Gulf Beaches?

[Itchette]

I was looking for a beach resort/hotel on the Gulf side somewhat close to Busch Gardens, but wanted to stay on the beach. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[spiceycat]

there is a Hilton, Holiday Inn - most of the brand names are there - look for Clearwater Beach - but Bush Gardens are near these places.

 

[Steffi]

Clearwater Beach is about a half an hour from Busch Gardens. I've never stayed there, but they have an assortment of motels right on the beach, and a couple of decent looking resorts, including an Adam's Mark.

St. Petersburg beach has the Don Cesar right on the beach, which is a very beautiful historic resort. St Pete is also about a half an hour or so away from Busch Gardens.

Bradenton beaches are about an hour from Busch Gardens (well worth the drive IMHO...the beaches are much home-ier & less commercial). There are many little motels on the beach, but no name brands spring to mind, other than the Long Boat Key Hilton.

Have fun planning.

 

[FLeisure]

Clearwater Beach is always popular and very crowded, particularly by the pier. If you arrive by route 60 you will arrive at a big traffic island...turn right and go to the North end of Clearwater and you will find quiet and wonderful areas of public beach.You'll have to look through the buildings but there is public access.

Also, if you drive down towards Indian Rocks, you'll find some great beaches and even better restaurants !

Further afield is Captiva, Sanibel and Marco Island...all great beaches.

And if Tampa win the Superbowl this weekend........watch out for the next year

 

[Steve P]

Without a doubt, Clearwater bch closest to BG, St Pete Bch
further south but is more easily accessible to the highway
(I-275) then the mid pinellas bchs of Madeira, Redington's,
and Treasure Island. Indian Rocks Very nice also but less commercial (small independent loging mostly) but there is a Holiday Inn @ Indian rocks beach.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We like staying at the Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach. The resort and service cannot be beat! Beautiful beach !