Need help with Clearwater Beach area

[ShannonRT]

Does anybody have any experience with the Clearwater Beach area? I've been there before, but it's been a long time ago. There are so many different beaches in the area and I've been doing some research trying to find a condo to stay in. So far, I'm finding some good deals in the Madeira Beach and Indian Shores areas.

Where would be a good place to stay? Any pros or cons on one particular area? Stuff to do?

TIA!

 

[ShannonRT]

bump

 

[mamamary]

We went to North Redington Beach in June. It is in between Clearwater and St. Pete. Can't help with the condo. We stayed at a hotel - Doubletree Beach Resort - I'd highly recommend.

As for stuff to do, we loved Busch Gardens. We also did a day trip to Caladesi Island (voted #1 beach in the US).

Not sure if I can help you with anything else. Let me know.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We prefer St. Pete Beach.
Don Cesar or Tradewinds Island Grand resort. Each have pros/cons.

 

[welovedisneyx4]

We just got back from Treasure Island (it's right before St Pete Beach) in July. I think Maderia Beach or Indian Shores would be a good place to stay. I thought the beach at TI was way too wide. Also, if we ever go again, I would definantly get a condo facing the ocean. Most of the motels didn't have a lot of ocean front rooms and I really missed that.

We ate at several good restaurants. One was PJ's, it was seafood. Also, there was Dockside Dave's--very casual, but great food. Another place we enjoyed was Captain Kosmakos. It was a nice restaurant, but not super fancy that you couldn't take kids. They had huge portions there!!

Also, if you have kids, try the Pirate Cruise in the evening. The one at Johns Pass was good, but I think I would go for the one at the Clearwater Pier. Be sure to check that area out in the evenings. They have a lot going on 2 hours before and after sunset. Oh- if the Pirate Cruise isn't your thing, try one of the dolphin sighting cruises.

And if you go to Honeymoon Island and go on a nature trail....BEWARE OF MOSEQUTOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Especially if they have a sign up about them. We were not prepared for the extent of them and got ate up!!!!!!! DD ended up w/ 250+ bites!!!

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We've only ever stayed at the Quality Inn on the beach and last time we were there in 2006, it had gone downhill so I won't recommend that to anyone anymore.

The Clearwater Beach area is very crowded and almost a party atmosphere on the weekends.

The marina is much better than John's Pass Marina as far as the Dolphin Tour and the Clearwater Marina has Capt. Memo's Pirate Cruise which was a blast. There is also a Rescue Marine Aquarium that is fun to tour for a couple of hours on a rainy day.

Here's a website I go to:
http://www.beachchamber.com/newwebsite/beachcam.htm

http://www.floridasbeach.com/

We checked out the Indian Shores area and were really impressed with it and we stayed many years ago on St. Pete's Beach but I can't remember the name of the resort.

I second Dockside Dave's for food. Yum.

I'm not much help but at least I gave you a couple of websites to look at.