Opinions Needed - Day Trip Sarasota or Clearwater

[katallo]

We want to explore the West coast for the day. In your opinion, would you prefer to visit Clearwater area or Sarasota. We'd like to see the beach and spend time in some shops. Is there a tremendous difference in travel time and traffic? Is it best to leave Orlando after rush hour? Thanks!!

 

[rdona24]

I have been to both but would choose Sarasota over Clearwater. Siesta Key beach is the prettiest beach I've ever seen, the sand is like baby powder. The water was warm and clear, and there were even some tree covered areas if you need to escape the sun for a while. we left the 192/I-4 area around 8:45, we were set up on the beach by 10, I didn't notice a lot of traffic down I-75.

 

[Art 1]

I much prefer Sarasota, in fact, I will not go back to Clearwater. As another said, Siesta Key is nice and has some of the best sand to be found. We like Longboat Key. Be sure to shop on St. Armands Circle. It's a very easy drive from WDW.

 

[katallo]

Thanks so much for the advice. I think we'll try Sarasota. It sounds great. Any good places for lunch or dinner near Siesta Key?

 

[Art 1]

Thanks so much for the advice. I think we'll try Sarasota. It sounds great. Any good places for lunch or dinner near Siesta Key?

Colombia Restaurant on St. Armand's Circle is a must.

 

[rdona24]

Sorry, we didn't eat there. We packed a cooler and had a picnic on the beach, since we had never been there we didn't know if there would be anywhere to eat.