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Old 03-28-2014, 11:24 AM
 
66 posts, read 202,492 times
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Hi,

We will be visiting Florida for 2 weeks in July, staying in a place for free in West Palm Beach. I have it in my mind that we should shell out the money for 2-3 days at a West coast beach, so my children can enjoy the water without worrying about waves.

I would love to find a calm beach with clearish water and white sand. Some activities such as paddleboard rentals, picnic tables, etc would be nice. And a hotel nearby of about $150/night.

Does this sound like Siesta Beach? The other place I've heard about is Naples Beach, and it would be an hour shorter drive.

Any advice appreciated!

Nina
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Old 03-29-2014, 01:15 PM
 
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Yes it does sound like Siesta. Lido or Anna Maria island also fit the bill. With kids, watch for currents at the 'passes' - the channels between the gulf and interior bays. Naples is closer, but I would try a Sarasota barrier island for better water and beaches.
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Old 06-07-2014, 07:04 PM
 
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Anybody want to weigh in as to whether its worth the 4 hour drive plus hundreds in hotel bill to go to Siesta Beach versus just staying the whole time for free in West Palm Beach? Whiter sands, clearer water, and lower waves appeals to me (we have 7 and 10 yo children) but I'd love to hear from someone familiar with both coasts as to whether the difference is worthwhile pursuing.
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Old 06-07-2014, 08:09 PM
 
Location: Sarasota, FL
1,713 posts, read 2,346,973 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nina_online View Post
Anybody want to weigh in as to whether its worth the 4 hour drive plus hundreds in hotel bill to go to Siesta Beach versus just staying the whole time for free in West Palm Beach? Whiter sands, clearer water, and lower waves appeals to me (we have 7 and 10 yo children) but I'd love to hear from someone familiar with both coasts as to whether the difference is worthwhile pursuing.
Gulf waters are calmer and nicer, but to me, that's not worth a 2 day round trip.
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Old 06-07-2014, 08:22 PM
 
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Lido Key Beach is super chill and nice. Good for kids too. Waters are really caslm and u can rent paddleboards and the water is turquois green/blue with white sand beaches. Absolutely beautiful really.
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Old 06-08-2014, 06:50 AM
 
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While you're right about the waves, one thing we noticed when we were at our house in Venice last fall is there are significant drop offs at the Venice beaches depending on the tide. If you decide to do the drive to SK, you may want to check whether there are drop offs at the beach. (If you book a motel/hotel, they should know) as that could be just as much a problem for a little one as the waves.

We've been to Naples beach several years ago and I don't recall a drop off, but things change, so you should check either if you decide to stay on the west coast.

Also- you don't say how old the kids are. If they are elementary school ages, I would think a nice pool in WPB would be enough and not worth the 4 hour trip each way.
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Old 06-12-2014, 06:36 AM
 
Location: Sarasota Venice Englewood
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Siesta Key beach definitely is superior to Naples. There are more shells on Lido and Venice beaches and the sand is not as sugar white. This time of year Siesta will not be as crowded as in season.
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