Sarasota / Siesta Key or Clearwater / St Petes

[fred20]

Am putting together my initial plans for our 3 week September break . After overcoming the trauma ;) of driving in Orlando for the 1st time in January I'm now thinking of having 3 days on the Gulf Coast while taking in Busch Gardens

There's only 2 adults and we are looking for a bit of a 'kick back and realx' time . I'm not really a beach person but the wife is, although I do love water sports so I can 'tolerate' the beach if there's plenty to do and see (boat trips ,snorkelling etc )

I'd be grateful for any opinions on the above 2 options and any recommendations for hotels (they seem to be in very scare supply around the Sarasota area ) .

Cheers
Fred

:beer2:

[amybecca]

We're staying at the Sarasota, Siesta Key area in June for a couple of nights at The Helmsley sandcastle for the second time as we loved it last time we stayed there, the Gulf front rooms are lovely & its in a perfect location. The beachs are beautiful & the sunsets even better but i'am not sure about water sports or boat trips.

LEE...............

[jheaton]

siesta key has a gorgeous beach but if you want to chill out have you looked at Anna Maria Island- it's heaven

lovely beaches and restaurants(not sure about hotels as we stayed in a villa)
do you fish?there were lots of little piers to fish from
the northern end of the island is the quietest

about 50mins to busch gardens

[fred20]

Thanks for the replies

Just downloading some info regarding Anna Maria Island as I type

Cheers
Fred
:d:

[cmpjdp]

we stayed in a villa at sarasota, i'm not a beach person and found lots to keep me entertained