Beach visit.. worth it?

[ashilda]

Hi all,

We're going mid August 19, planning on just doing universal parks this time (did Disney, SeaWorld, Busch,aquatica, wild Florida last time). Hoping to relax a bit more this time! Thinking of an overnight trip to a beach, I've read up on clearwater, Daytona and cocoa and looks like clearwater best but furthest away. Cocoa looks ok but hotels limited, don't want to pay over £120 really for family of 4.

Have you done a beach trip? If so which beach do you recommend? Did you enjoy it or would you have been just as happy on a fake beach in aquatica or volcano bay? 😂

[tspill]

I would head a wee bit further south to Anna Marie Island. Really nice for a day or two.

[NewtoOrlando]

We've booked a night at the Grand Plaza St Petes beach for next October, I really miss the ocean and waking up to the sound of the waves when in Orlando so we went for a night at the beach over a night at Universal (something we have done on all our previous visits) We flew into Miami last year and stayed at Deerfield Beach and waking up to the sunset was just perfect, I need to do that at least once in my holiday, luckily dh and the kids are in agreement as they love the beach. Personally think it's worth it!

[cornishfrogboy]

I am spoilt for beaches. I live in West Cornwall.

I would be with Tspill and head a little further south. On Anna Maria Island, any of Anna Maria, Holmes or Bradendon beaches are fine. We are trying DeSoto next year.

I have never been a fan of Cocoa Beach. I felt it large, featureless and almost dirty. For me, the Gulf beaches simply have more appeal and better sand.

I have also visited Daytona, which is long, open and very built up behind. For me, whilst it was interesting, as a Beach, again it doesn't compare with the Gulf.

[Cloverlady]

We always try to have at least one night on a beach in Florida per trip, and more if we can manage it.
We've stayed on the Atlantic coast (See sunrise) and Gulf Coast (see sunset) both are beautiful.

We've stayed at various places, FT Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Miami Sunny Isles, Fort Myers, Marco Island and Clearwater. All direct on the beachfront so can walk out onto the sands. Bliss.

Clearwater was our least favourite as it was the busiest, I'd always prefer to travel a little bit further for more peace and quiet
but having said that Clearwater, if you're thinking of there, has a beautiful white beach and they do a sunset festival at Pier 60.

[malt1977]

I’d have never considered factoring in a beach day in Florida, but then one of the luxuries of living in Jersey is plenty of beaches to choose from and they’re only a few minutes away.

As for Florida, I’d say gulf coast would be better, especially to see the sunset.

[swiper]

For a family. Clearwater wins for us. Lots to see and do.
If you stay over the weekend they have film nights at the pier. Everyone is welcome. The Sunset celebration is a nice little area on the pier full of novelty and curious stalls.
Lots of boat trips to choose and a beautiful beach to explore.
Plenty of eating and drinking places to stop and people watch.
Fabulous sunsets to observe sitting having something to eat or drink.
Something for everyone.
Lots of places to stay covering all budgets!

[ashilda]

Thanks for replies, the trouble is dd is travel sick so an hour motorway drive is roughly her max if twisty bendy roads 20 mins or so! The only meds that work for her make her drowsy for hours, we've decided we definitely only want one night away hence us trying to go to nearest beach.
I've read some reviews saying Daytona beach not suitable for kids as it's a party beach so discounted it but surely it wouldn't be like that during the day? Found a nice hotel v cheap and Daytona closest to Florida... I'm tempted to just book and hope for the best!
At least if we went to a beach closer than clearwater dd wouldn't lose half the day to grogginess 😴

Anyone been to Daytona? Just a day for some r&r and to feel the sand beneath our feet, would it be ok? Kids will be 12 & 13.

[cornishfrogboy]

Originally Posted by ashilda

Thanks for replies, the trouble is dd is travel sick so an hour motorway drive is roughly her max if windy rounds 20 mins or so! The only meds that work for her make her drowsy for hours, we've decided we definitely only want one night away hence us trying to go to nearest beach. I've read some reviews saying Daytona beach not suitable for kids as it's a party beach so discounted it but surely it wouldn't be like that during the day? Found a nice hotel v cheap and Daytona close... I'm tempted to just book and hope for the best!
At least if we went to a beach close than clearwater dd wouldn't lose half the day to grogginess 😴

Anyone been to Daytona? Just a day for some r&r, would it be ok? Kids will be 12 & 13.

See more...

I have been to Daytona. It is an easy, straight drive. The area consists of a long, long stone promenade with urban build up behind it. It must be 4 miles long. The beach is uniform and wide with ok sand. There were biggish surf waves when we were there. There is a big Pier at the south end.
I saw no unsociable or unpleasant behaviour at all during daytime, but would imagine that it becomes party central at night, given the number of bars and restaurants along that promenade.

Hope it helps.

[TinselAngel]

Originally Posted by ashilda

Thanks for replies, the trouble is dd is travel sick so an hour motorway drive is roughly her max if windy rounds 20 mins or so! The only meds that work for her make her drowsy for hours, we've decided we definitely only want one night away hence us trying to go to nearest beach. I've read some reviews saying Daytona beach not suitable for kids as it's a party beach so discounted it but surely it wouldn't be like that during the day? Found a nice hotel v cheap and Daytona close... I'm tempted to just book and hope for the best!
At least if we went to a beach close than clearwater dd wouldn't lose half the day to grogginess 😴

Anyone been to Daytona? Just a day for some r&r, would it be ok? Kids will be 12 & 13.

See more...

We did Daytona in 2017. We just wanted to visit somewhere new a bit further north rather than a beach specifically, but we had a pleasant day. The beach itself was fairly quiet when we arrived (late afternoon) having done the speedway tour and lunch before, but it was a pleasant visit and we had some fun playing in the sea. If you’re the kind of beach person that’s looking for a tropical paradise you’ll be disappointed, but if you just want the seasidy feel then it would be fine.