Closest Gulf Coast Beach

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We've been to several beaches and find the gulf coast far superior to the ocean beaches.
The problem is that all of the decent beaches seem to be 2 hours or more.
Clearwater Beach is by far the best, but taking I275 can be a horror. It's under construction almost the entire way and it goes right through the middle of Tampa. There are cars exiting and entering on both the left and right and the traffic can be bumper to bumper stop and go for miles.
All the beaches south of Clearwater are nice. We've been to Madiera, Redington, Bellaire, Indian Rocks and the others. They are all pretty much the same but don't compare to Clearwater. There is a reason that it was voted the best beach in Florida.

But, all of those beaches are at least two hours drive. Is there anything north of Tarpon Springs that is a decent beach?

We went to Fort Island Park and it was a waste of time. Terrible brown water. I was told that Cedar Key beach was only 45 minutes but it took us over 2 hours to get there and it was a major disappointment.

We would happily settle for something that is of less quality that Clearwater Beach (then again, what isn't) that is an hour or so from The Villages.

All suggestions would be appreciated.

[CFrance]

I am map-stupid about Florida's geography. However, my hairdresser raved about Fred Howard Park. (Tarpon Springs area?) She said it's beautiful, has shade available on the beach itself from palms, has picnic areas. She said they arrange to arrive around 1:00, and the place is emptying out from the early morning beach goers. They can sit in the shade on the beach if they want and stay all afternoon in relative peace and quiet.

I have never been there, but it might be worth googling.

[Villager Joyce]

Dr B, I think you answered your own question. Go to Clearwater. There is not a comparable. I've learned to love Cocoa, but it isn't Clearwater. It's like comparing TheVillages to Top of the World? If you can't have the real thing, don't bother.

[HimandMe]

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Dr B, I think you answered your own question. Go to Clearwater. There is not a comparable. I've learned to love Cocoa, but it isn't Clearwater. It's like comparing TheVillages to Top of the World? If you can't have the real thing, don't bother.

I'm willing to settle for a little less quality for a shorter drive. If I could find something within an hour or so, we'd probably go there more often and go to Clearwater a few times a year. Last time we went to Clearwater it took us four hours to get home. Traffic on 275 was ridiculous.

[TheVillageChicken]

Hudson Beach (Robert J. Strickland Beach)...small but nice. Water quality varies, currently good (http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/county-detail.html?County=Pasco&Zip=34667)

[bkcunningham1]

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

Have you been to any of the beaches on Lake Weir? Carney Island is really nice.


Marion County, FL : Park directory (http://www.marioncountyfl.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/24/663)

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

Be nice if they could get salt water and then keep the alligators and poisonous snakes out. I'm very leery about swimming in lakes in Florida.

[Villager Joyce]

Hudson has a live webcam. I tried to copy the site, but it didn't work. It is a foxnews channel site.

[Villager Joyce]

Fort island gulf beach state park off 44. Bocc.citrus.fl.us.

[John_W]

I don't know exactly where the I-75 construction begins, but starting with Route 50 (Brooksville exit), there is also Route 52 and Route 54. All east-west roads that will take you west to Suncoast Parkway. That parallels Hwy 19 southbound and then you can exit at Courtney Campbell Blvd (Hwy 60) and that takes you right to Clearwater Beach.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I don't know exactly where the I-75 construction begins, but starting with Route 50 (Brooksville exit), there is also Route 52 and Route 54. All east-west roads that will take you west to Suncoast Parkway. That parallels Hwy 19 southbound and then you can exit at Courtney Campbell Blvd (Hwy 60) and that takes you right to Clearwater Beach.

Thanks, that might be very helpful. I-75 is under construction but I've had a major problems there. It's I-275 that is the big problem. I might not even mind a two hour drive as long as I know it's not going to turn into three or four hours.

[Villager Joyce]

Dr B, thanks for asking this question. We have company coming in a couple of weeks and we hadn't planned anything. Think we are going to ft island. About an hour drive.

[Polar Bear]

I'm willing to settle for a little less quality for a shorter drive. If I could find something within an hour or so, we'd probably go there more often and go to Clearwater a few times a year. Last time we went to Clearwater it took us four hours to get home. Traffic on 275 was ridiculous.
Clearwater Beach is excellent. But if you're not lucky, the drive back to TV can be a problem. If you are lucky, the drive is ~2 hours. If you're not lucky, all bets are off. Problem is, I'm not aware of any Gulf Coast beaches that are closer that are even near the quality of Clearwater Beach.

I'm no Florida beach expert, but I really can't think of any beaches between Pinellas County (Clearwater area) and the Panhandle. Cedar Key is nice place to visit, but it's not really a beach at all, just kind of a pleasant seaside community about 2 hours west of TV.

[JGVillages]

Siesta Ket Beach just south of Sarasota is spectacular. It may be a bit over two hours but the firm white sand at the water is great for walking and biking. Make a day of it and hit St Armands Circle in nearby Sarasota for some great shops and restaurants.

