Best beach in Florida
Discussion
I'm taking my wife and child to Florida for 2 weeks later this year.
We're flying to Miami and staying in Orlando for most of the trip but don't have anything booked for the first 3 nights.
Any recommendations for a location and hotel close to a good beach? I had thought of Fort Lauderdale simply because it's close to Miami airport and it's on the road to Orlando.
We're flying to Miami and staying in Orlando for most of the trip but don't have anything booked for the first 3 nights.
Any recommendations for a location and hotel close to a good beach? I had thought of Fort Lauderdale simply because it's close to Miami airport and it's on the road to Orlando.
SwanJack said:
the Gulf coast beaches are far better than the Atlantic ones.
Agreed! The Gulf coast boasts some of the best beach's in the USA. Boca Grande, Siesta Key and Clearwater are good recommendations! The Key's are over-rated in my opinion?! Man made beach's, short, narrow, cramped and rocky!SwanJack said:
The beaches on Sannibel Island are superb, a bit out of the way for three nights though if your travelling from Miami to Orlando. But IMO, the Gulf coast beaches are far better than the Atlantic ones.
Seconded - plus then you can drive West from Miami across the Everglades!
LeoSayer said:
I had thought of Fort Lauderdale simply because it's close to Miami airport and it's on the road to Orlando.
Slightly baffled why you're flying to Miami for an Orlando based holiday - it's a fair old way.Anyway, we escaped from Orlando for a few days and stayed at Pelican hotel in Ft Lauderdale which was very nice. It's on the beach, although as others have said, the gulf cost beaches are better.
Don't speed driving up the Turnpike to Orlando - it's very heavily policed.
LeoSayer said:
I'm taking my wife and child to Florida for 2 weeks later this year.
We're flying to Miami and staying in Orlando for most of the trip but don't have anything booked for the first 3 nights.
Any recommendations for a location and hotel close to a good beach? I had thought of Fort Lauderdale simply because it's close to Miami airport and it's on the road to Orlando.
I've just returned from Orlando & Fort Lauderdale - probably the Gulf Coast beaches are better but it's a fair drive down to the Keys & back up.Pick up your car in Miami, drive 40 mins to Fort Lauderdale, see what rate you can get in advance for the Sheraton Beach Hotel,Fort Lauderdale and relax by their pool & private area of the beach - great location.We're flying to Miami and staying in Orlando for most of the trip but don't have anything booked for the first 3 nights.
Any recommendations for a location and hotel close to a good beach? I had thought of Fort Lauderdale simply because it's close to Miami airport and it's on the road to Orlando.
Also I can highly recommend you book to go for a day at Discovery Cove,Orlando ( approx $130 each, includes breakfast,lunch,all drinks & snacks) and you can relax in beautiful surroundings,man-made beach and lazy river to swim & snorkel (water temp 84 deg ) and kids/adults love it ! (price also includes admission to Seaworld next door and valid for as many visits over 14 days too).If you are going in the summer though, book Discovery Cove well in advance ( max numbers 1000 guests per day) and waiting list at peak times for the days you require can be 2 - 3 months in advance !
Hope this helps.
EnS said:
Discovery Cove,Orlando ( approx $130 each, includes breakfast,lunch,all drinks & snacks) and you can relax in beautiful surroundings,man-made beach and lazy river to swim & snorkel (water temp 84 deg ) and kids/adults love it !
You forgot to mention the main selling point of Discovery Cove - the Dolphin swim!!I really recommend Clearwater Beach on the gulf coast - white floury sand, warm water in the sea and one of the only roundabouts in Florida!
Deva Link said:
Slightly baffled why you're flying to Miami for an Orlando based holiday - it's a fair old way.
Anyway, we escaped from Orlando for a few days and stayed at Pelican hotel in Ft Lauderdale which was very nice. It's on the beach, although as others have said, the gulf cost beaches are better.
Don't speed driving up the Turnpike to Orlando - it's very heavily policed.
Anyway, we escaped from Orlando for a few days and stayed at Pelican hotel in Ft Lauderdale which was very nice. It's on the beach, although as others have said, the gulf cost beaches are better.
Don't speed driving up the Turnpike to Orlando - it's very heavily policed.
Direct flights to Orlando were significantly dearer than Miami at the time we are going.
Thanks for the advice everyone, I've got lots of ideas now.
chopper602 said:
You forgot to mention the main selling point of Discovery Cove - the Dolphin swim!!
I really recommend Clearwater Beach on the gulf coast - white floury sand, warm water in the sea and one of the only roundabouts in Florida!
You're right - the dolphin swim and swimming among stingrays too ! - great place.I really recommend Clearwater Beach on the gulf coast - white floury sand, warm water in the sea and one of the only roundabouts in Florida!
EnS said:
chopper602 said:
You forgot to mention the main selling point of Discovery Cove - the Dolphin swim!!
I really recommend Clearwater Beach on the gulf coast - white floury sand, warm water in the sea and one of the only roundabouts in Florida!
You're right - the dolphin swim and swimming among stingrays too ! - great place.I really recommend Clearwater Beach on the gulf coast - white floury sand, warm water in the sea and one of the only roundabouts in Florida!
Clearwater is fantastic ( I used to stay at the old colonial Clearwater Beach Hotel, sadly no longer with us). Try sunset at Pier 60, plenty of street entertainers.
LeoSayer said:
Direct flights to Orlando were significantly dearer than Miami at the time we are going.
Thanks for the advice everyone, I've got lots of ideas now.
...usually are, but be prepared for the nightmare of immigration at Miami.. 
Best beach? Longboat Key - barrier island off Sarasota.
Don't know why anyone would "recommend" driving across the Everglades though - Alligator Alley is one longggg boringggg roadddd!!!!
I think Longboat Key is a bit crowded and over commercialized to be considered as best beach in FL - just my personal view, as I associate 'best' with uncrowded, less developed etc.
Tamiami Trail is the route of choice to cross the Everglades - so I concur with your observations re: I-75 Alligator Alley.
Tamiami Trail is the route of choice to cross the Everglades - so I concur with your observations re: I-75 Alligator Alley.
Matt Harper said:
I think Longboat Key is a bit crowded and over commercialized to be considered as best beach in FL - just my personal view, as I associate 'best' with uncrowded, less developed etc.
Tamiami Trail is the route of choice to cross the Everglades - so I concur with your observations re: I-75 Alligator Alley.
I understand where you're coming from with your comments since the Key is pretty built up, but I would never have called the actual beach itself either crowded or commercialized....Tamiami Trail is the route of choice to cross the Everglades - so I concur with your observations re: I-75 Alligator Alley.
In our opinion it combines a lovely laid back feel with being close to amenities, but imo they don't spoil the beach...and a view like this every night suits us!!
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