clearwater beach, fl. question

[rattlsnak]

Looking for a place to go for July 4th weekend and wife suggested Clearwater Beach. I've never been there. Any pros and cons to that area? Does it get super crowded on the weekends or is it more quiet? Need to stay at a Hilton Property and also see a Doubletree further down at North Reddington Beach. Anybody been to either place?

[stevej37]

Been there quite a few times. That weekend will be busy..but not as much as springtime.
It's a nice area.
If looking for something else nearby..my suggestion would be Siesta Key Beach area. Bigger and nicer.

[AFC-911]

As a former local, it does get pretty crowded there. I greatly prefer St. Pete Beach due to its proximity to Fort De Soto.

As a side note, downtown St. Petersburg is actually pretty cool these days.

I also generally prefer to avoid downtown Clearwater since it's Scientology central.

[dennis in se pa]

but busy. Further south is quieter.

[tooms351]

I would rather stay in North Redington Beach, it's a lot less crowded and has better access and egress then Clearwater Beach. Clearwater Beach is more of a party town where North Redington is more family oriented.

[Seahawk]

Honestly, and with all due respect to the Gulf side of Florida, there are a thousand Atlantic Coast places up and down the East Coast that I prefer over Clearwater that are less driving miles from Atlanta.

There might actually be some surf to have fun in.

Perdido Key is a much better option on the Gulf if you are so inclined.

[yellowperil]

Clearwater is expensive, we always liked St Pete's as a better spot. The pier is great in St Pete.

[masraum]

I'm from there, and went to college there, but haven't lived there in 20 years.

Clearwater is the beach that the young folks go to. It's going to be crowded. It won't be all teens and young folks. There will be families and snowbirds

If you're looking for less crowded, as stated, go south. Indian Rocks beach should be much less crowded, but I'm not sure what sort of hotels are in the area these days though. It'll probably mostly be folks from Canada in that area.

Anyplace from Clearwater south to St Pete would be good. Sarasota might also be an option.

Hell, even Pensacola or Destin are nice beaches and popular areas.

[AFC-911]

Originally Posted by yellowperil

Clearwater is expensive, we always liked St Pete's as a better spot. The pier is great in St Pete.

That pier has been demolished. They're still in the planning stages with the replacement.

[legion]

Originally Posted by AFC-911

I also generally prefer to avoid downtown Clearwater since it's Scientology central.

This. They record and track your movements through downtown. Many of the business are owned by the "church" or by sympathizers and have cameras all fed to the "church".

[rattlsnak]

Thanks for replies... I think we decided on Marco Island! (we have been to the Pensacola through Panama City Beach strip at least 1,000 times over the years.. lol.. )

[Hads930]

Update this 30 days out, we may be there for the 4th. We were there last year, in laws live there. If we go back we can hookup for a beer or 6.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

Thanks for replies... I think we decided on Marco Island! (we have been to the Pensacola through Panama City Beach strip at least 1,000 times over the years.. lol.. )

Good choice. A whole lot nicer than Clearwater..but also more expensive.
Naples is my favorite place in FL...I go there often.
https://www.naplespanorama.org/

.

[JeremyD]

tradewinds or sirata beach resort.... Clearwater is a great beach - sugar sand - many great locations

[onewhippedpuppy]

If you've been to Pensacola you won't be impressed. Compared to the Pensacola and Destin area, the water won't be as clear and the sand is full of shells and hard to walk on with bare feet. We've been to Clearwater and St. Pete and didn't care for it. The beach areas also felt more touristy than Pensacola, and much busier.

[widgeon13]

Venice, FL

[AFC-911]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

If you've been to Pensacola you won't be impressed. Compared to the Pensacola and Destin area, the water won't be as clear and the sand is full of shells and hard to walk on with bare feet. We've been to Clearwater and St. Pete and didn't care for it. The beach areas also felt more touristy than Pensacola, and much busier.

I've been to Pensacola and didn't care for it. The beaches might be nice, but I wouldn't really want to stay there.

Seaside and Rosemary Beach FL gets my vote in that area.

[mgatepi]

We spent a week on Clearwater Beach at the end of February....I couldn't believe how crowded it was!! And from what the locals were saying.....it only gets worse during the spring break time!!

No Thanks!!
Go further south.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by AFC-911

I've been to Pensacola and didn't care for it. The beaches might be nice, but I wouldn't really want to stay there.

Seaside and Rosemary Beach FL gets my vote in that area.

We typically stay at Portofino Island Resort, which is on the Gulf Island National Seashore. It's like a barrier island and the resort is at a narrow point with private beaches on either side. On one side you get the full Gulf experience, on the other side you get the nice peaceful bay experience. I haven't been to the Pensacola public beaches, but like the town overall because it's not a tourist trap. Plus the naval air museum is awesome and free, and if you time it right you can watch the Blue Angels practice.

[petrolhead611]

If you want somewhere relatively unspoilt rather than a concrete jungle, try Cedar Key, (unless it was funded by the last hurricane)