Best family beach within 2-3 hrs of Orlando?
 

We are planning a family vacation with our kids (ages 12 & 9) in early November. We plan on staying 3 nights in Orlando going to the parks (probably staying at Universal) then we would like to spend 3 more nights at a beach resort. However, we don't want to drive too far since we'll need to return to Orlando to fly home - I was thinking 2-3 hours would be ideal. I'm assuming the gulf coast beaches will be warmer and we have visited Clearwater in the past and found it nice. Also, we would prefer to stay right on the beach and I know that Clearwater has a Hilton and a Marriott that would fit our needs. I also was considering St. Petersburg but I've never been there so I don't know much about it.

I was wondering what beaches you all would recommend for a family who plan on doing a bit of sightseeing and relaxing near the water.

There is still some decent beach weather in early November, but don't wait too long.

My first choice would be Crescent Beach, 10-15 minutes south of St. Augustine. You can search this forum using the words "Crescent Beach"

Daytona is overrated and New Smyrna is only so-so. Same with Cocoa Beach. Indialantic Beach, near Melbourne, is nicer.

All are within a 2-hour radius of Orlando.

The Gulf Coast WILL most likely be warmer, and your best bet for family time might be Tradewinds Resort on St. Pete Beach, about 2 hours from Orlando. You'll see mixed reviews about the place, but I've always enjoyed it.

Thank you both for the advice.

I'm worried that the St. Augustine area might be a bit cool in early November (7th - 10). What are your thoughts on this?

I'm leaning towards either Clearwater, St. Petersburg or Siesta Key. I just started researching, but I think the resort options are pretty slim in the Siesta Key area - it's more of a condo rental area, am I right? I personnally prefer a hotel/resort since a kitchen and laundry facilities will go unused for us when I'm on vacation! :-) What are your thoughts on those 3 beaches?

We LOVE Siesta Key! The sand is great and it's a good running beach, too. We also went to a Clearwater Beach, but I preferred Siests Key. But that's about another hour from the Tampa area.

nicolep91-

"I'm worried that the St. Augustine area might be a bit cool in early November (7th - 10). What are your thoughts on this?"

We have owned a beachfront condo at Crescent Beach for 15 years. During the first week of November, there may be some days with daytime highs near 80, but there may be some that only reach 75 (which is too cold for most Floridians). In other words, it will not be consistently HOT (90s), but it won't be cold either.

I would suggest Cocoa Beach-about an hour from Orlando. The waves are much
bigger on the Atlantic and you can watch
the surfers. There are many seafood restaurants nearby. Also your children
might like to go to the Space Center.
We stayed at the Resort on Cocoa Beach
and it was great. There are many hotels
right on the beach. The Hilton was next
door to the Resort on Cocoa Beach.