From TV to the Beach-Where do you go?
 

For a day trip, I miss the ocean SO much. Where do you go to the beach? How long does it take from The Villages?

I can advise of one place not to go - Hernando Beach (SW of Villages, just above Spring Hill). My husband and I now quip that "there is no beach at Hernando Beach".

Excellent question.....
 

I recall reading the answers to this question, some time ago, but I'm too lazy to do a search now! I will be looking forward to reading all the suggestions..... and how long it takes to get to the beach, from tV :popcorn:

To the Gulf: an hour. To the Atlantic: hour and a half. Plenty of 'salt water' on both sides! Easy traveling, good roads both ways. Pier fishing (or charters) are available on both coasts. Beaches on both coasts.

Over Xmas we did a day trip to St Augustine, took 2hrs each way but it was a nice ride and St Augustine is very cool.

Love Beaches!!!
 

I also need to visit the beaches! Here is the link to a past thread.........My favorites, New Smyrna, Daytona, All beaches down in Clearwater area.....
https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...ighlight=beach

St. Augustine Beaches
 

The best beach in St. Augustine is Crescent Beach. Takes 2 hours to get there but well worth it - clean and not as crowded as Anastasia State Park. For an enjoyable ride, take 42 West to Rt. 19. Turn left on 19 to right on 465 (through Ocala Forest). At end turn right on 465A. At end turn right on Rt 40, turn left on Rt 11 to US 1 in Bunnell. Turn right onto US 1 North, through Palm Coast to "Dupont Center". Turn right on Rt 206 and follow to end. Turn right on A1A and take quick left to beach. There is a parking lot on the right and a walkover to the beach - or you can park right on the beach. While in St. Augustine be sure to visit Theo's restaurant at US 1 and King Street for breakfast or lunch - the owners make their own bread and its awesome! Try not to miss the Alligator Farm. Sounds hokey? They have every species of alligator and crocodile from around the world. If you can get there in March, you'll catch the nesting season for herons, storks and ibis. The trees are full of the birds and you can get within arms length to the nests. It is one of the best attractions in St. Augustine. Take either the red train or trolley tours - a lot of history and the ability to get around town. I've lived in St. Augustine for 14 years and now reside in The Villages.