[Boog]

This is kind of a dumb question I guess... but my daughter and I are visiting the Leesburg area next week and I was wondering if there is a community beach at one the lakes there?.. or possibly, where is the closest public beach on the gulf or ocean???? I realize it will be an hour or so drive either way , but it will give her something to do while I visit family.. or if you have any ideas to keep her busy for a day or two that would be cool too. She is old enough to drive so getting around wont be a problem... thanks for your help

[Wilshire81182]

There is no such thing as a dumb question. =)

I think that the lakes in Lake county are beautiful, and used for a lot of recreational boating, but not for beach lounging or swimming. They tend to be swamplike and may contain alligators. Because of our proximity to beaches on both sides of the state, people do not really congregate on the lakefront beaches. You may want to check out downtown Mt. Dora, for its cute shops and cafes. It is a pleasant little town. I do not know quite as much about Leesburg, Eustis, Tavares, etc.
Someone who actually lives in the town of Leesburg will probably have more information. I live in Orlando so I am close, but not entirely familiar with the options. I do know that most lakes can have lakeside parks and boating, but not actual beaches.

Great beaches and options are on both sides of the state, depends on what crowd you are into. I prefer the gulfside beaches from Clearwater down to Naples have white sand and turquoise waters. Daytona is a bit grungier and attracts a bar crowd, college students and bikers. South of there around Cocoa beach are the closest beaches, they are less populated and less trafficked. I actually have yet to go to Cocoa despite being billed as Orlando's closest beach.

[daniellefort]

Oh the lakes in Leesburg are infested with gators. I had a terrible experience out there where our little jon boat broke down and alligators started circling our boat (probably just for curiosity) but i'll never go on that lake again. There really are not beaches closeby. Most people drive to Daytona beach if they live out there but that's about an hour drive as well.

[SKB]

Originally Posted by daniellefort

Oh the lakes in Leesburg are infested with gators. I had a terrible experience out there where our little jon boat broke down and alligators started circling our boat (probably just for curiosity) but i'll never go on that lake again. There really are not beaches closeby. Most people drive to Daytona beach if they live out there but that's about an hour drive as well.

sounds like a movie plot.