Beach recs?

[sunshineray]

Hi! I usually post and hang out on ML but just had a quick question about west coast beaches. I live near Orlando in Sanford, and H and I have been talking about going away for a weekend on the gulf. We usually hang out closer to home at Cocoa or New Smyrna so I'm not super familiar with the other side. We've both been to Siesta Key (separately) before and loved it. I don't want to spend a ton of money on a hotel and would like to go somewhere with some good bars and restaurants close by. If possible, I'd like to limit drive time to less than 3 hours. Thanks!!

[babybchbum]

Clearwater has lots of bars and restaurants but that also means lots of people on the beach

[sara76]

www.johnspass.com/

This is where we're headed for a few days for a babymoon.

[secretlyevil]

John's Pass is good.

If you come to Clearwater Beach, which I think is exactly what you're looking for, I suggest going to Sand Key instead of the main beach.

Honeymoon Island - easy access to downtown Dunedin, which I love so many fun bars, great restaurants and cute shops.

[sunshineray]

Aug 29, 2013 13:05:31 GMT -5 secretlyevil said:

John's Pass is good.

If you come to Clearwater Beach, which I think is exactly what you're looking for, I suggest going to Sand Key instead of the main beach.

Honeymoon Island - easy access to downtown Dunedin, which I love so many fun bars, great restaurants and cute shops.

Thanks! I'll have to check that out.

I appreciate the responses!

[sara76]

Do we went to the beach the other day and I was thinking of Pass A Grilll, not St Johns. Although I think they are almost the same thing. Basically intake the last exit off 275, then after you Kay the first toll you can take a left into Fort DeSoto Park which is the most beautiful beach on the West Coast but no bars or restaurants on the beach, or you can go straight over the new bridge and there's Pass A Grill. Lots of parking, public restrooms and showers for beach feet, and lots of places to eat within walking, although beach side it's mostly resorts and you'll have to go onto the sidewalk for a lot of the local places. It's my fav beach for easy access and if I want a bite, some ice cream, or a drink (oh for the glorious day that I pop this baby out and resume normal size again...)