[DougB]

Although not on the gulf, try Playalinda Beach on the Canaveral Seashore. It may be just the beach for you.

[Villager Joyce]

Although not on the gulf, try Playalinda Beach on the Canaveral Seashore. It may be just the beach for you.

Is it still nude? Do people want to see nude senior citizens? Yikes. :clap2:

[OpusX1]

Howard Park in Tarpon Springs is the closest. A little farther South is Caladesi State Park in Dunedin. Spectacular! It can only be reached by ferry and reservations must be made.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Caladesi-Island

We take 75 to 50 west to 19 south to alt. 19. Gets you to both Howard Park and Dunedin. You miss the Tampa traffic.

There are no beachs worth going to North of Tarpon Springs in our opinion, until you get around the big bend.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Dr B, thanks for asking this question. We have company coming in a couple of weeks and we hadn't planned anything. Think we are going to ft island. About an hour drive.

Maybe you'll like it, but we were very disappointed in Ft Island Beach. Let us know what you think.

[jnieman]

Anna Maria Island is about 2 hrs 17 minutes from here and you can avoid Tampa and take I-75 most of the way there. There are tons of white sandy public beaches. It is gorgeous there.

[dotti105]

Winston, If you head to the Clearwater area or further south, I highly recommend that you take 289. It is a new hwy that you can get to from I-75, via 52 or 54. YOU MISS ALL OF THE TAMPA CONSTRUCTION AND I-4,I-75 TRAFFIC!!!!

It brings you out by the Tampa Int'l Airport at the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Shaves 30 min + off of the drive and it has little traffic. Check the Maps. It starts by the airport as "Veterans Memorial Hwy" but he name changes as it heads north. If you take it from Tampa past the 52 or 54 turn offs you end up in Brooksville.

Give it a try! We make the drive more often than we would like, not to visit the fabulous beaches but to visit my 90 yr ol Mom on Clearwater Beach. Gotta leave early enough one of these days to sneak in a walk along the water.......

[Polar Bear]

Anna Maria Island is about 2 hrs 17 minutes from here and you can avoid Tampa and take I-75 most of the way there. There are tons of white sandy public beaches. It is gorgeous there.
Agree that Anna Maria Island is a very nice beach. Although the drive time sounds a bit optimistic to me. :)

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Winston, If you head to the Clearwater area or further south, I highly recommend that you take 289. It is a new hwy that you can get to from I-75, via 52 or 54. YOU MISS ALL OF THE TAMPA CONSTRUCTION AND I-4,I-75 TRAFFIC!!!!

It brings you out by the Tampa Int'l Airport at the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Shaves 30 min + off of the drive and it has little traffic. Check the Maps. It starts by the airport as "Veterans Memorial Hwy" but he name changes as it heads north. If you take it from Tampa past the 52 or 54 turn offs you end up in Brooksville.

Give it a try! We make the drive more often than we would like, not to visit the fabulous beaches but to visit my 90 yr ol Mom on Clearwater Beach. Gotta leave early enough one of these days to sneak in a walk along the water.......

Do I pick up 289 off of 75? if so where abouts?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Siesta Ket Beach just south of Sarasota is spectacular. It may be a bit over two hours but the firm white sand at the water is great for walking and biking. Make a day of it and hit St Armands Circle in nearby Sarasota for some great shops and restaurants.

I used to live about two miles from Siesta Key Beach and I agree. It is spectacular. But I seriously doubt that I would get there in 2 hours and 17 minutes. Maybe if there is zero traffic and I catch every light.

[villagetinker]

OP,
I took a look at Google maps, and you can take 60 to 589 to 580 to 92/75 and completely avoid 275, which I agree is a disaster.

[outlaw]

How about Pine Island? Google map has several pictures of it. I think it is about 1 1/2 hours from here.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

OP,
I took a look at Google maps, and you can take 60 to 589 to 580 to 92/75 and completely avoid 275, which I agree is a disaster.

Where would I get on route 60?

It looks like I can take 75 to 93 to 580 then 589 to 60. That would avoid the traffic but am I then taking a bunch of 35 mph roads and turning it into a 3 hour trip?

[Ecuadog]

Dr B, thanks for asking this question. We have company coming in a couple of weeks and we hadn't planned anything. Think we are going to ft island. About an hour drive.

If you do decide to go to Fort Island Beach Park in Crystal River, they have a fishing pier there. I saw a guy hook and lose a big tarpon there. It jumped out of the water twice before breaking the line... very impressive. There's a bait shop on the road to the park. Besides the man-made beach, there's also a boat launching ramp, some picnic tables and restrooms. When we were there, the mosquitoes got my wife on the boardwalk between the beach and the fishing pier.

[John_W]

Do I pick up 289 off of 75? if so where abouts?

