Quick Overnight Beach Getaway

[Michael 61]

Since I’m still a newbie to Florida (just 8 months) - I need a recommendation for a 2-night stay along either the Gulf or Atlantic coasts. So far, since I moved to TV, I’ve visited Clearwater Beach, which was nice, but I’m looking for something a little less crowded. Before moving to Florida, I’ve visited Pensacola/Destin/Lauderdale-Miami/Key West, so I’m familiar with those areas. I’ve been told and read that Daytona Beach isn’t all that great. I’m looking for someplace where I can get really good seafood, has some nice walking trails or boardwalk along the beach, and is relaxing. I want to take advantage of the lower hotel costs this time of year, and before things get really crowded during high season. I’m willing to drive up to 4 hours from The Villages. Any recommendations? Thanks.

[Rwatson1]

Go to Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes beach. They are all together. Go to Cortez for the best freshest seafood anywhere. You can watch it come off the boat. You can thank me later.

[firefighter4u]

Since I’m still a newbie to Florida (just 8 months) - I need a recommendation for a 2-night stay along either the Gulf or Atlantic coasts. So far, since I moved to TV, I’ve visited Clearwater Beach, which was nice, but I’m looking for something a little less crowded. Before moving to Florida, I’ve visited Pensacola/Destin/Lauderdale-Miami/Key West, so I’m familiar with those areas. I’ve been told and read that Daytona Beach isn’t all that great. I’m looking for someplace where I can get really good seafood, has some nice walking trails or boardwalk along the beach, and is relaxing. I want to take advantage of the lower hotel costs this time of year, and before things get really crowded during high season. I’m willing to drive up to 4 hours from The Villages. Any recommendations? Thanks.

Try Treasure Island area about 30 minutes south of Clearwater. We used to own a condo near Caddy's. There were times that we were the only ones on the beach.

[dnobles]

I’ve never been but I’ve been told Honeymoon beach is nice. No personal experience

[Two Bills]

My wife and I enjoyed the Cocoa Beach area.
Lots of good walks.
Not sure about sea food restaurants, although there were plenty of places to eat.
Time your stay with a space launch from Cape Canaveral, and it is a perfect place to view them.

[Altavia]

New Smyrna on the east coast, Indian Rocks on the west coast.

[Pondboy]

Sarasota is nice. Lots of shops and restaurants. No board walk but it’s got a very nice beach. Not sure about “off season rates”. Everything seems expensive along the coast…..either that or my wife’s a big spender.

[twoplanekid]

My suggestion would be to go to Hudson, Fl which is 75 miles away on the West coast and takes about 1 ½ hour of driving time. I love to eat at the Inn on the Gulf, Sam’s Beach Bar and Get Hooked Bar & Grill. For breakfast we eat at the Tin Can Café. While the beach at Hudson is poor, there are many walking/ nature areas just to the south and north of Hudson. Our condo is located there on Sea Ranch Drive which gives us a direct view of the Gulf waters. If we are at the condo, you are welcome to stop and say hello. Send us a private message to arrange a time.

[Kelevision]

Go to Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Holmes beach. They are all together. Go to Cortez for the best freshest seafood anywhere. You can watch it come off the boat. You can thank me later.

I second Anna Maria Island!

[BoatRatKat]

Stuart tends to have a less crowded beach and a great downtown that's on the water. Long Boat Key is another favorite which lots of great food.

[ddesjardin]

I concur with both the AMI and Cortez suggestion!!!

[LizzieBorden]

We love Nokomis Beach. Out the door, down 75 South, Exit 200 from our house in The Villages, about 2 hrs. We elect to go on Sundays for several reasons. One, less traffic going down Sunday, hotel prices are cheaper on Sunday-Thursday rather than the weekend. 3, Nokomis Beach does not charge for parking.4) The beach is 15 mins away once you make your exit off 75. When you exit 200 on 75, and after you get on 41 south aka as Tamani Trail, you turn right at the light on Albi Road heading west. When you cross over the cause way and come to the stop sign, the beach and parking area are right in front of you as well as very clean restrooms. OR, our preferred spot, you can take a left, go to the end of the road and park by the North jetty and walk out onto the beach….we can also watch the boats come in and out, clean restrooms, also a snack bar, etc. All free parking. Hotels/ As you come across the intercoastal, take a right and its the first place on you left, and it is right on the beach. Its a little motel with efficiency rooms, 2 bedrooms and they even have one 3 bedroom unit as well…called “ A Beach Retreat” and is very clean and nice and they also have a pool. or you can go to the Hampton Inn back out on 41, instead of turning to the beach ,head down the road another two minutes and on the left is the Hampton inn, on the Hilton site, its called Hampton Inn, Bayside, South Sarasota…but it is located in Nokomis. Again, SUnday through Thursday their rates are cheaper than the weekend and they also have a beautiful pool area and a nice breakfast that starts at 6 am. We like this area as the water is so pretty, they are shark teeth to look for as you walk up the beach, lots of shells by the jetty if go early….and usually its not as crowded if you go early day and leave around 230 or 3. When we drive on a Sunday, we leave at 6 am, and are on the beach around 8 or 830 depending on traffic. Coming home we leave the beach by 230 and head up 75 and miss most of later day work traffic. Good luck, we like it better than the east Coast…prettier, often see dolphins…and other sea creatures, but no sharks that I have ever heard off…Its a great time, lots of good restaurants in the area… downtown Venice is pretty and lots of shops etc… Enjoy.

