Help w/ Clearwater beach, going tomorrow!!

[spima3]

After much research, too much, I picked Siesta Key for a day trip. BUT, the kids don't want to drive that far. We had to drive to the autotrain, then to the resort, etc., and they want to go somewhere closer.

DH, who was on business here in FL last month, suggested CLearwater. It does appear to be closer. But I didn't research that beach! Can anyone give me some quick infor? I did searh some threads, but no clear answers, so here goes........

Is there a public beach, pay to park? where to park or go? picnic area for eating lunch? is there an area to change? where do I rentan unbrella, beach chairs, that sort of thing.

Thanx so much. :

 

[softballmom3]

I'm sure someone will have better info than me, but when we drove to Cocoa Beach for a day we didn't make any plans, just started driving. When you get into the area look for the Ron Jons store. We parked in that area and simply walked to the public beach. I have no idea if they had chairs for rent or not and I don't remember seeing them because we had our own but there was a really good little restaurant on the beach that we ate at. We sat at the top, outside. It was free to park, they had bathrooms and I believe the outdoor showers to wash off with. We actually changed there. Hope this helps maybe some .

 

[spima3]

I'm sure someone will have better info than me, but when we drove to Cocoa Beach for a day we didn't make any plans, just started driving. When you get into the area look for the Ron Jons store. We parked in that area and simply walked to the public beach. I have no idea if they had chairs for rent or not and I don't remember seeing them because we had our own but there was a really good little restaurant on the beach that we ate at. We sat at the top, outside. It was free to park, they had bathrooms and I believe the outdoor showers to wash off with. We actually changed there. Hope this helps maybe some .

thx so much for responding. I don't think I've ever done anything without a plan, but if I don't get any more responses, that might just happen.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

There is a beach located on Gulf View Ave and there is a fee to park, although I don't know what the cost is since we never parked there before. As for picnic tables I believe I remember seeing some when driving by there, however I am not 100% sure about that. They do have a bathroom area where you can change and there are already chairs on the beach, so basically they are 1st come 1st serve.

 

[phorsenuf]

After much research, too much, I picked Siesta Key for a day trip. BUT, the kids don't want to drive that far. We had to drive to the autotrain, then to the resort, etc., and they want to go somewhere closer.

DH, who was on business here in FL last month, suggested CLearwater. It does appear to be closer. But I didn't research that beach! Can anyone give me some quick infor? I did searh some threads, but no clear answers, so here goes........

Is there a public beach, pay to park? where to park or go? picnic area for eating lunch? is there an area to change? where do I rentan unbrella, beach chairs, that sort of thing.

Thanx so much. :

There is a beach located on Gulf View Ave and there is a fee to park, although I don't know what the cost is since we never parked there before. As for picnic tables I believe I remember seeing some when driving by there, however I am not 100% sure about that. They do have a bathroom area where you can change and there are already chairs on the beach, so basically they are 1st come 1st serve.

The beach is just gorgeous!! You do have to pay for parking. I believe it's $1.50 per hour. There's a kiosk where you buy a parking ticket and stick it on your dash. It accepts cards and cash.

There are places where you can eat and change. There is also places to grab a bite and do some shopping. Not sure if it's still going on but for a couple hours before sunset and a couple hours after they have a street like festival there on the beach.

There are chairs and umbrellas on the beach but they are not free. It's $20 for the day for an umbrella and 2 chairs. I don't know how much the extra chairs are. The cost does go down the later in the day you arrive.

Enjoy the beach!

 

[phorsenuf]

Here's info about sunset at the pier.


http://www.sunsetsatpier60.com/calendar.html

 

[Pineapple Whip]

Stay off the dog beaches, unless you've taken your frontline.

 

[DisneyClown]

We took a day trip from WDW to Cocoa Beach because it is only an hour to get there,and we parked at Lori Wilson Park. It's free to park there, and not too long of a walk thru the walkway down to the beach. There are bathrooms there at the park.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

There are chairs and umbrellas on the beach but they are not free. It's $20 for the day for an umbrella and 2 chairs. I don't know how much the extra chairs are. The cost does go down the later in the day you arrive.

I did not know that because each time I drove by there I assumed there was no charge for them since they were located at all various spots, so I am not sure how you pay for a specific one. Each time I have been to Clearwater I always stay at the Clearwater Beach Marriot Suites on Sand Key, so we never had a reason to go over to the beach.

 

[phorsenuf]

I did not know that because each time I drove by there I assumed there was no charge for them since they were located at all various spots, so I am not sure how you pay for a specific one. Each time I have been to Clearwater I always stay at the Clearwater Beach Marriot Suites on Sand Key, so we never had a reason to go over to the beach.

It's quite simple. You go and plop down in one. They have people that go around with a clipboard and record your umbrella number, along with your name.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

It's quite simple. You go and plop down in one. They have people that go around with a clipboard and record your umbrella number, along with your name.

Thanks for saying how the process works.

 

[phorsenuf]

OP-did you make it to the beach? How was it? Did you like it?

 

[rebecca06261]

Clearwater beach is great! It's about 1 1/2 - 2 hours depending on traffic though. Parking during the week is in abundance and is available by the day at local hotels (about $10-20) or by the hour at the public parking areas. Just take I-4 to 275 West, then 60 all the way to the beach. Have a great time!

 

[jacksmom]

Clearwater Beach is nice, but Honeymoon Island State Park beach is so much nicer! And, you can take a ferry from Honeymoon Island state park to Caledesi island which is fabulous!