Doc, it's the same road I mentioned to use in post #11 except I used the name Suncoast Parkway. The other poster is using the number instead of the name but has the wrong number, it's 589. Same directions I gave you before. Take I-75 as far as as you can before hitting construction and then go west on either 50 (Brooksville exit), or 52, or 54. Then hit Suncoast Parkway (589) and go south until you reach Courtney Campbell Causeway (Hwy 60), go west until you see the water and you'll be on Clearwater Beach.

[beachx4me]

It isn't on the Gulf side, but New Smyrna beach is about 1.5 hours away. If you go 42 through the Ocala National Forest to 44, it takes you right on through for the most part.

[dotti105]

Yep, John has it right!

Coming from The Villages, we usually take I-75 to 52 (dade city exit?) go west until you hit 589 south bound.

589 changes names several times. (Veterans memorial, Suncoast, Citrus highway) Just to make it more challenging I guess.

You can get off I-75 on 50, 52 or 54 to go west to 589 , but the northern most options help you avoid construction on I-75.

When you get to Tampa Internationsl, you exit onto Hwy 60 to Clearwater via the Courtney Campbell causeway.

Using GPS( google maps or Apple maps) it doesn't look much faster. But due to the construction EVERYWHERE it really does save time. If you look at the big picture on paper map or MapQuest you will see the east/ west connectors easily.

[jblum315]

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

Yes, but it would come with alligators in the water!

[kcrazorbackfan]

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

Uh-oh. Watch out for the "I want an indoor pool" people. :rant-rave:

[DeanFL]

A wild thought here. I always say that TV would be PERFECT if we had an ocean beach very close (and perhaps a mountain...).

We could all take matters into our own hands for the saltwater beach.

Looks as if we are about 40 miles (as crow flies) from Crystal River/gulf beach. And 70 miles from New Smyrna Beach.

TV has about 110,000 residents. Subtract about 25% that are Snowbirds and gone now. So we're down to 82,500. Able bodied folks, perhaps 80%, down to 66,000. Minus folks who hate the idea of some exercise, 10%, down to 59,400. Minus those who are out of town/traveling etc = 10%, down to 53,460. Round that all down to 50,000 TV folks.

OK, we each bring a bucket and shovel. Assign an area for each of the 50K of us along the route. We each dig a 1' wide by 1' deep hole. And each of us makes our dig 4.1 feet long. If all 50K of us makes our own 4' long dig from Crystal River area to TV... we have our man-made canal bringing Gulf sea water to us. And for the Pacific Ocean side, each of our digs would need to be about 7.3 feet long.

Next we have a nice large lake built in TV connecting the new east and west saltwater canals and viola, we have our own beaches. No big waves for surfing but,...

When that's done, we all tackle that mountain to make.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A wild thought here. I always say that TV would be PERFECT if we had an ocean beach very close (and perhaps a mountain...).

We could all take matters into our own hands for the saltwater beach.

Looks as if we are about 40 miles (as crow flies) from Crystal River/gulf beach. And 70 miles from New Smyrna Beach.

TV has about 110,000 residents. Subtract about 25% that are Snowbirds and gone now. So we're down to 82,500. Able bodied folks, perhaps 80%, down to 66,000. Minus folks who hate the idea of some exercise, 10%, down to 59,400. Minus those who are out of town/traveling etc = 10%, down to 53,460. Round that all down to 50,000 TV folks.

OK, we each bring a bucket and shovel. Assign an area for each of the 50K of us along the route. We each dig a 1' wide by 1' deep hole. And each of us makes our dig 4.1 feet long. If all 50K of us makes our own 4' long dig from Crystal River area to TV... we have our man-made canal bringing Gulf sea water to us. And for the Pacific Ocean side, each of our digs would need to be about 7.3 feet long.

Next we have a nice large lake built in TV connecting the new east and west saltwater canals and viola, we have our own beaches. No big waves for surfing but,...

When that's done, we all tackle that mountain to make.

I think something along those lines was done down in Panama a few years back. I wonder how they dealt with the elevation changes.

I would guess that at some points the "canal" would have to be a lot deeper than 1'. Water won't flow uphill.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

It isn't on the Gulf side, but New Smyrna beach is about 1.5 hours away. If you go 42 through the Ocala National Forest to 44, it takes you right on through for the most part.

Been there. It can be difficult to get onto the beach. And the beach itself is mediocre compared to the gulf beaches.

[beachx4me]

I always go to the end of the street through their little "Main Street" area and you can drive right on, park your car and set up right behind it if you want. It may not be as beautiful as the other coast, but it is sand on my toes!

[LndLocked]

Is it still nude? Do people want to see nude senior citizens? Yikes. :clap2:

only unofficially .... and on the FAR northern end ..... as in you have to park at the last lot and walk north on the beach for a mile or so.

I know this only because I have been told so. :icon_wink:

[LndLocked]

A wild thought here. I always say that TV would be PERFECT if we had an ocean beach very close (and perhaps a mountain...).

We could all take matters into our own hands for the saltwater beach.

