I live in CT along the ocean. The water here is about what you will find down along the ocean side of Florida. The water doesn't seem as clean, the sand is darker, similar to what we have along the CT shores,there is alot of seaweed and sometimes high surf and riptides. Also, I have seen more jellyfish along the ocean side.
The gulf side has whiter sand, almost clear water and less tides although they do have some riptides.
Can you tell I favor the Gulf shores?
I love the Clearwater beaches. They are not that far from WDW, about 1 1/2 hour, probably less. My sister lives in Clearwater within walking distance from the beach and it takes me about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get from a resort on property to her condo.
I have never been to the Tampa Beaches but I would think they would be busy.
I have been down farther, to the Venice beaches like Siesta Key and Lover's Key. I can't say enough about them, they are the best, but they are at least 3-4 hours away.
But I would recommend the Gulf over the ocean any day.
