Hi, all.

My husband, my kids (4 and 2), my parents and Iare looking for somewhere on the West Florida coast to add on to our Orlando vacation. What we need: beach access, somewhere family-ish, somewhere economical. We'd rather not go much farther south than Orlando. We'll be staying 2-3 nights. Suggestions? Thanks so much!

Well, don't know if Ft Myers, Sanibel Island is too far out of your way, but this place has it all! Beautiful beaches, wildlife preserve, family-friendly restaurants. We stayed on the island and loved it--can't wait to go back!

Head straight west on I-4 to Tampa, cross the Courtney Campbell Causeway to Clearwater and the beautiful beaches of Sand Key. There are lots of reasonably priced hotels and a few on Priceline.

Seconding the area along the Gulf from Clearwater to St Petersburg, though not Cleawater Beach itself.

It's an extra hour drive from Tampa/Clearwater, but Sanibel/Captiva is worth the drive... lots of shells, dolphins, manatees and away from spring break...

Sanibel is the best, been there lots, it is a special place

True, Gary, but the OP said economical, and I thought he/she might find less expensive accommodations in clearwater than in Sanibel or Captiva.

relax Kswl... we're here to offer more than one choice and my first thought was in your post already... so I went to #2 which was pricier but a better choice for the options...

Do I hear a whirling sound?

No... I heard your whine...