Looks as if we are about 40 miles (as crow flies) from Crystal River/gulf beach. And 70 miles from New Smyrna Beach.

TV has about 110,000 residents. Subtract about 25% that are Snowbirds and gone now. So we're down to 82,500. Able bodied folks, perhaps 80%, down to 66,000. Minus folks who hate the idea of some exercise, 10%, down to 59,400. Minus those who are out of town/traveling etc = 10%, down to 53,460. Round that all down to 50,000 TV folks.

OK, we each bring a bucket and shovel. Assign an area for each of the 50K of us along the route. We each dig a 1' wide by 1' deep hole. And each of us makes our dig 4.1 feet long. If all 50K of us makes our own 4' long dig from Crystal River area to TV... we have our man-made canal bringing Gulf sea water to us. And for the Pacific Ocean side, each of our digs would need to be about 7.3 feet long.

Next we have a nice large lake built in TV connecting the new east and west saltwater canals and viola, we have our own beaches. No big waves for surfing but,...

When that's done, we all tackle that mountain to make.

- Ever heard of the Cross Florida Barge Canal?

- It would take a LOT more than 7.3 feet per resident to get from the Pacific Ocean to TV :)

[DeanFL]

- Ever heard of the Cross Florida Barge Canal?

- It would take a LOT more than 7.3 feet per resident to get from the Pacific Ocean to TV :)



Actually hope the ToTV folks know...I was just kidding...

Also, per google = New Smyrna is about 75 miles from TV, I used 70 miles for 'the canal'. 70 mi x 5,280 = 370,000 feet. Divided by 50,000 people, 7.4' each.

All for fun...unless we can get government funding.

[LndLocked]

Actually hope the ToTV folks know...I was just kidding...

Also, per google = New Smyrna is about 75 miles from TV, I used 70 miles for 'the canal'. 70 mi x 5,280 = 370,000 feet. Divided by 50,000 people, 7.4' each.

All for fun...unless we can get government funding.

That would be the ATLANTIC ocean

[jnieman]

Agree that Anna Maria Island is a very nice beach. Although the drive time sounds a bit optimistic to me. :)

I did a mapquest for it, so depending on traffic stops that should be accurate.

[Vladimir]

Dr B thanks for asking this question and I agree with many of your impressions and of the beaches mentioned.
Howard beach park is OK if you just want to sit and relax by a palm tree but the water is full of seaweed and not enjoyable. Smyrna beach is too far and its shark waters. The other beaches mentioned are just too far. I like Cocoa beach on the Atlantic especially since its a straight highway ride with little traffic and easy to get to (Alan Shepard park next to Ron Jons).
Clearwater beach (Sand key park area) is beautiful and more peaceful than the Pier 60 area. The only problem is the traffic and getting there. I am going to try the directions given by dotti105 and JonhW since 275 through Tampa is such a mess. I will time it and see if I can get there in 1 and 1/2 hours using this new route.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I always go to the end of the street through their little "Main Street" area and you can drive right on, park your car and set up right behind it if you want. It may not be as beautiful as the other coast, but it is sand on my toes!

Last time we went, the beach was "full" and they weren't letting anymore cars on. We had to wait in line in our car until people left.

There are several access points but you have to know where you're going to find them. And after all that, the beach was disappointing.

[dotti105]

Besides 589 to bypass Tampa construction..... the REAL SECRET to getting to Clearwater Beach, Bellaire Beach or Sand Key is to take hwy 60 across the Courtney Campbell Causeway, but once on the Clearwater side, don't continue on Hwy 60.

Instead, turn south on Hwy 19 and go a couple of miles south until you reach East Bay Drive (Hwy 686). Take East Bay west and you will arrive on Bellaire Beach.

The will be no bumper to bumper traffic like there is in downtown Clearwater getting to Clearwater Beach on Hwy 60 (Gulf to Bay Blvd). We drive that way when we go on the weekends and never go through downtown Clearwater.

Since the Scientologists took over downtown Clearwater in the 80's it has never been the same. With so much property "church owned" the tax base has been flat and traffic improvements have been very slow. If you compare downtown Clearwater to downtown Dunedin or downtown Largo you will see what I mean. But I digress...

Just take East Bay Drive over to the beaches and then you can head north to Clearwater beach or south to Indian Rocks and on to Madiera Beach. Once you are on the beaches it is a barrier island with 20-30 miles of great beaches.

[NECHFalcon68]

It may not be as beautiful as the other coast, but it is sand on my toes!

Or you can just take off your shoes next time you hit a fairway bunker....

[dbussone]

There's another thread about an experience someone had when they were in sand without shoes. I'll keep mine on thank you.

[lanemb]

I vote for Holmes Beach on Anna Maria island. They have a public beach with restrooms, grill and an outside bar for drinks. They also have a trolly for free that runs up and down the island if you want some other entertainment. We dropped the wives off to tan and rode the trolly to the pier to see how the fishing was going.

