Clearwater sidetrip worth it?

[annabelle]

We'll be at WDW with my inlaws (11 of us total) this June.
DH and I have talked about taking a day trip to Clearwater with just us and our 3 kids (9, 4, 19 mo). This will be our only vacation this year (we normally go to the beaches of Mexico). So we figured while we're just hours from the coast, we'd head over there to take a break from the themeparks. Our younger 2 have never seen the ocean before - so it would be great to have them see it for the first time

Problem is: being a trip with our inlaws, there's a little guilt going in splitting away from our big "family vacation". So, we're not going to even attempt staying anywhere overnight. So, is it feasible to make it to Clearwater and back in a day with younger kids? We'd certainly swim a while, then have some lunch, then maybe walk around and see some sights. Do the public restrooms have showers (maybe just to rinse off)? Are there public lounge chairs with shade? I'm so used to having a hotel room within walking distance everytime I'm at the beach... so having no "refuge" nearby makes me a little nervous, especially with our kids in tow.

How long does it take to get there? (I've heard wide range of times 1-3hrs) How far is the Clearwater Aquarium from the public beach? Are there any other must-see attractions we shouldn't miss while we're there?
We're thinking that we could maybe convince our other family to go with us...but we'd have to "sell" them on the concept first. Any suggestions?

Thanks...

Annabelle

 

[Winter921]

My Aunt lives in Clearwater. It is about an hour and half. I would say no dont go. Thats 3 hrs round trip, and chances are the younger two wont remember anyway, what resort are you staying at, I thought there were some beaches around the Disney resorts. We are staying at a resort for the first time this year, we have always just driven up and stayed offsite after seeing my aunt. The Aquarium that I am thinking of that we went to 3 years ago was actually on the beach at a place called the Pier. I hope this helps. Clearwater is nice, but I am thinking that it would be another long day and not much of a break. Just my opinion though, good luck

 

[Disney 4me]

Clearwater Beach is very nice. I think the reason that you are getting different opinions as to how long it takes to get there is because of traffic issues. Sometimes you can get caught in trafficwhich could make a trip of an hour and a half turn into 3 hours. If you go during the week instead of a week-end it should be o.k. Many years ago I lived there for 2 years, and I remember getting delayed if the drawbridge was up going from the mainland to the beach. Also try not to go through Tampa during rush hour.Daytona Beach is actually closer(48 miles) but in my opinion, Clearwater Beach is much nicer! Yes, you could easily make this a day trip, and chances are the kids will be tired and sleep on the way back to Orlando.: If you want to convince the family to go with you on a side trip, mention the sponge docks at Tarpon Springs it is close to Clearwater and a neat thing to see. I am almost sure that there is still a public State Park Beach at Sand Key, right over the bridge from Clearwater Beach. It is beautiful! The sand is white, and it has all the facillities you would need. I bet they even have a website for you to get more information.If you go, have lunch at Frenchy's cafe, great local spot, with the best Grouper sandwiches!

 

[moonmomma]

annabelle: I absolutely LOVE clearwater beach...the beaches are beautiful, the sand is white and powder soft! I understand your apprehension to go with kids without a hotel room nearby and also the potential for a guilt trip! I know if it were me i would certainly love a quick escape from the madness of coordinating with so many in-laws!!

Florida schools let out mid or earlyish june i think....and the weekends are VERY crowded there...the traffic can get pretty bad...BUT if there's any way to do it, i would. I was there recently with my 3 year old neice and she had a blast. The gulf water is gorgeous and calm and the temps should be great for a beach trip in June.

If you decide to spend a night there i can highly reccommend the Clearwater Beach Hilton. It is right on the beach and has 2 pools and everything else is within walking distance. I've stayed there many times and just booked 2 nights for my upcoming trip in March. It is right near the Pier that is famous for its sunsets and they even have entertainment and craft vendors most every night in season.

Yes Disney 4me, Frenchy's is great! Last trip I think i ate at 3 of them!!! I do like the Palm Pavillion also....

