Clearwater...drive down or places to stay??

[BABY_EINSTEIN'S_MOM]

I know..another beach question on this board..LOL..sorry. I am already very close to booking 14 nights somewhere in Windsor Hills(still narrowing last few top choices), anyway, I had planned to drive to Clearwater Beach at some point during our trip. Funny thing is, I planned to on our last trip as well...but...when I get to Disney..you can't get me to leave!!!! So dh now says he's fine with staying somewhere for a few nights at Clearwater..hmm? Well, is it a very hard drive over to Clearwater(about 1hr.45min. I've heard) or is it a snap to just make it a day trip? Also, if anyone could recommend a certain beach there or a certain hotel,condo,etc. ..I would love to hear about it, as I've only been to Panama City and Cocoa and I was just a kid then, barely even remember much of it!! So this is exciting for me!! It's been 17 years since I've seen the ocean!!

 

[WhateverLolaWants]

I've done it as a day trip before, and to be completely honest, I almost fell asleep while driving back. Maybe it's just me, but sun and ocean waves wear me out! We probably spent a total of 4 or 5 hours there, 2-3 at the beach, 45 at a store, 20 getting lost, and then 45 while eating at Chipotle. If I were you, I'd spend a night or two there.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

We are at present in Orlando and went to Clearwater beach yesterday. We actually went to Sandy Key which is just two minutes over the bridge from Clearwater. I can tell you there are tons and tons and tons of hotels there. We liked the beach but there was a hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and the effects were being felt still. Tons of seaweed in the water and on the shore made it difficult for me to like it. Iknow it would be different without it. It cost 25.00 to rent to sand chairs and an umbrella. If you are going to be staying for three days (and trust me you NEED an umbrella) Iwould suggest purchasing a cheap one and a couple of chairs. This would be much cheaper than spending 75.00 for rental. All in all we had a good time but I could not stay there for a few days. There is not all that much to do if the water is yucky. I prefer the resort pool. I would try again when the water is not so murky . Like you I had made plans to go in the past but then did not want to leave WDW. I suggest you go there first before WDW. My DH drove and it was not that bad (for me lol). Give it a try! We have come to WDW for the past 18 years and each time we try one thing that is different.