[SyrNancy]

We like New Smyrna, but using 42 to 44 can never get there in under 2 hrs.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I vote for Holmes Beach on Anna Maria island. They have a public beach with restrooms, grill and an outside bar for drinks. They also have a trolly for free that runs up and down the island if you want some other entertainment. We dropped the wives off to tan and rode the trolly to the pier to see how the fishing was going.

Yes, Anna Maria Island and Siesta Key beach in Sarasota are very nice, but I'm looking for a place that is less than two hours away and is a quality beach for day trips.

It's got to be at least 2-1/2 hours to Anna Maria.

[Philip Winkler]

Clearwater Beach--Sand Key Island

[justjim]

I haven't read all the posts in this Thread but you might want to consider the Atlantic. Our grandkids love Cocoa Beach (some real waves) and its a large clean beach with lifeguards and 2 hour drive from The Villages. Just a thought.......oh, good restaurants and watering holes too.

[Vladimir]

I don't know exactly where the I-75 construction begins, but starting with Route 50 (Brooksville exit), there is also Route 52 and Route 54. All east-west roads that will take you west to Suncoast Parkway. That parallels Hwy 19 southbound and then you can exit at Courtney Campbell Blvd (Hwy 60) and that takes you right to Clearwater Beach.

OK as I mentioned earlier I just tried the alternate route and it seems to me that there is no clear winner route here - it still will take at least 2 hours and I was driving at 80 MPH on 75 with no traffic. Route 54 has slow red lights for a number of miles ( I even took a shorter route to get from 54 to Suncoast Parkway and that still was too long). Taking rt 19 when one crosses the causeway to avoid central Clearwater added 7 miles to the route and was full of traffic lights. So it all depends on time of day and day of week to determine which route to take. After my experiment I am leaning on taking my chances on the rt 75 and rt 275 route if I go to Clearwater and will opt for Cocoa Beach which is a simpler and faster drive.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I haven't read all the posts in this Thread but you might want to consider the Atlantic. Our grandkids love Cocoa Beach (some real waves) and its a large clean beach with lifeguards and 2 hour drive from The Villages. Just a thought.......oh, good restaurants and watering holes too.

We've been to several east coast beaches and in IMHO, they don't compare with the gulf beaches. But thanks for the suggestion.

[John_W]

OK as I mentioned earlier I just tried the alternate route and it seems to me that there is no clear winner route here - it still will take at least 2 hours and I was driving at 80 MPH on 75 with no traffic. Route 54 has slow red lights for a number of miles ( I even took a shorter route to get from 54 to Suncoast Parkway and that still was too long). Taking rt 19 when one crosses the causeway to avoid central Clearwater added 7 miles to the route and was full of traffic lights. So it all depends on time of day and day of week to determine which route to take. After my experiment I am leaning on taking my chances on the rt 75 and rt 275 route if I go to Clearwater and will opt for Cocoa Beach which is a simpler and faster drive.

I haven't been down to St. Pete in about a year. At that time I took I-275 all the way, and malfunction junction (I-4 and I-275 meet), was a major mess in Tampa. I read they are trying to fix that area, but I think that started in 2002 and they still not done.

With that in mind, I would try and avoid Tampa as much as possible. I took a AAA bus to a Phillies game in Clearwater in March, and Route 54 at Wesley Chapel to Suncoast Pkwy to Courtney Campbell was the route he took. I figured AAA bus drivers would probably know the best way. So apparently the I-75 construction in Pasco, Hernando and Sumter Counties isn't that bad, and I think most of it is being performed at night. So the latest route you took seems to be the best, and we'll just have to learn that it's a 2 hour ride to Clearwater.

Having grown up in St. Petersburg and later living in Pinellas Park, Largo and Spring Hill, I learned to avoid driving on Hwy 19 as much as possible.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I haven't been down to St. Pete in about a year. At that time I took I-275 all the way, and malfunction junction (I-4 and I-275 meet), was a major mess in Tampa. I read they are trying to fix that area, but I think that started in 2002 and they still not done.

With that in mind, I would try and avoid Tampa as much as possible. I took a AAA bus to a Phillies game in Clearwater in March, and Route 54 at Wesley Chapel to Suncoast Pkwy to Courtney Campbell was the route he took. I figured AAA bus drivers would probably know the best way. So apparently the I-75 construction in Pasco, Hernando and Sumter Counties isn't that bad, and I think most of it is being performed at night. So the latest route you took seems to be the best, and we'll just have to learn that it's a 2 hour ride to Clearwater.

Having grown up in St. Petersburg and later living in Pinellas Park, Largo and Spring Hill, I learned to avoid driving on Hwy 19 as much as possible.


I've driven down to Tampa and St pete several times and you are correct. The I-75 construction is not a major problem. It's once you hit 275 where the insanity begins.

I don't mind if it's two hours. The problem is two hours and easily turn into 4+ hours by taking 275.

[Shimpy]

Our grandkids love Cocoa Beach (some real waves) and its a large clean beach with lifeguards and 2 hour drive from The Villages. Just a thought.......oh, good restaurants and watering holes too.

