Talk of The Villages Florida - Quick Overnight Beach Getaway

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- - Quick Overnight Beach Getaway (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/travel-forum-119/quick-overnight-beach-getaway-343260/)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomPerry (Post 2243149)

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.

Quick beach getaway

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Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2242907)

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael 61 (Post 2242907)

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

Small Town Small World!

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Originally Posted by Hank’s mom (Post 2243114)

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.

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

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

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.

Indian Rocks and Madeira Beach (further south)!

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.