Beaches Near The Villages
 

My son (age 40) and his girlfriend are coming for a visit next month. It will be their first time to The Villages. They requested 'sand and water' and I know they don't mean the hazards on the golf courses.
I'd appreciate ideas of where to take them for the beach and the ocean or gulf. And is this doable for an afternoon trip?
Thanks for your help.

mary ann kelly

The closest beach to the Villages happens to be on the Gulf of Mexico. It's called Fort Island Beach and is about an hour and a quarter away. The closest beaches on the Atlantic Ocean are New Smyrna, Daytona and Ormond. They're all about an hour and a half away. If your guests just want any sand and swimmable water, Eaton's Beach on Lake Weir is only six miles from Spanish Springs!

my favorite is st pete beach about 1hr 45min away

Two of our favorites on the Gulf of Mexico are about 1hr 15min away.

Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River
Fort Island Gulf Beach (Crystal River) - 2020 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

Pine Island Park in Weeki Wachee
Pine Island Park (Weeki Wachee) - 2020 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

I'd suggest Nancy Lopez Championship Course. The last time I played it all I saw was sand and water.

😂😂😂

Fort Howard Park about 90 mi near Tarpon Springs
Cedar Key about 95 mi
Flagler Beach