Questions - Beach, Tampa, Busch Gardens...

[Kath2003]

Looking to harness everyone's wisdom about a few of these topics, please!

My partner and I are contemplating going to Orlando again; we only want to do Islands of Adventure & Universal Studios in Orlando (plus the malls etc.) so we feel that 6-7 nights there would be plenty. This would give us 3-4 nights elsewhere.

My partner's pretty excited by the idea of Busch Gardens - I've been before several times but am keen to go back. How long do you think we would need there? We would arrive at opening at least one day and avoid weekends so I'm thinking 2 days? Can anyone also recommend a hotel that they have used? I am also scouring tripadvisor of course!

Whilst over in the Tampa area, we would like to spend at least one night at the beach. I've not really been over that way much - Clearwater on a day trip years ago, but have spent weeks further south in Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers etc. We don't really want to go that far for just 1-2 nights, though, so something in the Clearwater/St Pete's area would be good - any recommendations as to where to go? Hotel recommendations?

And finally, whilst I have been driven around in Florida endlessly, I've never driven myself (I'm 26 so it's only in the last year or so that I've been able to hire a car in Florida without crippling Under-25 fees) so any advice welcome? I understand the rules of the road from having been a passenger but have never actually driven out there.

Thanks in advance

 

[tony64]

If you want to stay somewhere that is very quiet and laid back then you can't go wrong with Anna Maria Island, we love it there.
Driving in the states is a breeze but always have it clear in your head the road you are going to turn onto at junctions, it's very easy to get over confident and that's when you could come a cropper.

 

[Netty]

we have booked to stay here for 2 nights at St Pete

http://www.aldenbeachresort.com/

also have a look on this site for driving tips etc

http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/british/default.htm

 

[Kath2003]

we have booked to stay here for 2 nights at St Pete

http://www.aldenbeachresort.com/

Whilst that looks lovely, the minimum stay is 7 nights - we need 2 or 3!

Thanks for the driving tips link.

Tony: we will look into Anna Maria Island. What's it like? We are in our 20s but we don't want clubs - a glass of wine or a cocktail overlooking the sunset is more our scene.

 

[Netty]

that isnt right as we booked for 2 nights!

just tried the website and you can book for less than a wk

 

[Kath2003]

that isnt right as we booked for 2 nights!

I plugged in my dates and every room states "Minimum stay 7 nights"

 

[Netty]

I plugged in my dates and every room states "Minimum stay 7 nights"

could be because your not going for a while ??
as it lets me book for any number of nights

 

[OldKeyWelsh]

We stayed at the Alden Beach for two nights earlier this month and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you stay there then make sure you book a Gulf View room - fantastic sea views, we saw lots of dolphins from our balcony, and while we were in the sea they came within about 20 feet of us, and also a manatee swam past us within touching distance one morning.

 

[Kath2003]

Selfishly bumping my own thread

Any more advice? We are still looking to stay in/around the Clearwater area for about £90/night for a double room. Looking at staying either 2 or 3 nights. Parking essential, but walking distance to bars/restaurants would be ideal.

Edited to add: Cocoa Beach/Melbourne Beach - any reviews?

 

[juliebro]

We actually quite enjoy going to Cocoa Beach. It's not to everyone's taste and can be rather tacky in parts.

However, it has one of my favourite places in the world - the Mai Tiki Bar at the end of the pier. I love that place so much that I have a photo of it as my desktop background on both my Blackberry and my work laptop.

Spending a couple of hours there late afternoon with the sea lapping underneath the pier, the fishermen and pelicans. The bar staff are usually quite interesting to talk to as well.

Oh - and how could I forget? Happy hour and the half-price Margaritas!

http://www.floridabeachbar.com/bars/MaiTikiBar.asp