Which beach/city would be best???

[dr.j]

I need some help deciding where we my husband and 3 year old son should go for 3 nights before heading to Orlando. I was thinking of flying into Tampa and then driving to Clearwater, St. Pete, Siesta Key, or another beach in the Sarasota area. I want a place that is toddler friendly with a nice hotel right on the beach. Sarasota will take longer to get to, which might not be great after a long flight to Tampa, but I'm willing to drive further if it's a lot nicer.
I would appreciate any ideas or advice on choosing a place to go, and also on specific hotels.
TIA!

 

[Aidensmom]

Depends on what you mean by "right on the beach". While you can find all right on the beach, Clearwater has the most hotels with the smallest walk from hotel to water. In St Pete and Sarasota, you may have some longer walking distances. Clearwater, however, is the most "touristy". Sarasota is probably the quietest. St Pete is in between.

Our families favorite is Treasure Island, just north of St Pete Beach. While there is a bit of a walk to the water, it is great for hunting shells, etc, fairly quiet, and very relaxing. And very close to Johns Pass, which is a great area of shopping and restaurants.

 

[flatline]

Clearwater is the quickest to get to from TIA. Siesta Key is the best beach in the Sarasota area, but the beach access is limited to rental houses. St. Pete and Treasure Island is a happy medium. the Don CeSar is a great hotel with beach access.

all of our beaches on the Gulf side are toddler friendly, 2 foot waves and warm waters.

 

[dr.j]

Thanks! This is just the type of info I was hoping to get.

 

[Hedvig]

Hi
We're spending a week in Sanibel in June - just wish time would MOVE it's so cold here still.

Sanibel is supposed to be the place with the most seashells and a great beach.
Not overly "touristy" and quiet.


Best of luck finding your special beach

Sincerely
Hedvig