Florida trip

[flyby201]

I'm planning to have a family trip to take my grandson to DisneyWorld the last week of June.  We would like to spend a day or two at the beach at the tail end of the trip.  I'm looking for suggestions for a beach destination which meets the following criteria:

1.  Airport close to the beach and/or hotel/condo. (Trying to avoid renting a car or an expensive cab ride).

2.  We frequently go to the panhandle resorts and would like to go somewhere different.

3.  Don't really want to go further south than Orlando.  Atlantic side is okay.

4.  Reasonably priced fuel (whatever that is nowdays).

Your input is much appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Steve

 

[Z W]

Take a look at Venice - KVNC.  Both runways end about 100 yards from the beach.  Self-serve AVGas usually under $4.50.  Great Mooney Service Center on the field. 

[David Mazer]

Consider New Smyrna ($6.02/gal), KEVB.  Of course, Daytona Beach, KDAB, is close to a lot of resorts but it is a bigger airport and I would expect higher fees ($5.33/gal - I'm shocked).  New Smyrna is more laid back.  Fernandina Beach ($7.15/gal - ouch!), KFHB, is also worth considering on Amelia Island.  Although I have to practice pronouncing the name a few times before I go there.

KVNC is $5.30/gal and south of Orlando a little but it is a beautiful spot.  So is Sarasota, SRQ, for that matter.

[Becca]

If you are going to go to the east coast, my suggestion is to reduce your "south" criteria.  The beaches get noticably better on the Atlantic side once you hit Fort Pierce and further south - that's because the (CORRECTED) GULF stream comes all the way into the coast, keeping the water more clear and warm than it is in the choppy "northerly" area by Cocoa, Daytona, etc.

Venice or some of the other west coast beaches are quite nice. 

Or go all out and fly to Key West.  Its 1. A beautiful flight.  2. The island does not require an automobile the entire time.

[fantom]

Check out Cedar Key, less than 100 miles west of Orlando, on the Gulf and on your way home. KCDK.

No fuel on the field, but other inexpensive options nearby, and cheap transportation from Gulf Kart Services. Cottages almost on the field.

[John Pleisse]

Quote: Becca

If you are going to go to the east coast, my suggestion is to reduce your "south" criteria.  The beaches get noticably better on the Atlantic side once you hit Fort Pierce and further south - that's because the jet stream comes all the way into the coast, keeping the water more clear and warm than it is in the choppy "northerly" area by Cocoa, Daytona, etc.

[jetdriven]

Key West basically has no beach.   It is a charming place, though Well worth the trip.  From Orlando, perhaps 1.7 hours via thr islands, in a Mooney.  Parker fires up the big turbo and goes direct in an hour.

[Becca]

Quote: jetdriven

Key West basically has no beach.   It is a charming place, though Well worth the trip.  From Orlando, perhaps 1.7 hours via thr islands, in a Mooney.  Parker fires up the big turbo and goes direct in an hour.