[MidWestIA]

I like Coconuts at Cocoa

[La lamy]

New Smyrna on the east coast, Indian Rocks on the west coast.

I second this opinion, except that Indian Rocks doesn't have a boardwalk or restaurants on the beach. But very uncrowded.

[Hank’s mom]

Wow! Urbana Ohio! I grew up near Greenville.

[Professor]

Since I’m still a newbie to Florida (just 8 months) - I need a recommendation for a 2-night stay along either the Gulf or Atlantic coasts. So far, since I moved to TV, I’ve visited Clearwater Beach, which was nice, but I’m looking for something a little less crowded. Before moving to Florida, I’ve visited Pensacola/Destin/Lauderdale-Miami/Key West, so I’m familiar with those areas. I’ve been told and read that Daytona Beach isn’t all that great. I’m looking for someplace where I can get really good seafood, has some nice walking trails or boardwalk along the beach, and is relaxing. I want to take advantage of the lower hotel costs this time of year, and before things get really crowded during high season. I’m willing to drive up to 4 hours from The Villages. Any recommendations? Thanks.

We have a condo down on North Hutchinson Island just south of Vero Beach. Lovely beaches in that area unspoiled by commercial enterprise. Disney has a hotel south of Vero, and there are several hotels on South Hutchinson Island, which also has nice beaches and several places to eat. Kyle G's is a favorite.

[jojoturf]

2nd vote for New Smyrna Beach. Walk/shop Flagler Ave, eat at The Garlic, Breakers or Chase’s on the beach. Wintered there for 5 years prior to owning in Richmond. Miss NSB beach walks!!

[Barbscats]

Anna Maria and Cortez…lots of fresh seafood and beaches. Do go to St Augustine over the holidays for the Night of Lights- the entire town is decorated for the holidays and it’s beautiful. If you go to Nokomis you can do a side visit to Siesta Key in the evening- the Village has a number of restaurants/bars.

[midiwiz]

Since I’m still a newbie to Florida (just 8 months) - I need a recommendation for a 2-night stay along either the Gulf or Atlantic coasts. So far, since I moved to TV, I’ve visited Clearwater Beach, which was nice, but I’m looking for something a little less crowded. Before moving to Florida, I’ve visited Pensacola/Destin/Lauderdale-Miami/Key West, so I’m familiar with those areas. I’ve been told and read that Daytona Beach isn’t all that great. I’m looking for someplace where I can get really good seafood, has some nice walking trails or boardwalk along the beach, and is relaxing. I want to take advantage of the lower hotel costs this time of year, and before things get really crowded during high season. I’m willing to drive up to 4 hours from The Villages. Any recommendations? Thanks.

yes Daytona S***cks less cvrowded and very very nice is Flagler beach a small quiet little town on the coast north of Ormond Beach that has it's own flair...

[TomPerry]

Try Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine.

[Dusty_Star]

Lots of great recommendations. & the best is choosing one this time, doesn't preclude choosing another the next time, & the next :)

[TeresaE]

Fellow Californian here. When I think of beach, I think of the Pacific. You know, waves. So I go to the Atlantic side of the state. Starting north there are three beach towns in Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach. They run together within about a five mile stretch along the Atlantic Ocean and each has its own flavor. There’s a lovely hotel, One Ocean, right on the beach at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and A1A. Lots of shops and restaurants. Some upscale and some funk. You can walk along the beach and then fall into Lynches (an Irish Pub) for Sunday Brunch. They don’t mind sand there and you can have a bottle of champagne and your choice of juice for $10. Going down the coast you have Vilano Beach near St Augustine and also St Augustine Beach. Beautiful too. Then there’s Flagler Beach and the Funky Pelican. You can actually eat on an outdoor patio and see the waves there. Not too many places have that, or I haven’t found them yet. Then there is New Smyrna, Cocoa and Vero Beach. Cocoa and Vero probably has more of what you’re looking for. Of course if you’re looking for a real adventure, head to Haulover Beach. Not a day trip, but certainly plenty of sights to see (wink). What ever you do, have fun and embrace the wild Atlantic. You may even see a dolphin or two.

[Snowdancer]

Sand Dune Suites, Treasure Island ...Awesome place...walking distance to John's Pass

[Mpphred]

If you want to head Northeast, try Amelia Island on the Atlantic side.

