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Every year we always drive over to the beach after our disney trip for a few days. We usually stay at ormond beach and found an awesome condo. Last year we had a horrible experience with our son there (he had repeated seizures) . So we can't imagine going back there. We need something different. Something nice, family friendly, and not too expensive. Thanks!
p.s. I suggested Destin but sis in law thought it would be too expensive and too far of a drive.
I would highly recommend Destin if it wasn't out of the way. Destin is around 6 hours from Disney. It works out well for us because it's our half way point between home and Disney. However, it's kind of a long trek if your not already headed in that direction. That said we love Destin for its powder white sand and gorgeous turquoise water. We have not found better beaches inside the US. Destin can also be pricey, depending on when you plan on going. And of course it all depends on what YOU think is expensive.
Closer to Disney we have stayed for a night in Clearwater Beach. From our short time there it seemed very nice. Lots of active families were out and about. We had breakfast at an amazing restaurant right on the beach. Food was amazing, service was amazing, and orange juice was best we have ever had! We sat in the semi outdoor area. It was great! We stayed at a Hilton right on the beach.
And one of our favorite places, a place we have been wanting to visit again....Disney's Vero Beach resort. It's just two hours from Disney, extremely family friendly, and its Disney!!!! Only downfall is that it is not what I would consider inexpensive, although you may feel differently.
Good luck. With all the beaches around I am sure you will find something great!
Destin would be out of the way for you since you are from TN. It is nice and there are places that are reasonable. If I was going to go out of the way and go over in that direction, I would go to Panama City Beach. There are tons of restaurants, things for kids to do and all price ranges of places to stay.
If it were me, I would go to either the Clearwater/St. Pete Beach area on the Gulf side which is only about an hour and 15 minutes to hour and a half from WDW or I would go to the east coast to maybe Cocoa Beach which is only about an hour from WDW. There isn't quite as much to do there but it is a nice town and nice beach. Sarasota/Siesta Key is also nice but it is further south on the gulf coast side.
We always go to the beach for a day or two on our trips to WDW too and we usually pick a different beach each time. We have been to many of them over the years.
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Originally Posted by 1DisneyNut
Hi, 1DisneyNut :) I think you are correct , one of the best beach is Clearwater. According to my Aunt, it has white sands and the most important thing is the superb service they have been giving to their clients because they do have attentive lifeguards.
Another vote for Clearwater Beach. It's about 45 minutes away. The street vendors and entertainment at Pier 60 is fun also. Avoid on weekends if possible, can get very crowded.
If you want more privacy, you can try Caladesi Island State Park just north of Clearwater. It's a barrier island so you need to take a ferry to get to it. Where Clearwater Beach is very touristy, Caladesi Island is very primitive and secluded. :thumbsup:
What about the Space Coast area or further down to Vero Beach. Kennedy Space Center is incredible and so worth visiting. Vero Beach has a lot of rentals as well as Disney's Vero Beach Resort. Love the Vero Beach Resort:cloud9:
St pete beach
Verduccis!!! Some of the best italian. Ever...
Agree! :thumbsup: