Florida beach suggestions: Clearwater area

[Disneyplanners]

Hi,
We are at WDW now, and are headed back to PA on Tuesday the 12th. Tomorrow or Monday we would like to drive over to the gulf coast for a beach day. What beach would be good for a family with an 8 and 6 year old? We'd like somewhere with white sand, but they would enjoy looking for shells as well. Paying to get in would be ok. Thank you!!

 

[Mouseteacher]

My father lived in this area and there are many beautiful beaches from Clearwater Beach right down the coast to St. Petersburg Beach. We particularly liked Clearwater Beach and Indian Rocks Beach which is about 15 minute drive south of Clearwater Beach.

 

[Art 1]

I would go a little further south to the Sarasota area.

 

[bdoyledimou]

my family loves Clearwater Beach --the water is calm (but still has waves) and the beach is well maintained.

 

[phorsenuf]

I really love Honeymoon Island. Lots of beach, calm waters and depending on the time of day there will be a section of water, then a sandbar, then the open water. A little easier for the little ones I think. You can also take the ferry over to Caladesi Island which has some great shelling. Here's a link to some info. http://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland/

 

[disney_runner]

We also loved Clearwater beach. Parking lot right in front and great restaurants across the way. Super white and super soft sand. It's beautiful! Coming off the roundabout (from the causeway), you continue on Coronado Drive and then follow Gulfview Blvd till you see the parking lots on your right.

If you don't mind the extra drive, I'd also recommend Honeymoon Island. Simply beautiful. And facilities (a little store and food) too, so that's a plus.

 

[stardebby]

I live in the Clearwater area and Clearwater Beach is my favorite. If you have time check out the Clearwater Aquarium and see Winter the dolphin,if you saw the movie Dolphin Tale it was filmed there.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

We hit Clearwater Beach for the first time in March while visiting for Phillies Spring Training. LOVED it! Would highly recommend & actually, are looking forward to going back.

 

[davmill]

Clearwater instead of St Pete. Easier parking, not as crowded, nice beaches. There are all kinds of nice beaches in that general area. Just look for signs as you drive

 

[nchulka]

We had a 7 & 8 year old and went to the Clearwater area. It was awesome! We went to Pass-A-Grille Beach, it was beautiful. The kids swam in the clear water, looked for shells, and played in the white sand all day You could park for free right at the beach, no long walks! There was a snack shop there with lunch and snack foods and we rented a cabana and chairs for the day from them for 35 bucks! There were bathroom and shower facilities. It was not crowded at all.

 

[Disneyplanners]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Clearwater Beach it is! This is where my husband wanted to go, I was just a little worried it would be too busy on a weekend day. Thanks again!!

 

[Art 1]

Thank you everyone for the replies. Clearwater Beach it is! This is where my husband wanted to go, I was just a little worried it would be too busy on a weekend day. Thanks again!!

Not going to look into the Sarasota beaches? Much nicer area.

 

[Disneyplanners]

Not going to look into the Sarasota beaches? Much nicer area.

I'll look into Sarasota tonight after the kids are asleep. A mapquest search has it 25 miles farther than Clearwater, which is why we were leaning in that direction.

 

[Swimnoid]

We just got back from Clearwater Beach. Except that it rained EVERY DANG DAY it is a beautiful beach! Big, wide and soft. Easy access and parking and restrooms.

 

[Danibelle]

Clearwater instead of St Pete. Easier parking, not as crowded, nice beaches. There are all kinds of nice beaches in that general area. Just look for signs as you drive

Clearwater has beautiful sand and is a very easy area to park and get around. The beach is very wide and child friendly.