Side Trip to Clearwater Beach

[smpeary]

We would love to take a week-end side trip to Clearwater Beach since we absolutely love the beach. Has anyone been there? Can anyone recommend a suites type hotel on or near the beach? I have also heard that St. Pete's beach is nice. I am not famililar with any of the beaches on the gulf side. Would appreciate any recommendations and comments. Do you think Ft. Lauderdae, Sarasota or some other beach is better?

 

[Steve P]

Both St Pete beach and Clearwater beaches Nice. Both pretty commecialized, If you prefer abit more layed back, the beach towns in between, i.e. Indian Rocks, Indian Shores, Redingtons
offer more of a residential feel with mostly small independent lodging. Madiera Beach's south end at John's Pass would be my favorite. Commercial but quaint. John's pass is a Fishing villiage with lots to see, do, eat and shop by. If you choose St Pete Beach, it's south end is Fort Desoto Park which is beautiful. Be sure to bring the fishing gear if you go there. 2 piers and a Spanish American war fort. Being a local I can't recommend specifics on lodging since I use my house :-D.

 

[mrsmom]

We stayed at shepards resort two years ago and we had a suite, i cn't remember the price but it was on the beach and they had a band that started at 1:00 pm by the pool and lasted until 10.00pm and then went into the resturant and bar next door, really enjoyed the place and there were 2 adults and 4 kids, we had two queen beds in the bedroom and a fold out couch which was in the living room and a kitchen . I hope this helps

Mrsmom