Gulf short break advice please

[Bex02]

Hello, so I am hoping people on here can help me with my planning dilemma. We are travelling to Orlando for the third time in August and as part of our trip we have left 3 nights at the end for a short break at the coast. As we are flying home from Tampa we thought the Gulf coast would be best. We tried this last time we were in the area, which was 2018 and were caught up in the red tide nightmare and had to abort the coast finale in favour of staying in Orlando. Anyway, here we go again! We are travelling as a family with a 12 year old son and the first 13 days of our holiday will be with friends who have a son of a similar age. Having done hours of research, I feel no closer to deciding where to stay, I've considered Clearwater, maybe Pier 60 hotel or private condo but am worried it might be too busy, then Anna Maria Island, which looks heavenly, but that might be too quiet for my 12 year old. Also what to do, we'd like to go on a dolphin boat ride of some sort, my son fancies Busch gardens but hubby thinks we will have had enough of parks. I know this looks like a tall order, I really feel info'd out and some pointers/suggestions would be lovely. Thanks in advance.

[YorkshireT]

Indian Shores is very nice, as is Anna Maria Island. Would prefer both over Clearwater.

[Keirasean]

Hi. For 3 nights I’d prefer Anna Maria Island as a proper relax for 3 days. I would recommend Busch... queues are minimal and it has great rollercoasters, we prefer it to Disney as more of a thrill seeker park and far less crowded.
We stayed a few days at Anna Maria and went parasailing with YOLO... it was brilliant.

[CRISSY61]

If you are only going to be in the area for a short while I would def consider Anna Maria. Loads of beaches to choose from & boat trips available. Close to Busch gardens for a trip- different type of park to Disney- more chilled but still with the big roller coasters