FL beach with supermarket?
 

Where is there a pleasant Florida beach with a well stocked chain supermarket in walking distance? Often the nicer beaches are on a narrow barrier island that's not suited to a supermarket except at wider, congested, unattractive, low-rent sections.

I found one good candidate near Sarasota. The St Pete/Clearwater area doesn't seem to have them near the nicer spots. How about the Atlantic coast north of Miami? Thanks

The Doubletree in Fort Lauderdale (on Sunrise near the Galleria )is close to a supermarket (across the street and half block away). It is 1-2 blocks from the beach. It is next to the intracoastal waterway.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL (5 miles north of Ft. L). Many of the motels in this beachtown have full kitchens to help you out with storing it somewhere too. I've walked many times to Publix which is about 3 blocks from the beach on A1A. The town is on a peninsula off Ft. Lauderdale and is very uncrowded, especially on weekdays.

Casa Ybel resort on Sanibel Island. Condo resort so full kitchen in your unit. You can walk down to Bailey's grocery, pick up some fresh flowers, get a video for the afternoon rain time, have an ice cream or go to a movie. It is a 1/2 mile or less walk on a sidewalk. It is not a chain but the prices are not bad for a captive audience and they have great fudge, pretty ok selection of wine, a butcher on site. It is a complete grocery. I did this last summer when we stayed at Sanibel Cottages (Hilton managed) which is next to Casa Ybel. Casa Ybel has more amenities: big pool, bar, restaurant, etc. You can also rent a cute bike with a surrey top for the week.

Melbourne Beach -- between Cocoa and Vero -- has a Publix right across the street from the beach. In fact, a lot of people will buy ready-made sandwiches there and take them to to the beach for a picnic.

Be aware, the beach there is very quiet and unpopulated, if that's what you're looking for.

viking, out of curiousity, why are you planning a vacation to a beach that is close to a grocery store? Why is a grocery store criteria to your vacation choice? Not trying to be ugly, just curious.

Was wondering that too GoTravel. Kinda weird.
Anyways, I live on Clearwater Beach and while you could walk to the grocery store; Publix, an easier way is to take the Jolly Trolly. A open air bus that for 25 Cents will take you right from the beach, to Island Estates, where Publix is, to downtown Clearwater however there is nothing downtown for tourists.

Hiroshi: What grocery store is across the street from Doubletree @ Sunrise Blvd? I know Galleria Mall is nearby, but I can't remember a grocery store (there's a convenience store nearby)

This is my reasoning behind wanting a grocery store close. I like saving money by not eating out every meal and eating just the amount and type of food I want. I also like the quiet of my room and my own personal TV to watch, without someone's little kids or loud couples interrupting my evening. What is even nicer is having a liquor store right next to the Publix I mentioned where you can get a nice bottle of red wine for your stay-at-motel/hotel either on the pool area or room meal.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is really nice. I know the Mayor and had an evening meeting with him and some people at a nice little restaurant at a motel right on the beach. You'll be close to everything because it's a small town. However, it is practically surrounded by Fort Lauderdale. I assume you don't want to have to rent a car and want to be able to walk to loads of stuff. I see lots of people walking in the area all the time. I live outside Fort Lauderdale, so I get up there every now and then. If I can figure out the name of the place on the ocean, I'll pass it along to you.

Thanks for the suggestions. I can't believe I've driven by the Island Estates a hundred times without noticing the Publix. Perfection would be a north facing condo tower there; out of the sun's glare but with view towards Caldesi island. And Lauderdale-by-the-sea, Melbourne, etc sound promising.

Reason for walkability to big grocery is I already live in a beach resort and tire of the normal focus on meat, salt, sugar, and high prices. Want access to affordable, fresh, healthier foods without battling traffic and parking.

Viking,
You've got to actually drive into Island Estates from the Memorial Causeway to get to the Publix. It's not very far however.
As the north end of Clearwater Beach is completely residental, there are no north facing towers on that end, but the Hilton Clearwater Beach might fit the bill. About 9 stories, rooms face north and south, it'll be right in front of you as you drive onto the beach via Rt. 60, Memorial Causeway.
Hope this helps!

Suggest a second look at St. Pete Beach, and the Dolphin Shopping Center on Gulf Blvd. across from the beach near all major hotels and motels. It has a Publix. You can easily walk to it.

Well, Viking, you will not be disappointed by Lauderdale-by-the-Sea if you ultimately pick it. Very nice beachtown that doesn't have any high rises, just motels/hotels with 3 story and under accommodations. I remember staying at the Coral Key Inn (coralkeyinn.com) which has a full kitchen and going to Publix which is 3-4 blocks away to stock on food. What was nice also is that there is an Eckerd and liquor store should you need sunscreen and beach stuff and some wine for dinner at your motel. I have no connection to the Coral Key or Chamber of Commerce but went there twice within a year one year and loved the quiet clean beachtown. If you want to venture into Ft. Lauderdale, on A1A there is bus service regularly during the day.

Marco Island south of Naples is great and has a winn-dixie and publix supermarket near the best hotels on the beach, the Hilton and Radisson.

Vette4Paris,
You've identified my favorite beach with a supermarket! I was first directed there by my good friend Jeff.

St. Pete Beach on Gulf Bvld - Dolphin Shopping Plaza has a grocery store. Stayed on St. Pete Beach last year and going back again this October. Nice location. Not too busy, just enough. Can't wait to go back. Staying at the
Gulf Gate Resort - renting a condo there this time. Has anyone stayed there?