I agree.....real waves....... I've never been to Cocoa Bch. for swimming but I'll take Daytona. The west coast is like swimming in a lake. If that's what you prefer then I really enjoyed St. Pete beach which was rated the top beach in Florida.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I agree.....real waves....... I've never been to Cocoa Bch. for swimming but I'll take Daytona. The west coast is like swimming in a lake. If that's what you prefer then I really enjoyed St. Pete beach which was rated the top beach in Florida.

Actually, it's Clearwater Beach that has been rated the best beach in Florida. But, I've been to both and honestly, there is not that much of a difference.

[LndLocked]

Actually, it's Clearwater Beach that has been rated the best beach in Florida. But, I've been to both and honestly, there is not that much of a difference.

As rated by who????

[joldnol]

Howard Park in Tarpon Springs is the closest. A little farther South is Caladesi State Park in Dunedin. Spectacular! It can only be reached by ferry and reservations must be made.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Caladesi-Island

We take 75 to 50 west to 19 south to alt. 19. Gets you to both Howard Park and Dunedin. You miss the Tampa traffic.

There are no beachs worth going to North of Tarpon Springs in our opinion, until you get around the big bend.

Caladesi is frequently rated the best beach in Fla and in the top ten nationally

[JoMar]

I am map-stupid about Florida's geography. However, my hairdresser raved about Fred Howard Park. (Tarpon Springs area?) She said it's beautiful, has shade available on the beach itself from palms, has picnic areas. She said they arrange to arrive around 1:00, and the place is emptying out from the early morning beach goers. They can sit in the shade on the beach if they want and stay all afternoon in relative peace and quiet.

I have never been there, but it might be worth googling.

We were at Fred Howard Park last weekend and the beach was great. Not far from there is Sunset Beech which is also very good. As mentioned, Tarpon Springs area so 1 to 1.5 hours depending on route and traffic. Great day trip

[dotti105]

Rated # 1 Florida Beach by USA today!

Our daughter lives on Indian Harbour Beach, (Atlantic near Cocoa, Melbourne) Our SIL surfs almost daily. But the sharks there are a serious hazard.

Some of the residents who live in the high rise beach front condos will sit on their balcony and use a whistle to alert the surfers when the sharks start towards them. No joke.

Jim (our SIL) has shown us aerial photos of those waters with sharks literally everywhere!!
The Atlantic is rougher than the gulf and creates a series of dips or gullies in the sand under the water and the sharks will sit in those recesses and wait.

Not my idea of a fun beach for swimming! Check out the statistics for shark attacks. That 30 miles stretch is one of the worst areas.....

[Bogie Shooter]

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

It could be built next to the indoor pool!:1rotfl:

[CFrance]

It could be built next to the indoor pool!:1rotfl:
That's a good one!

[jojo]

Are there any dog-friendly beaches?

[Ecuadog]

Are there any dog-friendly beaches?

Top 10 Dog Beaches in Florida (http://www.bringfido.com/attraction/beaches/state/florida/)

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We were at Fred Howard Park last weekend and the beach was great. Not far from there is Sunset Beech which is also very good. As mentioned, Tarpon Springs area so 1 to 1.5 hours depending on route and traffic. Great day trip

According to Google Earth, Fred Howard Park is over two hours.

[cquick]

I am map-stupid about Florida's geography. However, my hairdresser raved about Fred Howard Park. (Tarpon Springs area?) She said it's beautiful, has shade available on the beach itself from palms, has picnic areas. She said they arrange to arrive around 1:00, and the place is emptying out from the early morning beach goers. They can sit in the shade on the beach if they want and stay all afternoon in relative peace and quiet.

I have never been there, but it might be worth googling.

according to Google maps, it is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Wildwood.

[cquick]

I would rather go to Siesta Key in Sarasota or Anna Maria Island in Bradenton and stay overnight! But for fun and lots of restaurants and nightlife, Clearwater is the best bet in my opinion.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

according to Google maps, it is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Wildwood.

Could be. I live 25-30 minutes from Wildwood.

The Villages is BIG.

[Chi-Town]

I've tried. There doesn't appear to be a Gulf beach worth visiting until the Clearwater Beach area. A little strand of sand doesn't count.

[jojo]

Top 10 Dog Beaches in Florida (http://www.bringfido.com/attraction/beaches/state/florida/)

thanks for this info

[grayesun]

Not quite as far as Clearwater is Honeymoon Island State Park, a fantastic beach (in Dunedin). Don't bother paying for the boat ride over to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Beach, it's not worth it.

[OpusX1]

Here is a interesting list of the top 12 Florida beaches according to Dr Beach.

12 Best Florida Beaches - Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/beach/os-best-beaches-florida-photogallery.html)

I think we have been to all of them except the one near Apalachicola.

The closest listed gulf beach is Caladesi Island State Park.

