LVAMY

We are spending 3 nites at Universal and 5 nites at Disney end of April 2012, hoping to find a nice beach area not more than an hour-hour an a half drive to spend 3 nites. I love the Sarasota area but it looks like more than a 2 hour one way trip, so hope someone can give me suggestions.

qwovadis

Cocoa is closest

Sanibel/Captiva is nicest

drive a little longer to head there.

booking.com great hotels with honest reviews

OO

I've spent some nice days in the Indialantic area, but still prefer the Gulf coast, especially that time of year when the Atlantic is still frigid, but the Gulf can be warm enough to swim comfortably. I agree Sarasota beaches are lovely, plus the dining and shopping make it even more appealing. Just a little closer, St Pete Beach is a very nice area as well. Honestly, the drive isn't all that far, and all interstate. We lived as far west in Tampa as you could go, yet outside of rush hour, could make it to Orlando in an hour. Are you flying? You could fly into Orlando and out of Tampa--beautiful airport!

Orlando_Vic

With a 1½-hour driving limit, that probably means Cocoa Beach. Check out Lori Wilson Park: http://www.beachhunter.net/cocoa-bea...ilson-park.htm

_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

hpeabody

I agree with recommendation for Cocoa Beach. There is a Hilton, Doubletree, Courtyard and Hampton Inn plus more

steviegene

I would drive a bit farther - I think Cocoa Beach area is a bit cheesy.

AustinTraveler

I agree. It's worth driving 30 minutes longer to Sarasota/Siesta Key.

cd

Agree with OO and St Pete Beach. YOu didn't say anything about price on the hotels. Don CeSar is picey but very nice:

http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Don-Ce...%7c12530573506
And Tradewinds more reasonable but nice:
http://www.tradewindsresort.com/defa...FUi8KgodkFdazg

LVAMY

Thanks for all the input, everyone.

sharona

I stayed at Tradewinds in St. Pete Beach in June. It worked out really well for us. We had 2 bedrooms (each with 2 queen beds), 2 bathrooms, a small kitchen/dining/living area. We made the drive to Discovery Cove in Orlando one day and it was under 2 hours and a very easy drive. All interstate. St. Pete Beach is a nice area with plenty of restaurants and a very wide, white-sand beach.

321go

"Cocoa is closest"

Cocoa and Cocoa Beach are two different towns. Cocoa is on the mainland.

riccar79

Our favorite is Clearwater Beach. My husband grew up in the St Pete area (we now live in Chicago...sigh...), yet he still prefers Clearwater - it remains one of the best beaches in Fodor's Books.
We most recently stayed for 10 days at Palm Pavilion - family owned and RIGHT on the beach, no driving to the Gulf! It's simple and clean, have rooms and sm apts, outdoor pool, no frills but everything you need. Price was modest. They have a Beachside Grill & Bar, live music every night, and small store. You can walk down the beach to Pier 60 every night for free family fun, celebrated at Sunset. While there, we drove to Universal for a day and drove back the same night. Very do-able. Good Luck, we're going back in 2012.

http://www.palmpavilioninn.com/default.html