Looking for a good beach for the day

[mousy_in_canada]

We are looking to go to the beach weather permitting (going in December) and I am thinking the Gulf side because it is warmer, but would like some advice on what is a good clean beach for my family to go to.
The kids would love to see dolphins but not sharks
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

Tampa is around 90 minutes - and Clearwater Beach is pretty nice....

if you go further south there are better beaches.... but for a day trip Clearwater will be fine.

No one can guaranteed Dolphins in the wild....

now if they want to feed and touch them take to Seaworld.

if they want to swim with them then Discovery Cove (expensive)

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Clearwater or St. Petersburg Beach is a nice area and not too far from wdw

 

[Sylvester McBean]

the most reliable place I've found to see dolphin is Venice beach. last weekend we saw them doing backflips over the surfers. they also love to play in the prop wash of boats. standing on a pier, jetty, or driving over a bridge also give you good chances. I like our beaches much better than those of the atlantic coast.