Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Headed to the beach, any ideas on which one?

Hoping to head out on vacation in about a month with the family but not really sure where to go. We want something in the US on the east coast. We thought about going back to Myrtle Beach SC, but after 4 times in past 2 years it just seems to be getting old. We talked about Daytona, Key West or Cocoa beaches. Looking for a family friendly atmosphere, and something on the beach (condo preferred). Does any one know of a good place to go and stay?

sorry cant help you there. but i hear cocoa beach is nice.

There is a nice beach at Pensacola Florida on the west side of Florida.

Depends on what you're looking for, the FL beaches are nice but are also somewhat crowded and expensive IME. Outer banks is great if you want a less crowded, more family oriented environment, and it's not too far away from where you are either.

I'd vote for either Ocean City, MD or Hilton Head. Ocean City has the boardwalk scene, but can also tend to have a lot of the nightclub life. But the good news there is they have a bus that runs up and down the main strip so they are all kept off the roads. Hilton Head definitely fits the family friendly vibe and the nightlife is a little more toned down.

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Agreed about the gulf coast of Florida - especially nice south of the Tampa area.

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My favorite in the area is Siesta Key near Sarasota. Dr. Stephen Leatherman who wrote America's Best Beaches rates in the top ficve for walking beaches. The sand is incredible. White powder almost like talcum powder. It doesn't get hot in sun amd fells so soft when you lay on it.

http://www.petrix.com/beaches/walking.html

If you don't mind not staying on the beach, another choice is Fort Desoto in St. Pete.
This took the top of his rankings last year.

http://www.petrix.com/beaches/best.html

Ft. DeSoto is an island at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The island is undeveloped and there are miles of uncrowded beaches across the island. You pay a toll for the car to cross the bridge to the island, but that's it.

Be careful where you stay if you go there. St. Pete beach is ok, but parts of South St. Pete are... um.. crime friendly. The locals named a gym after a crack dealer who was shot by the police. You get the idea. Things are fine near the beach. Stay away from Tropicana field. Downtown St. Pete and the pier are fine during the day.

BTW, the water temps in the Gulf are now heading for the upper 80's.

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/egof.html

We like to go out in the late afternoon and stay past sunset. Just plop a lawn chair down IN the water and let the waves wash over you and watch the sunset over the water. The waves are little, only 12-18 inches. It's a great way to end a day. (And your wife will think it's so romantic.)

Richard

siesta key is gotta be the best in FL. very calm atmosphere compared to the rest of Fla beaches.

my friend lives less then an hour from it. He goes there almost everyday. he claims you can get addicted to it worse then heroin.