Florida
 

Hello. Looks like our usual September stay at Lido Beach in Sarasota might not be a good idea this year. Can anyone suggest something on the East Coast? We'll be coming from a visit in Lakeland, and would like a quiet, non-touristy, non-party/spring-break like place. How is New Smyrna Beach? Any other suggestions? Just my husband and me--no kids! Thanks so much, Kathy

New Smyrna is quieter than Daytona. Amelia Island is very nice. Vero Beach and Melbourne Beach are very quiet, more residential in nature rather than tourist-oriented.

New Smyrna Beach = Shark Bite Capitol of the World

What's that you say? Just Google "Shark Bite Capitol of the World" and see what comes up.

321go has already mentioned Amelia Island and Melbourne Beach. I would also add Crescent Beach http://www.city-data.com/w8/bgm3497.gif which is about 40-45 miles north of Daytona.


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Thank you both! We will definitely research these suggestions and see how daring we are when it comes to sharks. We much appreciate your input!! Kathy

I would go to New Smyrna Beach, I am born and raised in Lakeland, family had a condo in NSB for years, been there too many time to count. For me the ocean is fun for wading, too cold to really swim, get a place with a pool and you have it beat. It is a low key place.

timetohittheroad,

Just curious, are you avoiding Lido beach because of the oil spill?

We've been to Amelia Island twice now at the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge (both times in May). Enjoyed the restaurants in Fernandina Beach (especially Le Clos), biking in Ft Clinch Park & a segway tour with Ecomotion Tours.

I will also vote for Amelia Island, several good trip reports/posts on here that will provide lots of info.

Native Crackers, we live in Lakeland area and spend a lot of time on both coasts. First, continue to monitor the oil mess if that's what's making your plans for Sarasota change, the oil may not (pray) hit the west coast area. Alternatives on east coast would be New Smyrna -- the shark bites occur during the cobia/mullet/blue fish runs in later Fall and the sharks don't take big bites -- assuming you don't surf, I wouldn't let that stop me, Daytona Beach Shores and Ponce Inlet, south of the Daytona Beach "touristy" areas have great beaches and are nice areas. Further south, Vero Beach and then, the Hutchinson Island area off of Stuart are fun areas. Of course, a lot depends on what you want to do on your vacation.

Completely agree with zzzot7.

Watch the spill, but don't let it spoil your summer. New Smyrna's fine this time of year, just stay clear of the inlet. The currents there can be interesting even if there aren't any sharks. Amelia is very nice.

Other choices: Ponte Vedra (just south of Jacksonville, check out the fabulous Ponte Vedra Inn at www.wloq.com/SummerGetaways_PonteVedra.aspx -- one of the few AAA Five Diamonds in Florida and has a semi-private beach) plus they have some nice rates this summer.

or Anastasia Island (www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia/default.cfm) in St. Augustine (again, watch the rips in the inlet). St. Augustine is a great experience if you haven't been (oldest European city in North America, founded 1565, and has a HUGE Spanish fort -- Castillo de San Marcos -- eat at 95 Cordova in the Casa Monica hotel, which is also a great place to stay www.casamonica.com).

Another option would be to stay near Daytona and drive to the different east coast beaches each day. You can hit Daytona, New Smyrna, St. Augustine/Anastasia, Flagler Beach and Washington Oaks (www.floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks/) from there. Be sure to visit Canaveral National Seashore -- secluded and you can see the space shuttle on the launch pad from the beach if one's ready to go (www.nps.gov/cana/). I may be prejudiced since I grew up here and surfed Ponte Vedra constantly, but I love the east coast beaches.

Thank you everyone! I haven't logged in in quite a few days and was pleasantly surprised to see all the replies! In answer to Gmoney, yes, the oil spill has us concerned about going to Sarasota. Who knows what will be by September? As some of you have suggested, we will continue to monitor the situation (and continue praying for all those affected, human or wild) and decide a little later. And now I will go research all of your suggestions. Many thanks!!