Which beach would you recommend for a three night stay

hellin family · 27 Jan 17, 08:12 PM

Very excited to be back on the Dibb following our last holiday in October. Have started to think about the next trip and booked a villa today for August 2018. Yes, it's ages away but so excited to start planning.

We are finally taking the plunge on a three week holiday. I figure the most expensive bit of a florida holiday is the flight, so may as well stay as long as possible. We have to stick to school holidays so this will have to be in August. We have booked 16 nights in a villa, so have 5 nights left. I'm thinking maybe 2 nights in a Universal Studios hotel (we've done a disney hotel previously and want to try this, esp for express passes!) and three nights in a beach hotel.

But what beach? I've heard great things of Anna Maria Island. I've stayed in Sarasota yeeeeeaaars ago (pre children) so probably not there, like to try something new, even if it means a drive like Miami or the keys - or is that too far just for three nights? Any help welcomed. Thanks

Heli · 27 Jan 17, 08:24 PM

Wondering the same thing too. Can't decide between Anna Marie island and Clearwater...

68nic · 27 Jan 17, 08:38 PM

We are going to be staying at Anna Maria this year for 3 nts will be our first time . Cant wait ! the pics ive seen and what ive read sound and look lovely. Clearwater looks more built up with hotels. and what ive read seems a lot busier than Anna Maria. Ive never fancied Clearwater quiet a few people have said its gone down hill over the last few years , whether that is true I don't know for certain as I have never been. Anna Maria has an old fashion charm about it

tinytots · 27 Jan 17, 11:05 PM

We stayed at the Sandpearl in Clearwater for a few nights, loved it. Great spot on the beach

POFQfan · 27 Jan 17, 11:30 PM

Would choose Naples if it was me...

hellin family · 28 Jan 17, 10:05 AM

Off to have a little look at those thank you!

LittleMiss36 · 28 Jan 17, 10:39 AM

We've been to treasure island and madeira beach. Both south of clearwater. Both quiet and very chilled. Calm warm water. Beautiful sand. Stayed at barefoot beach hotel. Going back again this year. More of a motel. Clean, basic but adequate. Views over the beach. It depends what you are looking for out of your beach trip really.

**swiper** · 28 Jan 17, 10:43 AM

Love Clearwater beach... stayed in most places along the gulf, but Clearwater tops it every time. Lots for everyone to do. Park the car up and enjoy. Yes there has been some building going on over the last few years... most of it now is coming to an end.
Regardless of age Clearwater has something for everyone.
The sunset celebration along the pier every sunset. Fire eaters on the beach. Lots of bars and good eating places. Children's water slides on the beach. Movie nights at the pier ( bring your own chair / blanket to sit on)
Great dolphin trips or fishing trips from the marina.
Calm warm sea, powder white sand and don't forget fabulous sunsets... and it's free!
1.5 - 2 hrs away.

tonymc · 5 Feb 17, 09:55 PM

Last August, we stayed at Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, north of Jacksonville. Although a longer drive at 3 hours than say Clearwater (1.5 hours) or Anna Maria (around 2 hours), we found it fantastic.

Stayed at the Seaside Amelia Inn which was right on the beach. Sunloungers and brollies were free, and there was a decent restaurant adjacent. The only minor issue was that the downtown area was about 2 miles away so a drive rather than being able to stroll. However, it was a town ideal for families with plenty of restaurants around, and not a lot of UK visitors according to a lady in one shop we stopped off at.

27 Jan 17, 08:12 PM	#1
	27 Jan 17, 08:12 PM hellin family Dibbing with Tink
hellin family Dibbing with Tink Join Date: May 10	Which beach would you recommend for a three night stay Very excited to be back on the Dibb following our last holiday in October. Have started to think about the next trip and booked a villa today for August 2018. Yes, it's ages away but so excited to start planning. We are finally taking the plunge on a three week holiday. I figure the most expensive bit of a florida holiday is the flight, so may as well stay as long as possible. We have to stick to school holidays so this will have to be in August. We have booked 16 nights in a villa, so have 5 nights left. I'm thinking maybe 2 nights in a Universal Studios hotel (we've done a disney hotel previously and want to try this, esp for express passes!) and three nights in a beach hotel. But what beach? I've heard great things of Anna Maria Island. I've stayed in Sarasota yeeeeeaaars ago (pre children) so probably not there, like to try something new, even if it means a drive like Miami or the keys - or is that too far just for three nights? Any help welcomed. Thanks __________________ Wendy, Jake and Lillie x Dec 2005 New York and Florida honeymoon, Grand Reserve Dec 2006 Anniversary Trip, Grand Reserve, Davenport Dec 2010 Jake's first trip, Glenbrook Jan 2011 Lillie's first trip, Windsor Palms Feb 2013 Jake and Lillie's Grand Adventures, Florida Pines Oct 2014 Disneys All Stars Music Resort

28 Jan 17, 10:05 AM	#6
	28 Jan 17, 10:05 AM hellin family Dibbing with Tink Thread Starter
hellin family Thread Starter Dibbing with Tink Join Date: May 10	Off to have a little look at those thank you! __________________ Wendy, Jake and Lillie x Dec 2005 New York and Florida honeymoon, Grand Reserve Dec 2006 Anniversary Trip, Grand Reserve, Davenport Dec 2010 Jake's first trip, Glenbrook Jan 2011 Lillie's first trip, Windsor Palms Feb 2013 Jake and Lillie's Grand Adventures, Florida Pines Oct 2014 Disneys All Stars Music Resort