[FL_Expert]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Much of the suggestions made thus far are for sleepy remote locations which do have beautiful beaches, but precious little else for kids who aren't going to spend all day in the sand/water. I would suggest St Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach which have family-friendliness as well as things to do beyond the beach nearby in case it rains or the kids become bored with the beach which is likely after a few hours. Check out the Sirata on St Pete Beach https://www.sirata.com/ and The Sandpearl on Clearwater Beach https://www.opalcollection.com/sandp...pearl%20Resort

Pinellas does have some good options. My top choices would be St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island. The Don CeSar is great; and while it isn’t cheap it may be worth spending a little extra for the experience.

Clearwater Beach is okay, but I’d recommend staying north of the pier. South of it is less family friendly in my opinion.

Also, about the sleepy/remote location for Venice/Nokomis. You’re right, but it will be more relaxing too as you don’t have to fight for parking spaces and whatnot. It’s a very different vibe and one I’d probably prefer. You’d be surprised how many good restaurants that area has too.

[gypsychic]

My vote is for Lido Beach. A great pavilion, beautiful beach, swimming pool and walking distance to St. Armand's Circle. Lots of kids (and people of all ages) go there and have a great time. There is also the park on the south end of Lido. Restrooms but no snack bar at that end. It is really too congested on Anna Maria in season (even out of season these days)

[Kluch]

Originally Posted by FL_Expert

Pinellas does have some good options. My top choices would be St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island. The Don CeSar is great; and while it isn’t cheap it may be worth spending a little extra for the experience.

Clearwater Beach is okay, but I’d recommend staying north of the pier. South of it is less family friendly in my opinion.

Also, about the sleepy/remote location for Venice/Nokomis. You’re right, but it will be more relaxing too as you don’t have to fight for parking spaces and whatnot. It’s a very different vibe and one I’d probably prefer. You’d be surprised how many good restaurants that area has too.

So, wherever we go we'll probably get a beachfront hotel or rental. Or someplace we can walk within 5-10 minutes to the beach. I know my wife isn't keen on the idea of having a "beach" vacation where you're having to walk (or drive) a far distance to the beach.

[newtovenice]

If your wife is looking for a hotel near the beach and not a VRBO/AirBNB, you'll have to go to the east coast. Very few hotels on the beach on Charlotte/Sarasota county. You'd need a car to get to the beach.

If she is OK with condo rentals, I'd suggest St Augustine, as you can get a condo right on the beach and the area has a ton of fun/educational/historical activities for kids.

[gatorlyn]

Jetty Park at Cape Canaveral, you can also change up beaches between your stay and go to the Cocoa Beach area (Lori Wilson Park), or even down to Satellite Beach.

You can take your kids to Kennedy Space Center or the Brevard Zoo

And you can even squeeze in a Disney daytrip since you would only be a little over an hour away from the parks

[beach43ofus]

Disney has a small beach resort just North of Vero Beach Florida...you can have your cake & eat it too. No rides, but shows, chararacters, & the Disney theme. I have no idea if its good or not, but check it out on trip advisor to see how its rated.

[Arcenal813]

I'm going to have to agree with Kyle and the Clearwater Beach suggestion here. With kids, the nicer, quieter beaches might be a bit stale for them. Clearwater Beach has tons of activities for kids, and is very walkable from one end to the other.
There is also a trolley/shuttle thing you can take if you want to see and explore other beaches throughout the day, and relax for a little, and it's quite cheap. Chances are you'll see dolphins, among other cool wildlife that the kids might enjoy.

Clearwater Beach has always been a hit with my kids, even well before I moved to the area. If it were just me and a girlfriend/date, I'd go elsewhere, but in this case, it's the clear winner for me.

[Rabflmom]

Did I miss how old the kids were ?

I think if I had family from out of state coming in who did not want to stay with us, I would tell them to look into Cocoa Beach area-possibly at the Ron Jons resort that is now a Holiday Inn Resort. They would be able to watch the Disney Cruise ships and probably even a rocket launch. It is on the beach, has pools, a wave pool, close enough for day trips to Orlando, the space center. Close to the beach for deep sea fishing, surfing lessons etc. It is a short drive to the Canaveral National Sea Shore and its nature drives, Brevard Zoo to do the various adventures they offer like Tree Top Trek, etc. Close enough for going to Ponce Inlet lighthouse and white sand beaches on the East Coast for a day trip. Lots of great places to eat, Andretti parks for go carts, miniature golf, and games. short drive from Vero Beach for the Disney resort or a day at Sebastian Inlet State Park. You could do the bioluminescent kayak tour, air boat rides, see alligators in natural settings, and just so much to keep from being bored. Lots of tourist and surf shops to explore.

[RidgeCrossing]

maybe somewhere diff like Ponte Vedra, or Destin

[FL_Expert]

Originally Posted by RidgeCrossing

maybe somewhere diff like Ponte Vedra, or Destin

The water may still be chilly there in June.