Im staying in Kissimmee and my family would like to drive to the Gulf and spend a day on the beach.CanAnyone tell me where a good beach might be with parking and somewhat easy to get to?Thanks

Siesta Key, near Sarasota. Ample parking, white sand beaches. 2 hours from Kissimmee.

Is there a reason why you want to visit the Gulf versus the atlantic ocean beaches? I would recommend the beaches by Cape Canveral (space coast beaches) it's about an hours drive on the beeline.

I would also vote for Siesta.
Cute little town, best beach.

We like Cocoa Beach-it is a great beach for walking.

The Ana Maria, Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat key are all near each other and boast beautiful sunsets and sugar beaches. We stay there every years and its wonderful

Why not consider the Atlantic side of the state. Cocoa, Melbourne, Indialantic Beach are all good places to visit and easy to get to from Kissimmee, just take US192 east.. If you would like a natural unspoiled beach experience try the Canaveral Nation Seashore.

Both sides are beautiful, but if you want to go to the Gulf beaches for a day trip, I would suggest Fort DeSoto, on the southern tip of the St. Petersburg area. The interstate brings you to within ten minutes of this park.

There is a pier, three beautiful beaches, bike and food concessions, and plenty of shade and parking. To get there, drive I-4 West to I-275 South, to exit 17. Head west and watch for signs (about three miles from the exit).

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm

Now I'm thinking of a beach day trip, too! Are any of these waters swimmable in late March, or is it all beach walking?

joan, I'd say it depends how hardy you are. Most locals think it's still a bit chilly in the water, but they're used to bathtub-warm water in the summer. Last weekend we saw lots of people, including little kids, swimming off Honeymoon Island.

Whoops! I meant "sylvia", not "joan"--sorry!

Thanks you for the replys.My family has been to the Ocean side and wanted to consider the gulf.Thanks again.tune

We prefer the gulf beaches and I'd add another vote for Siesta Key.

sylvia3 -- My grandson and his girlfriend are visiting on early spring break and went swimming at the beach in Indialantic this afternoon. The air temp was in the high 70's. Its much warmer here than in the upper Midwest.