Indian Rocks Beach vs St Pete Beach

[rapunzal]

Going to the beach for 6 days...then to Disney for 4 days...what are the pros and cons to each beach area. Looking for a clean safe enviroment for family. What is the ride like to Orlando...how long? (1 hour?) Both places look nice I just can't decide? Thanks

 

[debbie655]

We went to St. Pete for a couple of days a few years ago. The beach is really pretty but from what I remember lots and lots of shells, a bit uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. Also, we had kids with us from 8-22 and we all found St. Petersburg Beach a little too quiet with not much to do there at night. I guess it depends on what you're looking for but if I were to go again, I'd stay in Clearwater, which looked a LOT more lively and fun for familes. Sorry I can't help with Indian Rocks but if I remember correctly it is in between Clearwater and St Pete. The drive took us approx. 1 1/2 hours from Orlando I think, but we did take the longer route I guess, driving to Clearwater and then just following Gulfview blvd (?) to St. Pete passing through all the towns in between.

 

[HeatherC]

Hi - We just took a ride around Tampa Bay for the day last week. Clearwater Beach was very nice....soft white baby powder sand. The Adams Mark was right on the beach here in the middle of everything. We then drove down towards St. Pete beach but didn't make it all the way down due to so much traffic!!

We did, however, ride through Sand Key which looked like a very nice area and where I would probably stay next time I was there.

The ride from Orlando was about 1 1/2 hours. The only problem is that they are doing a major construction project on Route 4 - the main highway to and from Tampa - for about 40 miles. The highway is only two lanes at this point and got very congested. I have to say that it was very frustrating getting through here and we weren't even in a hurry.

Hope this info helps you out some.

 

[July]

Wow, a question I can answer. I was born in St. Pete so I am very familar with the area. Actually Indian Rocks Beach is a neighbor. As a previous poster states they are family oriented. St. Pete Beach has lots of places to eat and many motels.

Indian Rocks Beach is more of a condiminum resort area. They have a large pier that is very popular for fishing there.

They are beautiful.
Personally I do not like Clearwater because of the young crowds. At night it is a haven for many teenage hang outs.

But I like a small crowd lots of room for the family to run and play at the beach.

At Clearwater it is Blanket to Blanket. Chair to Chair very crowded.
It depends on what you like.

July

 

[disneyfan551]

We went a few weeks ago to Sand Key. (I think!) I had heard reviews re: the beach at the Holiday Inn there, but decided to hop over to the private park beach and it was fabulous! There were only 3 people anywhere remotely near us! And, the beach was nice, lots of shells, found huge ones in the water! My 2yo dd even loved it (for a change!), since there weren't many waves. She practically stayed with me in the water the entire day.

At this park, there was metered parking, and a nice changing area.

Sorry I can't remember the exact name, but I was indecided as to which beach we were going to that day, and that's just where we ended up!

 

[Gillian]

I think it's just Sand Key park. It did look very nice. No crowds, even when Cearwater was busy. We didn't stay but it's on the list for next time. We may even try to stay in that area.

There are so many places to stay in St pete beach. Some of them are not on the beach, even if they are on Gulf dr (blvd?st?) because of the way the street runs. Double check that before you book.

Indian Rocks is close enough to drive to Sand Key or Clearwater for the day. It just depends on traffic.