You can add a beach day to a Windsor Hills vacation without changing your accommodation. Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast and Daytona Beach on the Atlantic offer two different trips. Both need a car and a full day set aside, with time for the return journey after the sand and sea.
Anna Maria Island: a Gulf Coast day
Anna Maria Island suits a trip built around beach time and a relaxed meal. The island includes Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach, so choose a particular beach access point before setting off rather than navigating to the island in general.
Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach is a practical starting point to research. The area’s official beach guide also covers other choices, including Coquina Beach. Check the amenities and access arrangements that matter to your group, such as restrooms, parking and the distance from the car to the sand.
Anna Maria Island is the longer journey of these two options. Leave early, keep the day’s plans simple and allow extra time for traffic approaching the island. Check the route from Windsor Hills to Manatee Public Beach. If you stay for sunset, remember that the return drive will be later and largely after dark.
Daytona Beach: an Atlantic Coast day
Daytona Beach offers an Atlantic seaside outing with beach access, places to eat and the boardwalk-and-pier area. Choose a specific parking area and beach access point, then build the day around it. Trying to find parking only after arriving at the busiest part of the waterfront can take the shine off the morning.
The City of Daytona Beach’s beach information explains access rules. Vehicles are permitted only on designated beach sections under the applicable conditions; do not assume you can drive onto the sand anywhere. Off-beach parking lets you walk to the shore without taking your rental car onto the beach. Check current charges and your rental agreement if beach driving is part of your plan.
Check the route from Windsor Hills to Daytona Beach. The official pier information is useful if you want to spend time around the pier and nearby oceanfront area.
Which coast should you choose?
Choose Anna Maria Island if…
You want an island setting and are happy to devote more of the day to driving. Make beach time the priority and keep extra stops to a minimum.
Choose Daytona Beach if…
You prefer an Atlantic outing with the option of the pier and boardwalk area. It is generally the shorter drive of the two, though traffic still matters.
Neither destination guarantees calm water or good swimming conditions. Check the local forecast, beach flags and official advisories on the day, and follow lifeguard instructions. If the coast looks unsettled, switch to one of our indoor activity ideas or stay closer to Windsor Hills.
Make the day comfortable
- Pack towels, sun protection, water, snacks and a dry change of clothes.
- Check whether your rental supplies beach equipment; do not assume it does.
- Confirm parking and beach access before leaving, including any temporary closures.
- Leave valuables at your accommodation where practical and keep belongings secure.
- Plan the return drive before you are tired, and keep the evening meal simple.
Leave room for a relaxed evening back at Windsor Hills
A beach trip is a full outing, not an extra stop after a theme park. Keep the following morning flexible and choose an easy dinner near Windsor Hills or eat at your vacation rental. If you would rather avoid a long drive, our local attractions guide has options closer to your home base.
Local information checked October 2026. Confirm opening times, admission, menus and availability with each venue before traveling. Florida Vacation Homes markets independently owned Windsor Hills rentals; we do not operate the resort or the attractions featured here. About our team.