[KelsBelles]

We are looking to get away to Florida for a week in August...trying to decide between Melbourne Beach, Cocoa, Marco Island area, or Long Boat Key, siesta...or TAMPA area...

We have to stay at a HILTON - so our options are limited but we know we want to be on the beach. We have stayed in Marco before - loved it - but are hoping for something new and different. We heard that the the Gulf is prettier - we tend to agree from what we have seen...just looking for thoughts and opinions. Thanks for any info you want to give us - or ideas for nice places to see - eat out, tour etc...

[Derek1]

Originally Posted by KelsBelles

We are looking to get away to Florida for a week in August...trying to decide between Melbourne Beach, Cocoa, Marco Island area, or Long Boat Key, siesta...or TAMPA area...

We have to stay at a HILTON - so our options are limited but we know we want to be on the beach. We have stayed in Marco before - loved it - but are hoping for something new and different. We heard that the the Gulf is prettier - we tend to agree from what we have seen...just looking for thoughts and opinions. Thanks for any info you want to give us - or ideas for nice places to see - eat out, tour etc...

Sarasota is beautiful with great beaches and a lovely downtown area ... if you loved Marco , you will love Sarasota .

[smash731]

as a space coast resident, I recommend Cocoa Beach over Melbourne Beach. There's not really anything in Melbourne beach besides houses, at least Cocoa Beach has mini golf

I heard Siesta Key is amazing though.

[Prichard]

Longboat Key is very nice. Marco Island is very nice.

I like to surf and windsurf. The gulf is very flat during the summertime - no waves, no wind, it's really like a big lake. The east coast has waves year round and in the afternoon in the summer has a nice sea breeze. So, for those reasons, I tend to like the east coast beaches, especially during the summer. Although during the late fall, winter and early spring, St. Pete was awsome for windsurfing!

If you have small children, there's a place in Cocoa that is quite fun - It's the Ron-Jon Resort(sp?). Great pool and water park for kids; nice beach - good facilities.

[pianogal]

IMHO, Siesta Key is the best beach in the US - perhaps I'm prejudiced. We found alot of fun things to do in the surrounding Sarasota area. However, Prichard has a point - if you like to play in the waves and surf, then you need to go to the Atlantic Beaches - you won't find it in the gulf especially in the summer.

[daniellefort]

Well i can say if your looking for waves, go to the east coast. there are no waves on the west coast though the sunsets are beautiful. I prefer Daytona beach myself. I usually go there 3 times a year and i live just 15 minutes from the west coast so i'd rather take the 2 hour drive across the state rather than use a beach closer to home.

[florida1]

Try Captiva Island. It is between Marco and Siesta Key. Nicest beach in the country IMO.

[Ladywithafan]

Originally Posted by pianogal

IMHO, Siesta Key is the best beach in the US - perhaps I'm prejudiced. We found alot of fun things to do in the surrounding Sarasota area. However, Prichard has a point - if you like to play in the waves and surf, then you need to go to the Atlantic Beaches - you won't find it in the gulf especially in the summer.

Well, first question, have you vacationed on the gulf in August before? It's freaking hot/humid/no waves unless there's a storm coming in/passing by....I'd guess the water temp to be warmer than your bath...so, if that's cool with you, c'mon over to LBK and/or siesta...there's a Hilton, of course, here & I'm not sure about Siesta....just moved downtown & still finding my way around....

But, Yeah, for more waves & a maybe a breeze, I would go east coast!

[RedWingsFan]

Vacation GulfCoast vs East Coast?

Come on, you are asking if you should see/visit the ocean or the gulf? There's no decision to make, if you are going to vacation make it to the ocean. The gulf wishes it were the ocean.

[Sea-Lover]

The gulf coast hands down. Manasota Beach is the most beautiful place around. Crystal clear water, lots of huge shells and more shark teeth fossils than you can shake a stick at. Very private but can be very pricey especially if you want to buy a vacation home there. Check it out just search for Manasota Beach it is near Venice Florida south of Sarasota.