[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

We've been to several beaches and find the gulf coast far superior to the ocean beaches.
The problem is that all of the decent beaches seem to be 2 hours or more.
Clearwater Beach is by far the best, but taking I275 can be a horror. It's under construction almost the entire way and it goes right through the middle of Tampa. There are cars exiting and entering on both the left and right and the traffic can be bumper to bumper stop and go for miles.
All the beaches south of Clearwater are nice. We've been to Madiera, Redington, Bellaire, Indian Rocks and the others. They are all pretty much the same but don't compare to Clearwater. There is a reason that it was voted the best beach in Florida.

But, all of those beaches are at least two hours drive. Is there anything north of Tarpon Springs that is a decent beach?

We went to Fort Island Park and it was a waste of time. Terrible brown water. I was told that Cedar Key beach was only 45 minutes but it took us over 2 hours to get there and it was a major disappointment.

We would happily settle for something that is of less quality that Clearwater Beach (then again, what isn't) that is an hour or so from The Villages.

All suggestions would be appreciated.

[CFrance]

I am map-stupid about Florida's geography. However, my hairdresser raved about Fred Howard Park. (Tarpon Springs area?) She said it's beautiful, has shade available on the beach itself from palms, has picnic areas. She said they arrange to arrive around 1:00, and the place is emptying out from the early morning beach goers. They can sit in the shade on the beach if they want and stay all afternoon in relative peace and quiet.

I have never been there, but it might be worth googling.

[Villager Joyce]

Dr B, I think you answered your own question. Go to Clearwater. There is not a comparable. I've learned to love Cocoa, but it isn't Clearwater. It's like comparing TheVillages to Top of the World? If you can't have the real thing, don't bother.

[HimandMe]

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by Villager Joyce

Dr B, I think you answered your own question. Go to Clearwater. There is not a comparable. I've learned to love Cocoa, but it isn't Clearwater. It's like comparing TheVillages to Top of the World? If you can't have the real thing, don't bother.

I'm willing to settle for a little less quality for a shorter drive. If I could find something within an hour or so, we'd probably go there more often and go to Clearwater a few times a year. Last time we went to Clearwater it took us four hours to get home. Traffic on 275 was ridiculous.

[TheVillageChicken]

Hudson Beach (Robert J. Strickland Beach)...small but nice. Water quality varies, currently good

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by HimandMe

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

Have you been to any of the beaches on Lake Weir? Carney Island is really nice.


Marion County, FL : Park directory

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by HimandMe

How great it would be if The Villages had a man-made beach...

Be nice if they could get salt water and then keep the alligators and poisonous snakes out. I'm very leery about swimming in lakes in Florida.

[Villager Joyce]

Hudson has a live webcam. I tried to copy the site, but it didn't work. It is a foxnews channel site.

[Villager Joyce]

Fort island gulf beach state park off 44. Bocc.citrus.fl.us.

[John_W]

I don't know exactly where the I-75 construction begins, but starting with Route 50 (Brooksville exit), there is also Route 52 and Route 54. All east-west roads that will take you west to Suncoast Parkway. That parallels Hwy 19 southbound and then you can exit at Courtney Campbell Blvd (Hwy 60) and that takes you right to Clearwater Beach.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by John_W

I don't know exactly where the I-75 construction begins, but starting with Route 50 (Brooksville exit), there is also Route 52 and Route 54. All east-west roads that will take you west to Suncoast Parkway. That parallels Hwy 19 southbound and then you can exit at Courtney Campbell Blvd (Hwy 60) and that takes you right to Clearwater Beach.

Thanks, that might be very helpful. I-75 is under construction but I've had a major problems there. It's I-275 that is the big problem. I might not even mind a two hour drive as long as I know it's not going to turn into three or four hours.

[Villager Joyce]

Dr B, thanks for asking this question. We have company coming in a couple of weeks and we hadn't planned anything. Think we are going to ft island. About an hour drive.

[Polar Bear]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

I'm willing to settle for a little less quality for a shorter drive. If I could find something within an hour or so, we'd probably go there more often and go to Clearwater a few times a year. Last time we went to Clearwater it took us four hours to get home. Traffic on 275 was ridiculous.

Clearwater Beach is excellent. But if you're not lucky, the drive back to TV can be a problem. If you are lucky, the drive is ~2 hours. If you're not lucky, all bets are off. Problem is, I'm not aware of any Gulf Coast beaches that are closer that are even near the quality of Clearwater Beach.

I'm no Florida beach expert, but I really can't think of any beaches between Pinellas County (Clearwater area) and the Panhandle. Cedar Key is nice place to visit, but it's not really a beach at all, just kind of a pleasant seaside community about 2 hours west of TV.

[JGVillages]

Siesta Ket Beach just south of Sarasota is spectacular. It may be a bit over two hours but the firm white sand at the water is great for walking and biking. Make a day of it and hit St Armands Circle in nearby Sarasota for some great shops and restaurants.