Have fun planning your trip!

 

[annabelle]

Thanks for the encouragement! I think we'll definitely make it a part of our plans. Maybe we'll go on a Wednesday or Thursday to avoid any traffic. I really do wish we could spend a night or 2 there... but maybe next time around we'll center our vacation around Clearwater then DRIVE INTO Disney for a couple of days for the parks. I'd like to stay at one of the resorts on site next time too.

Anyway... thanks again!

Annabelle

 

[jtdl]

When my DD was 7 we went to Clearwater for the day to break up a WDW vacation. We went on a Dolphin Cruise and it was great. The one we went on stopped at "shell island". I don't remember the name of the boat, I just walked around the marina and found the next available boat. It stopped at this little island that was covered with shells and there were "gold" coins buried there. The kids would find them and trade them in for quarters. These cruises last only 45 - 60 minutes. It was very nice and I would recommend going on one.

 

[gymmom]

We're leaving this Friday (1/21) and getting in fairly late that night. Our plan is to go to the Clearwater area for the day and return for our 7 night POR stay that evening. I'm kind of assuming traffic won't be too much of a problem at this time of year. It may be too cold to swim, but at least they'll see the ocean (the 2 younger ones--9 and 9--have never seen it before--and 12-yr-old DS hasn't since he was about 2!) but they can play on the beach and explore.

Where was this Dolphin Cruise? In Clearwater itself? Did you see any Dolphins?? How expensive was it? Any other suggestions for fun activities?

Lisa

 

[magicmouse2]

Our family spent a day at Clerwater and loved it. I think the kids would rather have stayed there for the vacation than at WDW2! We did the dolphin cruise and it was fantastic. Will post some pics later....We booked through Orlandotouristinformationbureau.com. There was only our family and another couple going that day so we went in a minibus. The driver was very nice and informative. We had lunch (included) at the Hilton which was fine. The Hilton is a very nice hotel in a lovely spot. We could also use the hotel facilities - pool, etc whilst we were there for the day. There are some lovely souvenir shops there too. There is also a large sheltered playpark for the kids next to the Hilton on the beach and a huge inflated slide. DS was snorkelling and a fish whacked him in the face. It was hilarious!!!

 

[jtdl]

Where was this Dolphin Cruise? In Clearwater itself? Did you see any Dolphins?? How expensive was it? Any other suggestions for fun activities?

The marina is just one block over from the beach and there are many different cruises. They had signs out front on each dock giving the times of the next cruise. I had actually reserved the Dolphin Encounter, which I found listed in my CAA book, but when I arrived the boat broke down and all trips were cancelled. Luckily there were many more to choose from as that was my reason for driving down from Orlando. It wasn't expensive - I'm thinking under $10 each and we did see several dolphins. Dolphin sighting was actually guaranteed or you went back out on another trip. The boats don't go out in the ocean, it's a bay area and apparently that's where the dolphins stay and they get used to these boats feeding them and follow them around.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

My family and I are spending the week after DW at Belleair Beach (which is a few miles from Clearwater). I did TONS of research and this area seemed perfect for us with 3 young kids. The water is warm, no pounding waves like the Atlantic, shells, etc. Is the island everyone's talking about called Caldesi? If it is, it was rated one of the top beaches in the U.S. (including Hawaii). Also for those of you who know the area, before I send my money for the condo we have reserved, is Belleair Beach a great place to be?? Or should I have found a place in Clearwater? Thanks.

 

[cricket429]

mermaidwannabe, we are also going to Belleair Beach after Disney. Where are you staying? We are only going for two days though. Would love to stay on the beach for a week. PM me if you would like to compare notes. I have done tons of research too.

 

[MagicOurWay]

Hey all. Glad to hear so many good things about Clearwater as we currently live here in Pinellas County (moving closer to Disney in a couple of months). Anyway, just wanted to make sure you are aware that for the next year or 2 I-4 is under construction from just West of Disney to Lakeland (about 25-30 miles) and again as you approach Tampa thru to the I4/I275 interchange. Doesn't really affect traffic as they don't do daytime lane closures, but if you don't like close construction barriers and lane shifts it might add some stress to your trip. You might want to check mytbi.com when it gets closer to your trip for construction updates.

