Florida West Coast Beaches

All these have nice beaches. All will be really hot: 93F pretty much every day, usually with a brief thunderstorm in the afternoon to raise the humidity.

just topped a 'fla. beaches gulf v. ocean side' which may be helpful.

I can only compare two of the areas. Siesta Key where I live now and Sanibel where I vacationed often about 15 years ago, well actually Captiva, but I do know Sanibel.

Siesta Key has probably some of the best sand in the whole state of Florida. Very fine, cool to bare foot. All of our beach area is public so you can practiacally walk the whole length of the island with the exception of couple of natural barriers. Early August our beaches are full of local kids and families plus many Europeans. Overall it's a quiet community. The 2 commercial areas are little more louder but nothing close to a spring break atmosphere. Nothing to worry about.

There is more natural wildlife on Sanibel, but the beaches are not as nice. As I remember their beach sand consisted of tiny shells which made it more difficult to walk barefoot. My wife and I actually used water footies or waterever they are called just to protect our feet. The atmosphere is very similar on both islands. Many families and Europeans at that time of the year.

Water will be warm at both places, almost too warm....

Didn't really know that Nokomis was known as a beach destination. They have few but nothing like SK or Sanibel.

Good luck with your decision.

Nokomis on Casey Key has a couple of very lovely public beaches. You do have to get off the key for food and lodging for the most part. I would also like to put in a plug for Venice Beach. It is a vey nice beach and the town of Venice is very laid back with great shopping and restaurants. The streets pretty much roll up at night, so it depends what you like. If you like night life go to Siesta rather than any of the others. Turtles restaurant on Siesta Key is an alltime favorite of ours.

Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beaches are very pretty and peaceful. I love Sanibel, but the beach itself is not as nice as IR and IS ... unless you're going to shell, shell, shell!

For August, have you considered the Beaches of 30A on the panhandle near Destin and Seaside? Beautiful quiet beaches--Destin is busy but out toward Seaside/Seagrove Beach--wonderful.

I second the Beaches of South Walton. Snow white sand, crystal clear water, and NEVER crowded.

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/

http://sowal.com/ (Click on Photos)

THANK YOU to all of you for the information and the links. It really helps to have opinions from those in the know. I will now get busy and research these areas!

If you go to Siesta Key, would recommend Crescent Beach which is just up (walking distance) from Siesta Key Beach. It is quieter than the public beach, which is usually crowded, however, walking distance if you want a snack or just to have a nice walk. It is where the condos are located, but nice. Actually, when we were there this past October, Siesta Key had some kind of funky odor, yet it wasn't present right down on Crescent Beach, although that has never happened to us before, so don't let it deter you. Funny things happen with tide and water flows.

Also, Anna Maria Island is very quiet. We have been there several times and only a handful of people on the beach at any given time.

No matter where you choose, you will have a great time. It is a beautiful area, and don't let complaints of heat deter you. That's why we go to the beach, right?

Thank you MSS. It sounds like we are on the same wavelength, and I will now take a look at possibilities of the Crescent Beach area. All of the above replies are much appreciated and we have done some quick on-line research of spots between Venice and Sarasota. Decisions, decisions.......

For quiet, laid-back, I highly recommend staying in Venice...Venice Avenue has over a hundred shops, cafes, etc...the beach is beautiful..and you are 15 minutes from Siesta Key if you want to check it out! The benefit to Venice is the quietness on the island, the old Florida small-town feel, with everything you need close at hand. Hotels close to the beach are expensive, and most of the chains are dumps, but for a most wonderful visit check out the Island Breeze Inn -- a step back in time, within the historic area, less than a mile to the beach, and you can get an immaculate room with exceptional customer service for like $65 a night. It's the classic 50's drive-up-to-your door place, very well done and charming.

Another vote for the panhandle. The South Walton beaches along 30A will be cooler than futher south that time of the year. Beautiful white sand, wonderful restaurants, alot of things to do for all ages.