[jonathanb]

Johns pass

[davem4616]

We've been to both New Smyrna Beach on the east coast and Clearwater on the west coast
New Smyrna Beach historically has a very high number of shark attacks...so if you go there be careful in the water
Clearwater was nice and seemed to have far more restaurants and shopping options...there is a boat cruise in Clearwater where they serve drinks and lunch that you might be interested in (you should be able to google that) we've been on it

Someone else mentioned Treasure Island....my aunt and uncle wintered there for years....nice beach, nice walkway along the beach too

[Barbscats]

Definitely Clearwater and lunch at Frenchys. If you have time, drive a little further south and stop at St. John’s Pass
for shopping...lots of funky shops along with some nicer shops for beachwear and clothing.

[J1ceasar]

Clearwater for the beach and a short drive to Destin for shopping and restaurants

[Rwirish]

Fenney pool.

[Dlbonivich]

Go to Clearwater beach. Very fun lots to do. St Pete beach has a lot going on too. These are West Coast beaches. Lived in Florida for 20 years

[Lisa64]

Anna Maria Island is also nice. It is on the Gulf and has little shops and restaurants.

[claylayer]

New Smryna, Daytona, Clearwater are all fun. But, please be careful.

[sukay612]

Flagler beach is not huge but has easy access from road. Great waves and there’s still some shopping.

[mjkspear]

North Clearwater Beach just a couple blocks north of the pier at 60, but not usually as crowded. Two good restaurants right there, Frnnchy's and Palm Pavilion. Shopping down by 60. It’s a deep beach, and the water of the gulf is warmer than the ocean. John's Pass, further south in St Petersburg also has a lot of shopping and restaurants. Lot of touristy shops.

[Sailohio]

I would go to Clearwater too. Soft, fine sand. Lots of bars/restaurants. Ample parking. And beautiful water. Can’t beat it.

[Rosebud1949]

the beach and visitors.. NO WAY !!! Florida positives for Covid now are 5000+ a day..thanks to beach visitors. Please DO NOT bring it back to the Villages. We have the LOWEST POSITIVES on record.

[CarrieOn]

Clearwater beach Tampa is 2 hours away ..go early because of traffic & parking..voted # 1 beach in the US..

[bhferri85]

Clearwater.

[Saluce]

Originally Posted by Troopie

If you could go to a "fun" beach that is within a two-hour drive of The Villages, where would you go?
My cousin will be visiting in a few weeks and I'd like to take her to a beach for the day. I'm not familiar with any of the beaches in Florida -- I don't want a rural/quiet beach -- am looking for a beach that has a lot of fun options such as tourist shopping, music and restaurants. I searched the forums, but didn't find exactly what I'm looking for. I'd really appreciate suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Clearwater and you can eat at Frenchy’s on the beach. The beach is beautiful and there are a lot of shopping in the area. Google Clearwater beach for more info.