A Beach Suggestion that isn't too far from Disney?? - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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A Beach Suggestion that isn't too far from Disney??
We are going to Disney the first part of May and I would like to take a day and go to the beach. My kiddos haven't seen a Florida beach (we live in Texas) and are looking forward to playing in the white sand! I would love to hear suggestions on family beaches that aren't "too far" from Orlando. I *think* I would prefer the gulf coast. Thanks!!
Thank you, Donald Girl! I think we want to stay on the Gulf side of Florida though. I like the warmer water and the kiddos want to see the *white* Florida beaches!
2 summers ago, we took a day trip to Siesta key Beach in Sarasota, it was a good drive - probably about 1 1/2 hours, but it was WORTH it!!! DH & DD had NEVER been to a gulf coast beach - and having been from New England - it was quite a treat!!!!
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Lisa Co-Guide to Sharing the Adventure: Disney World Trip Reports
Are you thinking about a couple of nights stay or just trying to spend an afternoon? Either coast is about a 90 inute drive. Going to the Atlantic you'll have tolls, going to the Clearwater/St. Pete's area you won't although you'll have to drive through Tampa. If you're thinking of a couple night stay, go for Clearwater/St. Pete's as you'll only have a hlaf hour drive to the Tampa airport to leave.
Are you thinking about a couple of nights stay or just trying to spend an afternoon? Either coast is about a 90 inute drive. Going to the Atlantic you'll have tolls, going to the Clearwater/St. Pete's area you won't although you'll have to drive through Tampa. If you're thinking of a couple night stay, go for Clearwater/St. Pete's as you'll only have a hlaf hour drive to the Tampa airport to leave.
We are actually thinking on staying in Tampa for the first 2 or days of our trip. We are going to go to Busch Gardens one day and then the beach the next day. We head on to Orlando after we are done at the beach on day 2. That is the plan for now anyway!
I grew up in Clearwater and my parents still live there, so of course that's the beach I'd recommend! Actually, when we go to the beach, we go to Sand Key Park. There's more parking and more space and it's quieter. Have fun!
We stayed in St. Pete Beach for a couple of days before our WDW vacay in 2009.
We loved the Gulf Coast. Beautiful beaches. We like the Atlantic side too, and go to Cocoa Beach. I believe it took us under an hour to get from Cocoa Beach to WDW, it is longer to get to the gulf side, but if you plan on staying a couple of days, it won't matter. Love Busch Gardens!
We went to Cocoa Beach last time we were in Orlando. It is only about 50 minutes down Hwy 4 (I think). It is a wonderful beach with a pier that has various activities. It is on the ocean side though but I had no problem with that. It was a kid friendly beach and wasn't too crowded. There was also plenty of parking in a lot with easy access to the beach. Oh yeah, we went the last day of April in 2007.
We loved Cocoa beach so much we made time for a longer stay there this coming April/May.
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