Beaches

NorCalMrs.

Let's say DH and I wanted to go the beach to hang out, read, and relax.  What beaches are good for that?  I'm not huge on tourist destinations, but I'm willing to go if those are the only cool beaches.  I've heard the gulf side has the better water, but we don't go in the water really, and are closer to the ocean. 

Diane_BN

Well, I'm biased because I grew up on the Gulf Coast, and I know those beaches better than the ones on the Atlantic, but my favorite beach is by far Fort DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg. It's a state park, instead of a regular beach, so there are no hotels or condos or bars on the beach, just real, natural Florida beaches. (Although there are decent restrooms, picnic pavilions and camp grounds, so it's not like you're on a deserted island. LOL)

As far as the east coast goes, I think I tend to find Cocoa and New Smyrna a little more relaxed than Daytona, but I haven't been to any of them enough times to consider myself an expert, so I totally defer to the expertise of the east-coast nesties. 

HTH!

prettypiphi

Our favorite is New Smyrna.  We go to Sand Dunes Park; it's a long walk to the beach but definitely worth it!  There are hardly any people on the beach so it's much more relaxing and clean than Daytona.  Lighthouse Park in New Smyrna wins awards for the best beach in the U.S. constantly but we have never actually been there because it's an extra 15 minute drive.

smilejenn

I love the beaches on the Gulf side, and as far as the water color goes, I adore Fort Lauderdale (although that's a long drive!). But if all we want is a couple hours at the beach, we head to Cocoa. We live over by the airport, so it's only a 30 minute drive. When the beach excursion is a short one, closer is definitely better!

062307Bride

I'm going to Clearwater this weekend, so I can let you know how that one is :-) (I've never been there!)

Pammmies

I love Clearwater, but I haven't been to any other beaches on the West Coast to compare it to. As for the East Coast, I like New Smyrna,  and if you are willing to drive, you can head South to my old high school stomping grounds of Ft. Lauderdale beach

The countdown is on until we have a pool, so we can have a pool partay!!!

mgehm

My favorite is Siesta Key Beach on the West Coast

prettypiphi

On the west coast nothing beats the Sanibel/Captiva Islands off Fort Myers.  The sand is sugar soft like in the Caribbean and the water is crystal clear.

Sand Key in Clearwater is also nice but the time we went red tide was off-shore which equals hundreds of dead sea creatures on the beach  (yuck!)

MissAutumn

My favorite beaches are Siesta Key, Anna Marie Island and I have to go to the east coast.... i would say new symerna just because you can take your car on the beach and it isnt as busy as D. Beach.

 

smilejenn

prettypiphi:

On the west coast nothing beats the Sanibel/Captiva Islands off Fort Myers.  The sand is sugar soft like in the Caribbean and the water is crystal clear.

 

I second this recommendation. Captiva Island is absolutely beautiful and a great spot for a weekend getaway. Unfortunately, depending where you live in Central Florida, it's probably a 3.5 hour drive away...which makes it a bit too far away for a day trip. But it's definitely a place you want to visit sometime.

jessiejay10

I agree that the West Coast beaches are my favorites in the state.  However, I don't like to drive that far just for a day trip.  I think the best beach nearby Orlando is Playalinda Beach past Titusville.  It's in a state park so there are no hotels, buildings, cars, etc.  It's really beautiful and definitely the prettiest beach I've seen on the east coast.  DH and I like to pack a lunch, take our beach chairs and drive over at least once a month just to get some sun and some quiet.

Oh and don't worry, it's NOT a nude beach...well not completely, I think some "free spirits" (aka naked old guys) hang out at the very last few parking areas.  If you stick towards the first 5-8 areas, you're eyes will be safe

KAandJJ

I can only speak for the East Coast Beaches. I am all about NSB (New Smyerna Beach). My husband and I are actually leaving Friday to spend a relaxing weekend at the beach!

cmp03

I generally goto Cocoa Beach b/c its the closest to my house (well, I want to try playalinda beach since I think thats actually closer but have not yet).

If I goto Cocoa I goto Lori Wilson park since you can park for free there and they have showers and bathrooms. 

I also goto Jetty Park (a tad closer then Lori Wilson Park) but its like $7 or $8 a car to park.

 I grew up going to New Symerna and Daytona but I lived in Seminole County so they were closer, I have nothing against them, I just like driving less!

StingShark425

I would have to agree w/ everyone else about West Coast beaches. BUT! Sebastian Inlet  has great beaches. I guess its actually just Sebastian, but the inlet is right there. DH and I spend a TON of time in Sebastian. There are places you can pull off the side of the road, walk up a little path and the beach is right there.. The water is gorgeous, and the sand is really soft. There are also alot of shells there right after a storm. Sebastian is my second fave beach- Clearwater would be my first I guess. DH & I spend alot of time fishing and all over both coasts. I went to Anna Maria island for the first time about 3 week ago. The beach we went to was kinda of strange, there were no swimming signs posted all down the beach -but this was just where we were- there are other beaches. We were right by the inlet because we were fishing. I also adore Boca Grande- touristy, and some what crowded but we like it.