[Phyrst]

What's the nearest beach?

[asianthree]

its a toss up which way do you want to go

[DougB]

Originally Posted by asianthree

its a toss up which way do you want to go

By the title of the post, I would say west.

[Madelaine Amee]

Many people on this site seem to head over to the East Coast, but we rented just down from Clearwater for ten years, and I think their beaches are incredible. From Clearwater to St. Petes there are loads of little "villages" on the gulf coast, all with shops and plenty to do and you can access the beach all the way along through public walk ways. Head south down 75 to Clearwater and then get onto Gulf Boulevard and follow that through to St. Petes and even further down the coast - I think it's 39 miles of white sandy beaches. When you get into this area below Clearwater, Gulf Blvd separates the intracoastal from the gulf, in many areas water on both sides of the road. We were on the intracoastal which was spectacular. Great when we were young and wanted to play on the beach all day.

[springfield]

We have a condo on Manasota Key in Englewood(south of Venice), It is old Florida at its best. No traffic, no high rises, friendly people, great beaching and fishing for the whole family.

Others love Siesta Key which a beautiful white sand beach.

It all depends on what you are looking for in a beach.

[Markam]

There is a small municipal beach and fishing pier west of The Villages at Crystal River.
crystal river fl - Google Maps
About 1-1/4 hours away.
St. Pete municipal beaches are much bigger and nicer but are another 45 minutes away.

[Phanatic Luvr]

If you are a beach lover, walks, laying out, etc... the Clearwater area has the best beaches in my opinion. Always get rave reviews on some of the best beaches in the US. White, white sand, not a lot of shells. They are about two hours from The Villages. Take I-75 South to I-275 South to 60 West. You're there!

[ROCKETMAN]

Originally Posted by Phanatic Luvr

If you are a beach lover, walks, laying out, etc... the Clearwater area has the best beaches in my opinion. Always get rave reviews on some of the best beaches in the US. White, white sand, not a lot of shells. They are about two hours from The Villages. Take I-75 South to I-275 South to 60 West. You're there!

My brother rents a place in bellair beach which we visit every year. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance. Take a walk down the beach and see the phillies 1st basemen ryan howards home under construction for $23 million.

[gocubsgo]

I take my dog to Flagler on the Atlantic side, just north of Daytona. Quiet and there's a great restaurant there about 20 yards from the water called the Snack Shack. Best seafood ever!! From Lady Lake it's about 2 hours.

[Midvale]

Owned a couple condos in Largo years ago. It's tough to beat the Clearwater area. Clearwater sand is like talcum powder. Sand Key Beach is nice and not as crowded. Fort DeSoto Park is also gorgeous and good for shelling. Then there's Indian Rocks, Madeira, Honeymoon Island...

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by asianthree

its a toss up which way do you want to go

meaning north or south..medira beach then walk down to the pink hotel the don

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by gocubsgo

I take my dog to Flagler on the Atlantic side, just north of Daytona. Quiet and there's a great restaurant there about 20 yards from the water called the Snack Shack. Best seafood ever!! From Lady Lake it's about 2 hours.

(Sorry for the hijack...)
Gocubsgo, are dogs allowed off leash on Flagler Beach?

[gocubsgo]

Originally Posted by CFrance

(Sorry for the hijack...)
Gocubsgo, are dogs allowed off leash on Flagler Beach?

No..16 foot leashes are allowed. Off the leash and it's off with your head!!

[LndLocked]

The OP asked for the closest gulf beach .... and that would be as someone noted the small beach at Crystal River. Others talked about nice beach area's .... that are hours further away.

CFance ....... no off leash dogs at Flagler. It does have areas north and south of the pier were dogs are allowed on the beach, on a leash.

http://www.cityofflaglerbeach.com/im...e_for_dogs.pdf

[JB in TV]

Markam said:" There is a small municipal beach and fishing pier west of The Villages at Crystal River.
crystal river fl - Google Maps
About 1-1/4 hours away.

St. Pete municipal beaches are much bigger and nicer but are another 45 minutes away. "

LndLocked said:"The OP asked for the closest gulf beach .... and that would be as someone noted the small beach at Crystal River. Others talked about nice beach area's .... that are hours further away......"




Thank you both, for actually answering the OP's question. It is refreshing.

Wife and I will try to get to Crystal River this weekend.