West Coast of Florida

[KerriMc]

Hello

My SIL and her family are thinking of going to Florida this year (after listening to me rave about our trips with my kiddos). Her kids are 13 and 9. They would like to go somewhere along the west coast, near a beach. Closeness to WDW is not important as they aren't going to be going there ... I clearly don't understand this as they have never been and just don't get it. I can only shake my head that they haven't done this trip with their kids ... but hey ... at least they won't be close to us when we are down there (all at the same time). So if you have any suggestions of good hotels/condos that are on the west coast, or good areas for a family I'd appreciate it. (I said I'd have a look for her ).

Thanks in advance ...
Kerri

 

[iluvtig2]

The Clearwater Beach/St. Pete Beach area is beautiful, and give you easy access to the mainland of the Tampa/St. Pete area, which gives you plenty to do, if you get tired of the beach. Also, it is within 30 minutes or so of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. And, if they should decide they want to do Disney, it is only 1 1/2 hours away.

There is decent shelling here, lots of little islands and keys, you can go on sunset cruises, dolphin cruises, pirate cruises......

I like the Sirata Beach Hotel (St. Pete Beach), or the Bilmar (older, but large rooms and a huge beach. It is close to the causeway for easy access to the mainland, and close to John's Pass which has lots of restaurants, shops, and cruises as mentioned above.) A little nicer is the Sheraton (mini-suites - It was getting ready to turn into a Marriott).

If they're more into nature things, they should try the Naples/Marco Island area. It's close to the Everglades and the 10,000 Islands. Or, Sanibel/Captiva which is very "artsy" with lots of galleries and shops. Sanibel and Naples are more upscale, where Clearwater is more "beachy". It just depends on what they prefer.

We love it here!!! (We're more south - Closer to Sarasota).

Hope this helps!

iluvtig