[Gulfhills]

It isn't on the Gulf side, but New Smyrna beach is about 1.5 hours away. If you go 42 through the Ocala National Forest to 44, it takes you right on through for the most part.

This is where we go....just love it. You can park on the beach, and they have lifeguards and showers. Be sure to stop at Mon Delice bakery!! and get a grouper sandwich at Oceans Seafood. 44 goes right to beach area.

[LndLocked]

Here is a interesting list of the top 12 Florida beaches according to Dr Beach.

12 Best Florida Beaches - Orlando Sentinel (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/beach/os-best-beaches-florida-photogallery.html)

I think we have been to all of them except the one near Apalachicola.

The closest listed gulf beach is Caladesi Island State Park.

It has been my experience that all of these "best" ratings are highly subjective (see the post just about yours that said Caladesi was not worth the effort) and often were tainted by whatever Tourist Development agency commissioned and paid for the list.

The "Dr. Beach" guy is prob the best known. But if you look at his picks you will see that his overwhelming criteria are: a big, wide, fine sand beach and tranquil "ocean". As for me, I care more that the beach is clean and hopefully not crowded and the less tranquil the ocean is, the better I like it.

Like I said .... subjective.

BTW .... I have spent a large portion of my life on the beach and in the ocean.

[Shimpy]

and the less tranquil the ocean is, the better I like it.
Like I said .... subjective.
.
Yep, same here. When going to the beach I want waves otherwise a lake would do.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Not quite as far as Clearwater is Honeymoon Island State Park, a fantastic beach (in Dunedin). Don't bother paying for the boat ride over to Caladesi Island from Honeymoon Beach, it's not worth it.

I just got back from Honeymoon Beach and was incredibly disappointed. When we got there it looked perfect. The sand was nice and it was a quiet uncrowded little beach. We set up our cabana and had lunch then decided to go into the water. I walked ten feet in and the bottom is nothing but rocks about three to six inches in diameter. I couldn't walk on them. In fact I fell twice. The rocks evidently go to about 40-50 feet out after which, I am told that there is a beautiful sandy bottom. I was told by a local resident that they have been trying to get rid of the rocks for years. They have spent millions of dollars on sand and rock removal but they just keep washing up.

Some people were able to cross the rocks and get into the water, but Jenny and I couldn't. We tried a few other spots up and down the beach and I fell several other times. My feet are sore and we never got to swim.

It took about two hours and twenty minutes to get there and the same time coming back.

Avoid this place at all costs unless your idea of going to the beach is to sit on
the sand and never go into the water.

[CFrance]

I just got back from Honeymoon Beach and was incredibly disappointed. When we got there it looked perfect. The sand was nice and it was a quiet uncrowded little beach. We set up our cabana and had lunch then decided to go into the water. I walked ten feet in and the bottom is nothing but rocks about three to six inches in diameter. I couldn't walk on them. In fact I fell twice. The rocks evidently go to about 40-50 feet out after which, I am told that there is a beautiful sandy bottom. I was told by a local resident that they have been trying to get rid of the rocks for years. They have spent millions of dollars on sand and rock removal but they just keep washing up.

Some people were able to cross the rocks and get into the water, but Jenny and I couldn't. We tried a few other spots up and down the beach and I fell several other times. My feet are sore and we never got to swim.

It took about two hours and twenty minutes to get there and the same time coming back.

Avoid this place at all costs unless your idea of going to the beach is to sit on
the sand and never go into the water.
Rats, I am really sorry to hear that. Were you in the dog beach area? I heard there is a dog beach there, but I don't want to throw a tennis ball and have my dog running over rocks and possibly injuring himself.

[Polar Bear]

Rats, I am really sorry to hear that. Were you in the dog beach area? I heard there is a dog beach there, but I don't want to throw a tennis ball and have my dog running over rocks and possibly injuring himself.

Little difference in the Dog Beach area and the rest of Honeymoon Island. If you just want to sun bathe, HI Beach is not bad...usually not too crowded and kinda nice, especially if you want to take Fido with you. But it's always been rocky in the water as far back as I know.

No comparison to Clearwater Beach, just a few miles south...wide, white beaches and no rocks to speak of. Of course the trade-off (if you feel that way) is the crowds.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Little difference in the Dog Beach area and the rest of Honeymoon Island. If you just want to sun bathe, HI Beach is not bad...usually not too crowded and kinda nice, especially if you want to take Fido with you. But it's always been rocky in the water as far back as I know.

No comparison to Clearwater Beach, just a few miles south...wide, white beaches and no rocks to speak of. Of course the trade-off (if you feel that way) is the crowds.

Rocky is an understatement. I fell four or five times trying to get in the water. Then I worried about what would happen if I did get out, how would I get back to the sand.

I can sun bathe in my back yard.

I agree. I love Clearwater Beach. The crowds never bothered me, but I was looking for something closer. Honeymoon may be closer, but it takes just as long or longer to get there. I don't mind the crowds.

