[faithfulFrank]

Hello all.
As most of you know, my "2nd for now" home is in the Leesburg area. When we are down there again in May, my 19 yr old son and GF will be flying down for a few days. They want to spend a day visiting a nice beach on the gulf side without taking half a day to drive there.

I've only traveled that way a few times when I went to Homosassas Springs. That was a nice state park, etc, but when we were done there, I told my wife, "Let's just drive east a bit more, the coast should be close....let's go beach hunting."

Well, I'm embarrassed to say that I never found the beach. EVERY road I took just ended up being a residential dead end. After awhile I said forget this, and went back home.

So......going somewhat directly east from Leesburg, is there anything nice, beachy, touristy, shopping, etc, nice places to window shop, eat, and enjoy a nice beach without driving hours north or south once we get closer to the gulf side? These are college kids.....we just want to spend a niceday at a nice beach, maybe make a nice memory.

Where would YOU go....????

Thanks, Frank D.

[On-da-Beach]

Originally Posted by faithfulFrank

So......going somewhat directly east from Leesburg, is there anything nice, beachy, touristy, shopping, etc, nice places to window shop, eat, and enjoy a nice beach without driving hours north or south once we get closer to the gulf side? These are college kids.....we just want to spend a niceday at a nice beach, maybe make a nice memory.

Where would YOU go....????

Thanks, Frank D.

OK... let's get you turned around. The Gulf is west of Leesburg. With that said, I'd head east to the Atlantic for the day you've described. The gulf beaches in that area aren't any of the things you're looking for. Daytona is NE of you and would make a nice day IMHO. College kids will love it! Get a picture of them in front of the Daytona International Speedway sign!

[faithfulFrank]

Thanks! I can't believe I typed East...... I did mean west. Thanks for the info on Daytona...I will ask the kids.
I think my son suggested the gulf side, just because he has never seen the gulf, but has enjoyed the ocean before.

I know i've read of some nice gulf areas, but I thinbk they were either too south, (like sanibel island) or too north, like the Panama city area.

Perhaps what I should have posted is "What would be a nice day trip from the Leesburg area....."

Frank D.

[Lakeland Yankee]

Originally Posted by faithfulFrank

I know i've read of some nice gulf areas, but I think they were either too south, (like sanibel island) or too north, like the Panama city area.

Perhaps what I should have posted is "What would be a nice day trip from the Leesburg area....."

Frank D.

I would highly recommend Fort De Soto Park. It is going to be at least 2 hours (mostly interstate) from Leesburg but it will be well worth it IMHO. The place is beautiful and there is so much to do there. The North beach on the Gulf is where you want to go to enjoy the beach. Very clear water and bright white sand, it doesn't get any better than that.

I'm sure you can find a decent beach a little closer to you but I doubt it will be anywhere near as nice.
I think it would be a perfect day trip. I know you said you wanted touristy, shopping, etc but I think you guys would love Fort De Soto Park.

Clearwater Beach would be a better choice if you want a more happening beach scene.

just my 2 cents