The closest saltwater beaches to Missouri are those in the northern Gulf Coast on the southern edges of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Beaches in this region can be reached from most points in Missouri within 10 to 12 hours by car or within a few hours by plane.
Additionally, there are several state parks throughout the state of Missouri that feature fresh water beaches along lake shores,where visitors can engage in boating and other water activities. So, unless one’s specific goal is to visit an ocean, it is possible to visit a beach without ever leaving the state of Missouri.
We would prefer somewhere we can drive to b/c I would rather torture myself in the car with a 2 year old than aggravate a plane full of people. We also would like an oceanfront home with at least 4 bedrooms.
Any ideas you have would be appreciated!!!
4,677 posts, read 1,987,128 times
We went to Virginia Beach last summer for a week. We did drive there as well, rented an suv and it was me, my mother, and 11 year old, a 7 year old and a 5 year old. I dont know if they rent beach front houses though. But it was fun, out hotel was on the beach and the kids loved it. Our other thought was TX coast or I heard somewhere by the great lakes has a beach too.
1,783 posts, read 3,701,847 times
Gulf Shores, Alabama is a popular beach spot for people in the lower midwest. I wouldn't call it a "quick" drive by any stretch but it's closer than most beaches. Plus you're relatively close to Panama City and Pensacola if you wanted to do a day trip to those areas. Pretty cheap too!
Location: Saint Louis City
1,563 posts, read 3,669,977 times
Pensacola, Florida is a easy drive and has beautiful white beaches. The oyster barn has the best gumbo I've had in my life.
165 posts, read 425,576 times
Galveston, TX is fun with lots for a family to do. If you want to drive a little further, Sanibel Island in Florida is amazing.
1,522 posts, read 3,423,666 times
^ I'll be on Sanibel next week!
For what ever reason
gulf shores, al
Seaside, fl
Sanibel/naples
seam to be the most populare destinations for ppl around here. Personally don't care for either gulf shores or seaside. Blah!
Location: Shaw Neighborhood, St. Louis City
325 posts, read 808,754 times
We drive to the Outer Banks, NC every year. It's a day and a half drive with little ones, but a great beach and very family oriented.
5,992 posts, read 17,423,205 times
Originally Posted by moorlander
^ I'll be on Sanibel next week!
For what ever reason
gulf shores, al
Seaside, fl
Sanibel/naples
seam to be the most populare destinations for ppl around here. Personally don't care for either gulf shores or seaside. Blah!
Then Panama City Beach would probably more to your taste.Sanibel is more than a "little" farther. A good bit more.
2,660 posts, read 6,485,916 times
From the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach/Pensacola Beach area. Make the drive back a couple of times per year. Figure in 13 hours there and 13 hours back.