[Indiana Randy]

I vote for Tarpon Springs and Sunset Beach. You can browse the shops in Tarpon Springs, enjoy fabulous Greek restaurants and bakeries, then swim and by all means, watch the sun set from Sunset Beach.

[Buzman]

St. Armands Circle and Lido Key.
The circle is similar to a town square in The Villages, but with the Columbia restaurant for Cuban cuisine and several other really good places. It’s a little more family oriented than the spring break hot spots like Daytona or Clearwater, but those can be really fun!

[gpk111]

Originally Posted by mollyb

St Augustine!!

St Augustine if you have a 4 wheel drive. Drive on to the beach and just stay in the car if you're concerned.

ANY beach is a must for someone from Nebraska.

[greenflash245]

go to a nude beach. should be lively

[Juniper]

Lido beach / St. Armand’s Circle

[dlwretired]

St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach in Sarasota. A little over 2 hours away. You can enjoy long beaches, fun shopping on the Circle (the only time a mask is advised) and lots of choices for great places to dine outside.

[LarsB]

How about Madeira Beach. Beautiful beach close to John's pass which is a great shopping area and restaurants.

[msilagy]

Madiera Beach with St John's Pass for restaurants and shops and a fun atmosphere. At least more so that other beaches I think. You can walk right over to St John's Pass from the beach. As far as music I'm not sure - maybe in the evenings.

[life is fun]

Honey moon island state park. Go during the week not as crowded! Our favorite is Venice beach and look for sharks teeth

[John_W]

Originally Posted by LarsB

How about Madeira Beach. Beautiful beach close to John's pass which is a great shopping area and restaurants.

You're right, that's a great little place to eat and shop. Between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, off St. Petersburg.

Google Maps





Kids would love a ride on the pirate ship. This time of year, motels are cheap along that area, especially since most are older and have to compete with the newer highrises.

[rugbyjohn]

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!

St. Pete beach or Clearwater beach. St Pete has music on the beach in various hotel bars.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by greenflash245

go to a nude beach. should be lively

Only if they only allow people under 30. Who wants to looks at us old fogies.

[MandoMan]

Caliente Resort is “lively” around the pools.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Choro&Swing

Caliente Resort is “lively” around the pools.

Hmm how lively is lively?

[Nick B]

Clearwater or Anna Maria or St Pete. West Cost is best