[laniee68]

We are thinking of vacationing in Florida next month. We are looking for a nice beach that isn't crowded. A few years ago we drove through the Clearwater area and it was so crowded on the beach there's no way we could have found parking let alone enjoyed the beach.

We're not looking at any one place specifically. We do prefer the Gulf side though. Also, with 6 of us (we have 4 kids) we need someplace that's laid back and very budget friendly.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Lanie

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by laniee68

We are thinking of vacationing in Florida next month. We are looking for a nice beach that isn't crowded. A few years ago we drove through the Clearwater area and it was so crowded on the beach there's no way we could have found parking let alone enjoyed the beach.

We're not looking at any one place specifically. We do prefer the Gulf side though. Also, with 6 of us (we have 4 kids) we need someplace that's laid back and very budget friendly.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Lanie

The snowbirds are gone now. There are very few people on the beaches, or anywhere else, in the middle of the summer. Prices also go down in the summer because hotels are just trying to fill up rooms. Maybe you could even rent a condo/house from a homeowner for a week or two. You have a lot of options this time of the year.

[TampaKaren]

Please slather on the sun screen and be prepared to sweat. We're having heat indexes in the 100s. I drove through the Clearwater Beach area earlier this week and it wasn't crowded at all (until sunset).

[pdm_ad]

This is the least crowded beach I have been on in FL. Alligator Point is more developed than Bald Point, but both are sparsely populated. I especially like Bald Point because there are a 2 places with beach access, one of which has only 4 parking spots total. Everytime I have been there I was the only car there so I had the entire beach to myself. The water is tannin-stained there and it is extremely shallow so the swimming is an adventure although down towards Alligator point it gets clearer. But the solitude, nature and fishing all make it a low-key relaxing vacation.

Here is a link to some rentals in the area:

http://www.gulfcoastrentals.com/flor...gatorpoint.htm

[Beachmommy3]

Hey- You should visit the Florida's panhandle area...more specifically, Destin/Seagrove Area. Sugar white sands, secluded beach accesses and Wallyworld for all your family budget needs. Plan on eating in because it expensive to eat out around here. But, the most beautiful beaches in the world. Good luck!

[laniee68]

Thank you all for the advice. I will be researching all places suggested

[Strel]

Originally Posted by laniee68

Thank you all for the advice. I will be researching all places suggested

Check out Grayton Beach in the Panhandle too. Very cool, not crowded.

[rpmx1000]

Daytona Beach Shores. Not crowded. Family friendly. Clean beach. Awesome waves. Clean water. You can walk for miles on the beach. The water in the Gulf is pathetic compared to the east coast.

[On-da-Beach]

Originally Posted by rpmx1000

Daytona Beach Shores. Not crowded. Family friendly. Clean beach. Awesome waves. Clean water. You can walk for miles on the beach. The water in the Gulf is pathetic compared to the east coast.

Anyone can see, you've never been to 30A in Walton County. Your statement made me laugh out loud!

And for those who think Florida's tourists all stay home in the summer (too hot)... The 4th of July is our busiest holiday up here. In fact, I'm seeing nearly 100% occupancy across the board. That's why I didn't suggest to the OP that they come here in July for solitude.

[Jonotastic]

Naples (Marco Island) is quiet and beautiful. West vs East doesn't make much difference in ocean color...it's North vs South that makes the difference. The further South you go, the more blue and Caribbean like.