88]

Originally Posted by mick

Anna Maria is our beach day trip choice as well. Around 2 hours from where we always stay at Highgate Park. Can be a bit longer if you get caught in "rush hour" traffic in Bradenton (city not beach)

When you arrive at Manatee Beach here just go straight over the lights for free parking. Also shops and toilets there and a trolley stop to catch the free AMI trolley which runs the length of the island.

Mick

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I will definitely look at that.

What about the opposite side of Florida like dayatona or
Coco (might have made these up?)

[mick]

Originally Posted by vampiress88

I will definitely look at that.

What about the opposite side of Florida like dayatona or
Coco (might have made these up?)

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I don't keep statistics but a considerable number of Dibbers prefer the Atlantic Coast but we like the Gulf far more. Atlantic side a bit more surf, Gulf calmer. On balance maybe the Gulf has a majority of DIBB support.

We've been to Smyrna a few times when we used to check in early at SFB and drove over to the coast for a couple of hours. Cocoa is near KSC but we haven't been to that beach. Went to Daytona once but more for the novelty of driving on the beach. Also one night at Lauderdale Beach as first stop on a road trip via the Keys.

On the Gulf though in addition to AMI we've stayed at Fort Myers Beach, Longboat Key, St Pete and Sarasota.

Mick

[kellwall]

Great info

[YorkshireT]

Just been to Anna Maria, very nice. Has a bit of character and you can go to Bridge St to the Pier etc.

[alexisemma31]

St Pete Beach and Pass-A-Grille are beautiful beaches too.

[vampiress88]

I want to pick either two or three but not a clue which ones. Only want to go for the day