Just trying to be a hospitable floridian

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Thanks for the tip on the highways!

 

[Disney 4me]

To the poster who wanted info on Bellair Beach- yes, it is lovely! And Caledsei Island is where you will find wonderful shells. I lived there many years ago, actually I lived on Indian Rocks beach, which is between Clearwater Beach and Bellair. You will probably love Bellair for it's unspoiled beaches, as well as the lack of crowds and commercialism, at least to a point. Back when I lived there it was against the zoning laws for any neon lights or high rises; that may have changed by now, but I bet it is not nearly as built up as surrounding areas. There were alot of "mom and pop" hotels and beach cafe's , as well as expensive homes on the ocean.I always loved that area, it was peaceful ,serene, and just lovely. I have a feeling you will love it too, if you have any specific questions, maybe I can help!

 

[cricket429]

Disney4me, we also will be going to Belleair Beach for a couple days. Just wondering how close the nearest grocery store is. From what I've read, there is nothing commercial in Belleair Beach so just wondering if we should stop on our way from Disney or if there is something nearby. Also, I hear it is a great area to spot a dolphin. What do you think our chances are?

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Just a question about Clearwater.. my DH has a fishing trip booked there and the boat leaves at 8am.. it is with http://www.doubleeagledeepseafishing.com can you tell me when he has to leave WDW, and how to get there?


THANKS!

 

[MagicOurWay]

Mousy in Canada,

Its a fairly straight shot.
Just take I-4 west into Tampa and pick up I-275 South (this is mile marker 0 on I-4, Disney is about mile marker 62). (62 Miles)
Once on 275 watch for the Tampa Airport exit (this is also the exit for SR60). (About 5-6 Miles)
Once safely into the exit lanes, stay to the left to avoid the airport lane. You will come to a light after a few moment, turn left here to continue on SR60.
Take SR60 as far as it goes, across the bridge and through Pinellas County (Clearwater). (About 15-16 Miles) At the very end there is a tricky Roundabout to maneuver. You will have to follow the info on that website from there.

Total trip about 82 miles or so. If its the weekend, 2 hours probably will be enough (assuming you don't need prep time when you get there). During the week though, you will be driving through Tampa at morning rush hour I would add at least another 30 minutes. Of course, I would recommend leaving even earlier, just to make sure.

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Thank you so much.. I am down to the last minute planning and I appreciate the advice!

 

[Disney 4me]

Well ,if you want a large grocery store, stop in Clearwater, before you go over the bridge to Clearwater beach. I think the main road is 1-19 Or, you can go to Largo, which is also right over the bridge, a little smaller than Clearwater. Largo is 5 minutes from Bellair beach, Clearwater is 10 minutes, both Clearwater and Largo are on the mainland, so prices will be lower.There is a very good chance you will see dolphins! In my opinion, you do not need to spend money on a dolphin cruise; you have just a good of chance seeing one yourself from the beach. Indian Rocks beach has a nice pier too.Also if you go from Bellair beach toward Clearwater Beach, you will go through a small area called Sand Key. Very nice, too small to be called a town. There is A Sheraton Sand Key and a nice park right next to it that used to be very nice. This whole area is elite, or at least it always was. Oh, you will also need tokens or change for the draw bridge going from Clearwater beach which goes to to Sand key, to Bellair, to Indian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach, st. Pete Beach. I think I said them all in order! Anyway it is 18 miles from Clearwater Beach to St. Petersburg Beach. The sunsets are fabulous.You will love it!!!

 

[cricket429]

Thanks for all of your information. After our Disney trip and then 2 days on the beach, it will be soooo hard to come home. Now I just wish it was March. Its going so slow. Probably because the high temp for the next couple days is 8 degrees. Brrrrrrrr and I just shoveled two feet of snow yesterday.