My family and I are driving south to Orlando in a few weeks and want to stop for a couple days each way to spend some time on the beach. I'd prefer to spend a couple days on the gulf coast and a couple days on the Atlantic.

We have 2 daughters (ages 2 and 7) and would prefer quieter beaches. We've enjoyed New Smyrna before but would like to visit some others. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

You might want to try the Destin area ..not sure where you are coming from..is it out of Fl or in Fl? On the gulf side Destin is beautiful if you are coming from North in the US..but we need to know where you are originating from.

I agree with RAD. Destin has great beaches. We go often to this area. My sister lives on the Atlantic, two hours below Orlando. The water is beautiful, but I think the beaches in Destin are much prettier - and the water is crystal clear.

Thanks for the suggestion about Destin. I'll check into it. Any beachfront hotels you'd recommend?

We're driving down from Omaha, Nebraska.

Although I agree that Destin does have a great beach you might want to drive a little further down toward Panama city to Grayton Beach. It is quiet and beautiful. Although there are no hotels there are great beach houses that might still be available for a few days. We have gone with our family for years and all agree that it is the best!

Check out Clearwater Beach. Very quite and one of the best beaches in the U.S.A. You can get more information at http://www.beachtourism.com

Keith,

Another choice if you are driving would be Longboat Key. It is a really quiet area with all the benefits of the Gulf. I stay at the Longboat Key Hilton which is quite reasonable, has a nice little poolside cafe and is beachfront. I know they have nice suites that might just work out with the children.