[aldeana]

All the beaches will be crowded on weekends. If you are retired or have a flex schedule, and now that schools are starting, going during the week would be much more pleasant. My favorite, about 2.5 hrs from The Villages, is Pass-a-Grille, on the south tip of St.Pete beach. No boardwalks or trails, just a nice, clean beach, and very quiet. There are several places to eat, on the bay side, enough for a two day visit. There are many AirB&Bs and a couple of Mom and Pop motels on the beach front. It is not a condo canyon, as no structures are more than 2 or 3 stories high (except for a condo building at the southernmost point). To get there, just set your GPS for the Don Cesar, a very old, but quite fancy and expensive hotel, art deco style, and PINK!!. When you get to this hotel, head south for less than a mile, and there’s Pass a Grille. You can also hunt for specials at the Don Cesar, especially after Labor Day. The hotels will give you a parking permit, most of the time.

[cindyfeh]

Siesta Key!!! My favorite! I love the beautiful white sand of the Gulf!

[Whitley]

Look into Longboat Key in Sarasota Very quiet, older group.
Siesta Key in Sarasota Younger and more active than Longboat Key.
Anna Maria in Bradenton : Younger family vibe

[swiley]

I have visited many of Florida’s beach towns over the years. My favorite is New Smyrna Beach. It’s only two hours away, has many good places to eat and Flagler Avenue is a fun shopping, eating and socializing piece of old Florida. I recommend you stay in a condo right on the non-driving part of the beach for excellent views and uncrowded beaches. Off-season you can get a condo (low-rise is my preference) or house right on the beach for the cost of a hotel room. Some of the best seafood in NSB is at JB’s Fish Camp, which is on the marsh just a block off the ocean on South A1A. There are numerous restaurants right on the beach.

[wmcgowan]

i like cocoa beach - it has a bohemian feel to it

[ChilePepper]

Consider Cedar Key. Not far and it feels like Key West without all the eccentric people. Good nightlife and restaurants. I stayed at the "Bed & Breakfast" it is the only one there. They only have one genal store in town so bring what you need.

[Michael 61]

Try Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach, and St. Augustine.

Bingo - This is the one I chose!

Thank you everyone for all the great suggestions, and I most certainly check out each and every one of them over the next year or so - I love getting away for a night or two - a reasonable drive - a good seafood dinner - then being able to spend the night, rather than drive home after dinner.

[SouthJerseyGirl]

Since I’m still a newbie to Florida (just 8 months) - I need a recommendation for a 2-night stay along either the Gulf or Atlantic coasts. So far, since I moved to TV, I’ve visited Clearwater Beach, which was nice, but I’m looking for something a little less crowded. Before moving to Florida, I’ve visited Pensacola/Destin/Lauderdale-Miami/Key West, so I’m familiar with those areas. I’ve been told and read that Daytona Beach isn’t all that great. I’m looking for someplace where I can get really good seafood, has some nice walking trails or boardwalk along the beach, and is relaxing. I want to take advantage of the lower hotel costs this time of year, and before things get really crowded during high season. I’m willing to drive up to 4 hours from The Villages. Any recommendations? Thanks.


Michael, if you are interested have a 3 night reservation at The Marriott Crystal Shores on Marco Island in a gorgeous 2 br/2 bath timeshare directly on the Gulf which we cannot use for Sept 17-20. It has a full kitchen, but there are some great restaurants directly across the street.
Let me know if interested.

[Gator_Girl]

Since I’m still a newbie to Florida (just 8 months) - I need a recommendation for a 2-night stay along either the Gulf or Atlantic coasts. So far, since I moved to TV, I’ve visited Clearwater Beach, which was nice, but I’m looking for something a little less crowded. Before moving to Florida, I’ve visited Pensacola/Destin/Lauderdale-Miami/Key West, so I’m familiar with those areas. I’ve been told and read that Daytona Beach isn’t all that great. I’m looking for someplace where I can get really good seafood, has some nice walking trails or boardwalk along the beach, and is relaxing. I want to take advantage of the lower hotel costs this time of year, and before things get really crowded during high season. I’m willing to drive up to 4 hours from The Villages. Any recommendations? Thanks.

New Smyrna Beach is beautiful and Blackbeards restaurant on US 1 is delicious!

[JC and John]

Wow! Urbana Ohio! I grew up near Greenville.
Hi Hank’s mom! I grew up in Arcanum! Now that’s a small town. LOL!

To the OP, I hear Honeymoon Beach is good as well as Siesta Key. Both are on the Gulf. I really liked Panama City Beach but it can be crowded. Port St. Joe on the gulf is nice. I have no recommendation for seafood.

[justjim]

Cocoa Beach a 2 hour drive on the Atlantic. Hilton Hotel, Florida fresh grill near by for excellent sea food. On the space coast so you might see a launch. Manasota Key on the Gulf. Several Airbnb’s on Manasota Key. If you want quiet and calm Manasota is the place. About 3 hr drive just south of Venice, Fl old Florida venue. Google for more info

[nlappa]

The Kimpton at Vero Beach is very nice and there are some good restaurants in the area. It’s not as crowded as Clearwater.

[Catalina36]

I choice is the west coast. Beautiful white quartz beaches not sand. Siesta Key Beach is nice. Also I would go during the week not a weekend and stay away when Spring Break is on.

[AMB444]

Indian Rocks and Madeira Beach (further south)!

[AMB444]

Also check out Sebastian State Park. Half way between Melbourne Beach and Vero! It's a very out of the way place and has way less crowds.