Clearwater

[Touch of Tink]

Going again for 2 weeks in November (how far away is that!!!) and having done all the theme parks last year, would like to go to the beach for a day to make a change. I have not heard very good reports about Daytona or Cocoa beaches, so wondered if it would be an idea to give Clearwater a go. Only thing that may stop us is the travelling time from Orlando. Can anyone give me an idea how long the journey would take and would we do it comfortable in one day. Other option is St Pete's so would appreciate feedback on either. Many thanks, guys.

Val xx :tinkani: :tinkani:

[stationeryguru]

Hiya, Have been to Clearwater 3 times and St Pete's Beach twice and love them both. Must say that we do prefer Clearwater as there seems to be more for us to do.

[kellyd]

we got married at clearwater in 2003 its fantastic !!

Its 1.5 hours from orlando and its a lovely drive very pretty !

http://groups.msn.com/HitchedGirlsPhotoAlbums/kellyandcarl.msnw?Page=1

feel free to look at my wedding pics x

[kaz06]

We did clearwater and cocoa beach if you have young kids clearwater is better as cocoa has quite a strong current but is good for surfing, boogy boarding.Clearwater is the most beautifull beach plenty to do I wished we had booked in somewhere over night and not driven back the same day will do this next time.Have a great holiday.
Karen:)

[rachielizzie]

We love the gulf coast beaches so much we're going this year and doing 10 nights in St Pete's with just 4 nights in Orlando! We stay there most times but after 10 years of the parks, we don't feel the need to do it again this year so we're having a year off and only going to U Studios on our return.

Clearwater beach is nice too, and they aren't far unless you're travelling in rush hour - Tampa is a nightmare to get through when people are arriving for or leaving work. We normally leave about 1.5-2 hours to make our way there without rushing, allowing for some traffic time.

I think there's more to do in Clearwater but I felt St Pete's was a bit quieter, which is what we want. We spent a day on Clearwater Beach near the Hilton a few years ago (in the one year when we hadn't arranged a few days on the beach) and a day there was easily do-able. The Screamer boat ride is something you must try whilst you are in the area, and be prepared to get very wet!

One thing I do remember though - we were stood on the pier there and we panicked when we saw a dark shadow under the water swimming up behind a female swimmer. She couldn't, or didn't want to, hear us shouting to her to try to warn her and we had no idea what it was. When it finally poked it's head up for air, it was a manatee! It got so close to her and she was completely unaware. I didn't think I'd ever see one in the wild - it was really nice once we realised what it was.

Anyway, the beach is a lovely break from the madness that is Orlando, so I'd say go for it, even for a day, and enjoy yourself.