Beach FAQS: What You Need To Know About Planning A Beach Day
Many families venture to Orlando with plans to spend all of their time at the parks. Whether it is Disney, Sea World, Universal or LegoLand, theme parks are a major draw to this area for families. However, it would be a
shame to come all the way here and not experience another Florida favorite: the beach! Lather up the sunscreen, throw a few towels in the car and check out these FAQS about the best way to enjoy Florida’s gorgeous coastlines.
How far is the beach?
Magical Stays’s vacation homes are located pretty smack dab in the middle of the state, so getting to either coast is about the same distance. St. Petersburg Beach is a popular choice (more about which beach is right for your
family down below) and is about an hour and half away on the west coast. Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach are about an hour and twenty minutes, they are on the eastern coast. West Palm Beach and Miami are a little bit more of a drive, and will take closer to 3 hours to get there.
Which Beach Is Right For My Family?
For Families– these beaches are clean, family friendly, and have plenty of options for things to do. The water is clear, there are fun shops, ice cream parlors and outdoor patio restaurants where the whole family can get something to eat. Whether you go for the afternoon or stay for sunset, you can feel safe at these family friendly beaches. These are slow paced beaches where you can rest, take your time, and enjoy the clear waters and quirky beach atmosphere
- Clearwater Beach
- St. Pete Beach
- Naples
For Partying- If you’re looking for some fun in the sun without the kids, Florida has some excellent beaches to get a little crazy. Outdoor bars, live music and beach clubs bring partyers from all over to have a good time. Popular for
bachelorette parties, spring breakers and those looking to let loose, these Florida beaches can get a little wild, day or night
- Daytona Beach
- Vero Beach
- Cocoa Beach
For Peace and Quiet– Retirees, empty nesters and those who are looking to fall asleep in the sun with a good book and their toes in the sand should venture a little further north for a more peaceful beach experience. These beaches are further away, but worth it if you plan on spending the night and enjoying the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks
- Playalinda Beach·
- St. Augustine
- Fort Walton Beach
Do I Need To Worry About Sharks? Yes. And No. We’d be lying if we said that you could go out into Florida’s beaches without a care in the world, but that is not realistic or responsible. Shark attacks are very rare, but when they do happen are more common on the Atlantic Ocean side. There is no denying that there are sharks in the water, but they aren’t the Great Whites you’re afraid of. They are typically smaller sharks like nurse sharks. Here are some tips to keep you safe in the water. Don’t enter the water if you have an open wound:
- Don’t wear shiny jewelry
- Don’t stand out in open water and throw food
- Don’t swim at night
- Don’t swim past the sandbars
- Stay in groups, sharks stay away from crowds and
lots of activity
Is there more to do than just enjoy the beach? Absolutely! Depending on the beach you go to, there are plenty of options to keep your family busy the whole day. Shopping, restaurants, exploring boardwalks, museums, parasailing, dolphin tours, fishing and much more!
If you need a break from the long lines and crowds at
Disney, consider planning a beach day to soak up some sun. Wear plenty of
sunscreen, anticipate spending a little time looking for parking, take lots of
pictures, and most importantly, have fun!
