where to stay on gulf coast?

[rachelox]

We are travelling at easter and staying for 2 weeks in orlando (villa already booked) then moving on to the coast for 4 nights. We were thinking of St Petersberg or Clearwater but we are open to suggestions from the wise (that's you lot!!)

we are a group of 11 ranging from grandparents (still quite sprightly!!) to a 6 month old baby. What is there to see down that coast apart from busch gardens. Where is the nicest beach? all suggestions gratefully received :d: :d: :d:

[lausan]

Dolphin Beach Resort,St Petes Beach opposite Dolphin Shopping Village,near all restaurants no need for car also Dolphin cruises opposite at the Harbour

[FLGirl-UKNow]

The Tradewinds Resort (http://www.tradewindsresort.com/) is a good option for a larger group. I've done several 'girls weekends' there and we've never been disappointed.

If you want something a little more luxurious give Don Cesar Beach Resort (http://www.doncesar.com/) a try. A really great place to stay. It's a Loews hotel which is what the Universal Hotels are.

For visitor information take a look at Pinellas County Vistor Information (http://www.pinellascounty.org/visitor.htm).

I would also suggest the Tarpon Springs (http://www.tarponsprings.com/)area for things to do. They are the sponge capital of the world.

[clc]

Another vote for Tradewinds Grand resort stayed there this August for 5 nights, with a 5 and 9 year old, there was plenty to keep all happy.

[xXxArielxXx]

We Stayed at Tradewinds Island Grand in St Petes,which was great it has its own beach section with cabbanas! There are a number of resturants across the road. Also there are also several boat trips to see dolphins in clearwater which are really enjoyable and priced reasonablly too! Have a great trip!

[CheshireCaty]

Hi there. Another vote for Tradewins Island Grand from me :inlove: We've also stayed at the Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort Hotel & Conference Center (back when it was a Holiday Inn) and loved the spacious rooms and beautiful views from the balcony!
We've also stayed at Clearwated twice. Once at the Hilton Clearwater Beach and at the Clearwater Beach hotel (which has now thankfully been demolished and rebuilt as the Sandpearl!) I have to say, we didn't like Clearwater the last time we went (which was at Springbreak a few years ago), we found it dirty and full of rowdy teens - certainly not relaxing!
Looking at your party size, have you considered a suite hotel (ie Homewood etc)? It probably wouldn't be directly on the beach but would be a perfect base for exploring the coast.
If you do go on the Gulf coast I can recommend:
- Fort Desoto state park
- Tarpon springs - just seeing all of the sponge they produce is fantastic! It's also a really quaint and picturesque harbour town
- Duenedin - If you head to the Bestwestern which is directly on the harbouside, you can sit in the outdoor cafe and watch dolphins play around the jetty :d:
- A boat trip from St Petes/ Clearwater to see the dolphins - there's nothing like seeing them in the wild!
As you can tell, there's plenty more to do than just Busch Gardens (although we do love Busch and it's definitely worth a visit!).
Hope that hepls, enjoy your planning and hope you have a great trip :)

[getreadyalso]

page terrace motel in treasure island - bars and restaurants to hand and great hotel for the price - check out trip advisor

[Fiona]

We really love The Don CeSar Beach Resort at St. Pete`s. It is known locally as Florida`s legendary pink palace and has been around since 1928. www.doncesar.com :-)