Archive for the FLORIDA BEACHES Category

John’s Pass and Madeira Beach….third times a charm….

Posted in FLORIDA BEACHES with tags , , on July 15, 2012 by disneychronicles

So you may have noticed I have added a Florida Beaches Category.  I have decided that in the last year I have visited many on the Gulf coast and absolutely have made it a goal to visit most if not all in the state.

Hey not a bad goal since I live here now right???

Might as well see it all! So here it goes….

I swear this is my third time to this place and I officially LIKE it!

It’s touristy….Yes, but also has that old florida tackle shop feel!  The place you used to drive to with your parents when you were a kid and wander through the souvenir shops just to buy the t-shirt that you would only wear once and wash it and then it would fit the kid down the street. Ya, you know what I’m talking about.

It is very convenient though…you have restaurants, bars, shopping, bathrooms and the beach all within walking distance of each other. Not to mention parasailing, jet ski rentals, dolphin cruises and fishing excursions! The cutest kitschy Florida shops also. The one in the picture above has a talking parrot that will Greet you (named Simbad) as you walk in! LOVE it!

The sand is powdery white and the water is warm! If you aren’t in the mood for a swim, no worries plenty to do here! Great stop also for a rainy day. Plenty shops that are indoors and under a roof so getting around is easy. This is actually how our beach day ended….as you can see in some of the photos the rain clouds were rolling in and the thunder was rumbling!

There is parking by the shops and by the beach. In these areas it  is on a meter so nice & quick!

Closer to the boardwalk by Bubba Gumps there is also a parking garage.

I think I will start bringing my guests here when they come to visit!

If you’re in the area stop on in! Even if only for the shopping! 😀

Want to see all my pics?….Click here…

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A hidden treasure…Pass-A-Grille Beach, Florida

Posted in FLORIDA ADVENTURES, FLORIDA BEACHES with tags , on July 13, 2012 by disneychronicles

We were originally heading to Treasure island when with a spur of the moment decision we decided to turn left instead of right! Ahhhhhh and we are HAPPY we did!

From the broad white sand beaches here you can see the pink towers of St. Pete Beach’s sprawling Don CeSar Beach Resort to the north. But south of Eighth Street (Pass-a-grille’s main boutique and café-lined drag), the sands are blissfully empty all the way to the tip of the peninsula.

Even the tourists here become locals of sorts, as many tend to return year after year.

The town stretches for blocks along the water, but is only two blocks wide from the bay to the beach, with not one high rise in sight.

On this sea-oat-fringed stretch of sand you will see sandpipers scouting the shore for treats the ocean delivered overnight. Their human counterparts arrive soon after, stooping to scoop up whelks, sand dollars, and other glistening treasures. The pickings are especially fine after a tropical storm.

Our recent finds after tropical storm Debby….

There are the regulars, like “metal detector guy,” whose fingers are decked with gold wedding bands he has found in the powdery sand, and the fishermen, who cast their lines from the jetty as brown pelicans by.

Want to see the sites?…transportation by Trolley of course…. we love it! and we will be back!

Four Points Sheraton-Cocoa Beach

Posted in DISNEY CRUISE LINE, FLORIDA ADVENTURES, FLORIDA BEACHES with tags , on March 9, 2012 by disneychronicles

So I had a chance to stay at the Four Points Sheraton in Cocoa Beach.  This is a “FUN” hotel for sure! The theme is awesome! It is a plethora of surfboards, surf shops & memorabilia. While it is not beachfront it is very close to the beach literally you walk towards the back of the hotel and your there. This is also great for  a Pre or Post cruise hotel or a break from the parks and a day at the beach.

This hotel is in the heart of the action in Cocoa Beach.  Directly across the side road is Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. This isn’t your typical hotel from the outside.  Positioned close to the street, the front is decorated with large fountains and ponds, several large surfboards, lots of plants and sport themed photos. The bright colors make it stand out and you just think FUN!

The entrance is around the back where you’ll also find a multi-story parking garage that serves the retail businesses and the hotel. Also for those needing to know YES there is a Starbucks inside. The exterior was well maintained and clean, although the pool area could use a refresh. It is outside by the garage and very small. You could easily miss it if you weren’t looking for it. Overall it was a fun stay and I would recommend it!

Check out all my pics!….

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Clearwater Beach-Pier 60

Posted in FLORIDA BEACHES with tags on August 24, 2011 by disneychronicles

 

Want to watch an amazing sunset on a white sand beach!? This is your place!

The beach is very well maintained. Sand is like powder! Life guards on duty. Umbrella and chairs available to rent. What more do you need!  Nighttime entertainment? they got that too! The Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival is a nightly sunset celebration that takes place in Pier 60 park.  This free family event features artisans, crafters, street performers and musical entertainment, weather permitting.

If you need a beach day, I would highly recommend it!

Check out my pics!

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