Anyone been to Clearwater for the day. Input needed.

[neonurse]

I would like to take my DS's (11 &7) to the ocean one day (of 10 day trip Nov 2007). They have never been to the ocean. I was thinking about Cocoa Beach orginally but a friend said that St. Pete's/Clearwater is only 30 min longer drive and is much calmer water. Is it worth spending 1 night there or just a day trip? Has anyone else done a day trip? I was told that you can also go on a tug boat to go dolphin watching (I would love to see dolphins swimming).:mickeyjum

[txvjc]

We spent a day in Clearwater last year when we couldn't get a flight into MCO, so we flew to Tampa, rented a car, spent a few hours at the beach, then headed to Orlando.

It was a nice beach and I'm not a beach person. Be prepared to pay out the nose for parking if all the public lots are full ( We paid $20 at a beach hotel so we wouldn't have to walk so far to the beach) We didn't spend the night since we had res. in Orlando, but we wish we had and just drove there the next morning

[pha1226]

We're starting our vacation in Clearwater Beach for Phillies Spring Training, then to POP Century and Disney. There are dolphin watching boat rides. When I was researching the trip, it was VERY difficult to find affordable lodging in Clearwater Beach. It may be better when you are planning to travel. If the kids have never been to the beach, I say do it.

[neonurse]

Thanks for the info. Are you renting a condo or hotel/motel during your stay? I was also looking at perhaps staying in Indian Shores or Indian Rocks. I am finding it hard to find a place too. I just wanted to stay for 2 nights at the end of our vacation which condos usually rent for a week or more. Oh well I have time to keep looking as we don't go until November.:)

[pha1226]

We're staying in Dunedin (slightly north of Clearwater Beach) at the Holiday Inn Express. I found the following link to info about activities in Clearwater...

http://www.beachtourism.com/thingstodo/51things.htm

We have one totally free day amidst the baseball games so I'm thinking of doing Captain Memo's pirate ship. Their website makes it look like fun for the kids. Have fun!

[tubachick]

We spent the night in tarpon springs :) which is a short drive from clearwater, same nice beaches, but (IMO) more resturants and sights to see.

we enjoyed it, it was a nice relaxing day for us.