[Polar Bear]

...I love Clearwater Beach. The crowds never bothered me, but I was looking for something closer. Honeymoon may be closer, but it takes just as long or longer to get there. I don't mind the crowds.
Yeah...the distance between Honeymoon and Clearwater is trivial...definitely not enough to effect your decision of which beach to go to.

[NY_Newbie]

Fred Howard beach is really nice. In fact, my husband and I wanted to get married there. Closer than Clearwater, but still a couple of hours from TV.

[tomwed]

Jersey has Sea Isle City, Cape May and Point Pleasant. Florida has Fred Howard. Who's in charge on beach names down here? They should be fired.

[OpusX1]

Honeymoon is man made, the rocks are in the water to keep the trucked in sand in place. Dog beach is/was the SE tip of honeymoon on the bay side.My parents lived in Dunedin for 35 years and we visited often.

Much of Honeymoon Island's recent sand replenishment has been eroded | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/much-of-honeymoon-islands-recent-sand-replenishment-has-been-eroded/802204)

Dunedin's Honeymoon Island undergoing beach renourishment | Tampa Bay Times (http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/dunedins-honeymoon-island-undergoing-beach-renourishment/2211076)

Fred Howard park is natural as is Caladesi. No crowds on Caladesi.
The Beach on Sand Key ,just South of Clearwater, is less crowded but not many concessions and you have to feed the meter to park.

[dotti105]

Honeymoon Island was a natural Island, but after a few hurricanes in the late 50's early 60's much of the sand had been washed away. Thus the "man-made" addition of sand.

During low tide some years you could walk from the north end of Clearwater Beach over to Honeymoon Island, by way of Dog Beach. Then they dredged out the channel to deepen it and rebuild Honeymoon Island.

Now the north end of Clearwater Beach is private property. Not accessible past the Carlouel Gates.

My hubby and I grew up on Clearwater Beach. It was a very different place back then!

[John_W]

...My hubby and I grew up on Clearwater Beach. It was a very different place back then!

Did you graduate from Clearwater High? I graduated from St. Petersburg High in 1968. In the mid 70's I use to go to Clearwater High football games. They had a nice stadium, several thousand people at each game. They had a really good quarterback and football team and it was fun watching live football. This was before the Bucs, back around '74 to '76 era. I can't remember the QB's name, but he had quite an arm.

[dotti105]

Did you graduate from Clearwater High? I graduated from St. Petersburg High in 1968. In the mid 70's I use to go to Clearwater High football games. They had a nice stadium, several thousand people at each game. They had a really good quarterback and football team and it was fun watching live football. This was before the Bucs, back around '74 to '76 era. I can't remember the QB's name, but he had quite an arm.

Yes, my husband and I both graduated from CHS in 1967. We had a great football team at CHS, traditionally. Bill doesn't recall the JV football quarterback the year we graduated. But he played linebacker on the varsity team.

We left the country in '68 when Bill was stationed in The Philippines for 2 yrs, so we sort of lost touch for a bit. Missed that great quarterback in the mid 70's. But not surprised that they had a great team. It was a big school with lots of talent.

We attend all our class reunions. It was a great group of students and keep up with each other still today.

Small world, huh?

[paulascorpio]

This is Dr Beach's 2015 top beaches internationally! Just in case you want to drive or fly longer than two hours.

1. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park Oahu, Hawaii
2. Barefoot Beach Bonita Springs, Florida
3. St. George Island State Park Florida panhandle
4. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii
5. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks of North Carolina
6. Cape Florida State Park Key Biscayne, Florida
7. Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod, Massachusetts
8. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina
9. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Naples, Florida
10. East Beach, Santa Barbara, California

[John_W]

Yes, my husband and I both graduated from CHS in 1967. We had a great football team at CHS, traditionally. Bill doesn't recall the JV football quarterback the year we graduated. But he played linebacker on the varsity team.

We left the country in '68 when Bill was stationed in The Philippines for 2 yrs, so we sort of lost touch for a bit. Missed that great quarterback in the mid 70's. But not surprised that they had a great team. It was a big school with lots of talent.

We attend all our class reunions. It was a great group of students and keep up with each other still today.

Small world, huh?

SPHS had a terrible team my senior year, we were 0-10. Otherwise I was in a similar situation. I left in 1970 for a 3 year hitch in the Army, went to Korea for a year, but returned to St. Pete in '73. I was with the FAA and worked at St. Pete/Clearwater Airport in the Control Tower, however I left for good in 1977 when I was transferred to Pensacola. I went back to St. Pete last year for the first time since '77, I attended my 45th HS reunion. That place had really changed, I didn't even recognize the area by the airport. Do you remember the Showboat Dinner Theater? I saw Bob Crane in a play about '76, not long before he died. That place was torn down.

My last memory of Clearwater was about 1975, I started the day off at Ft. Desoto State Park on the beach and then going to the movies in Clearwater. The theater was right downtown and not far from the water. It was very hot and the line was around the block to see 'Jaws'.