Clearwater beach day trip?

[rebelmom]

Hello, my Dh, Ds 10, Dd 5 and I are making our first trip to disney Aug 2 -9. We are planning a day trip to Clearwater for the middle of the trip. Looking for advice or suggestions from anyone who has done this. How long will it take us to get there? Best place to park? we will be renting a car for the day. Best place for waverunners? Where to eat? etc. any advice would be appreciated. Also would it be too much to go to clear water for the day and be back in time to enjoy the hoop de do that night?
Tia

 

[rebelmom]

bump.

 

[harperwi]

When I went to Florida in 2000, I did the exact opposite of what you're suggesting. I flew into Tampa/Clearwater and then drove to Disney for the day.

I've also stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree in Clearwater twice, once in 1996 and a few months after the trip above in 2000.

I can tell you that it is not a bad drive at all between Orlando/Kissimmee and Tampa/Clearwater. It's a little over an hour, and you should be fine in planning to head there in the a.m. sometime and have loads of fun, while still getting back in time for dinner and/or a show. One thing to keep in mind if it's a weekday is each urban area's respective rush hour, but most of the middle of your trek will be on open interstate highway. (be sure to check ahead of time for road construction too).

As for where to go or park, I can't tell you that, because I did all my water sports on the hotel's private beach. I haven't ever gone to any of the public areas.

I just wanted to reassure you, since no one's replied to your post yet, that the drive is not bad or long at all.

I love Clearwater!

Jon

 

[rebelmom]

Thanks for your reply. Do you know where I could find out info on waverunner, umbrella rentals etc. Thanks.

 

[lisadam]

I spend a few days each year in the Clearwater Area visiting my MIL - there is pleanty of parking right at the beach - when you get off the causeway (I think its rte 60) just go straight to the beach - there are pleanty of signs - I usually turn towards the left which is the "south" beach - the parking lot is not far from a playground and a snack bar - I've never eaten at any of the restaurants there - since I usually head back to my MIL's house. The beach is clean and nice.

I haven't checked recently - but there used to be a Clearwater web page... that should have info on waverunner rentals

 

[harperwi]

I knew someone would come along with more info. I wish I could help with more than I've already posted, but that was the extent of my knowledge.

One thing I did think of by way of advice is to go to the store and buy a clear plastic sippers or something with a leak-proof screw top lid. Take it with you on the beach and (sssssh! don't tell anyone I told you!) take home some of the oh-so-soft white sand!

I have done this on two occasions, and each time I put the sand, along with the shells I also collect from Clearwater Beach, into the bottom of candle holders or glass jars or the like. They make for great reminders of your visit.

Just an idea...

Jon