Please help me decide - VB or Clearwater?

[northwenald]

I have never been to either place. I have heard gtreat things about the beaches in Clearwater. I will just be DH and myself. We are only going for 3 nights and then to WDW. I think that they are both around the same distance from WDW. Vero Beach looks nice but not a lot to do, which would be great for relaxing. For anyone who has been to both places, can you tell me which one would be good for two adults that love the beach, shopping and great restaurants. Thanks everyone !!!!

 

[mbakun]

We have stayed at both the Disney Vero Beach resort and have family in Clearwater Beach. VB is beautiful, but there is not a lot to do. If you like shopping and restaurants, Clearwater is absolutely the way to go. There are tons of hotels and condos to rent (our favorite condos are on Sand Key, and you can walk to Clearwater beach or take the free trolley). There is also a Sherton Sand Key, which is right on the beach and walking distance to downtown Clearwater.

Again, Vero Beach is great, but if you are looking for anything to do other than the beach, there is not much there.

Hope that helps! Michelle

 

[jade1]

Its been a few years, but have been to Clearwater many times as a break from WDW. Once to Vero was enough-not enough to do for us and we like the white sugar sand much better at CW. Always have stayed at Hilton (may be gone for all I know now) right on the beach/pier. Kinda older but 2 nice pools and a great location. Frenchy's on the beach north of the Hilton was a great place to dine-not fancy just good-and you can walk from the Hilton. The pier had a lot of stands each night selling trinkets etc. Took the dolphin cruise and got great pics as many followed us-they are on a dead hard drive now.

 

[northwenald]

Thanks everyone !!!!! I went to St. Petes beach last year before heading to WDW and we LOVED the beach. The sand was so soft and felt like powder. I wanted to try some place different when we go in May. I heard really great things on the Sheraton on Sand Key beach. We will probably try Clearwater this time and save VB for another time. Thanks again !!!!!

 

[jade1]

Thanks everyone !!!!! I went to St. Petes beach last year before heading to WDW and we LOVED the beach. The sand was so soft and felt like powder. I wanted to try some place different when we go in May. I heard really great things on the Sheraton on Sand Key beach. We will probably try Clearwater this time and save VB for another time. Thanks again !!!!!

We did St Pete's one night and didn't like the shells in the sand-went back up to Clearwater. Clearwater is getting a makeover I have heard to a lot of condo high rise stuff-real shame, had a nice old strip with shops that is mostly there but getting smaller.

 

[JimMIA]

As a native Floridian, I feel strongly both ways. I think it depends on whether you prefer the ocean or a beach with things to do nearby.

If you prefer the ocean, there is no question that anywhere on the East (Atlantic) Coast is better than anywhere on the West (Gulf of Mexico) Coast. There are real waves and lots of fun stuff to do in the ocean. However -- on the East Coast, unless you are in South Beach (Miami Beach), Fort Lauderdale, Daytona, or St. Augustine, there really isn't much attraction other than the water itself.

Many places on the Gulf Coast offer more in terms of things to do away from the water. I haven't been everywhere, but I have yet to find the perfect venue. The beaches are all good, but there is a variance in lodging and things to do.

Lodging is very good at Marco. I think it's pretty good at St Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach. I love Longboat Key (Sarasota) for dining and shopping, but the lodging is pretty bad. Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva are okay IMHO, with the exception of South Seas on Captiva which is very good. Forget Everglades City.

The Panhandle is an unknown to me, because I have not been there, but many rave about far NW Florida.

I think the key would be to find a venue which offers the things your family really wants to do on a Florida vacation.

 

[Lenc324]

I prefer Vero because there isn't a lot of things to do. Sleep, read on the beach, sleep, eat, drink, take a nap by the pool, then eat some more.

 

[jade1]

One other thing, we are sleep in stay up late folks. Therefore sunsets are way more important than sunrises to us-hated that about Vero and loved it every night at Clearwater. Early risers may be the opposite.

 

[northwenald]

As a native Floridian, I feel strongly both ways. I think it depends on whether you prefer the ocean or a beach with things to do nearby.

If you prefer the ocean, there is no question that anywhere on the East (Atlantic) Coast is better than anywhere on the West (Gulf of Mexico) Coast. There are real waves and lots of fun stuff to do in the ocean. However -- on the East Coast, unless you are in South Beach (Miami Beach), Fort Lauderdale, Daytona, or St. Augustine, there really isn't much attraction other than the water itself.

Many places on the Gulf Coast offer more in terms of things to do away from the water. I haven't been everywhere, but I have yet to find the perfect venue. The beaches are all good, but there is a variance in lodging and things to do.

Lodging is very good at Marco. I think it's pretty good at St Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach. I love Longboat Key (Sarasota) for dining and shopping, but the lodging is pretty bad. Ft Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva are okay IMHO, with the exception of South Seas on Captiva which is very good. Forget Everglades City.

The Panhandle is an unknown to me, because I have not been there, but many rave about far NW Florida.

I think the key would be to find a venue which offers the things your family really wants to do on a Florida vacation.

This was great !!! Thanks for all the great info. You are so right about the ocean or the beach. We are more beach people. I like the calm water for swimming. The big waves make me nervous but I love the sound of the waves as I relax on the beach. Both places sound great. I think I will just have to plan 2 trips to Florida. As much as we love to have things near by to see and do we also love to just chill.
Thanks everyone !!!!!

 

[dvcmomdeh]

I prefer the ocean on the gulf coast, but there isn't anything like a LONG walk on the beach with the crashing of the atlantic waves at your feet. If you like to walk this is the place to go.