We will be spending a week at Universal next month and are thinking about taking a beach day. I think we would prefer a gulf side beach. Looking to not travel more than about an hour\hour and a half. Was thinking Clearwater Beach because we have been there before but I know there are so many other beaches in the area that we don't even know about.
It will be myself, DH, and 4 teens; 18, 17, and two 15 year olds. Would like somewhere with a nice clean public beach, easy parking, and maybe a few low key dining options. All suggestions greatly appreciated!
Denise
Resorts we've stayed at in 20+ trips: ASMo, ASMu, ASSp, PC, CSR, CBR, POR, POFQ, WL, AKL Jambo, AKL Kidani, Poly, Contemporary, BC, YC, BWV, OKW, SSR, Swan, Shades of Green, Vero Beach, Disneyland Resort
Next Trip: ???
Caladesi Island State Park just north of Clearwater. It's very secluded and off the beaten track.
Dave aka: Altair
"Even though they're graceful when swimmin', it's hard to believe sailors thought they were women" - Manatee area, the Living Seas
Anna Maria Island (a little further away at about 2 hours) is lovely.
-Laura
Engineer by Day... Imagineer in my Dreams!
We love Sand Key Beach just south of Clearwater Beach. Very clean and family friendly. Parking is available. We are going this summer while we are at Disney! It is a must do for us. We do dinner at Crabby Bill's in Indian Rocks Beach.
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
Look up Beachwalk, its in clearwater. Its right on the beach, and it has shops and restaurants right on it. Its also right next to Pier 180. And there is all kinds of parking right in that area.
Definitely the right choice to head to the Gulf side. Clearwater Beach, along with the recommendations above - all very nice choices. From personal experience, Clearwater Beach seems to meet your criteria - clean, with parking, and food options. We really love it there. Something we always liked about Clearwater Beach (and others in this thread might be similar) is they have chairs sitting on the beach for rent - and the cost isn't terrible. As a tourist, we've had times we need to stop and buy chairs to use for the day at the beach. These places provide them. Enjoy!
