looking for a nice beach experince on gulf side
 

am looking to travel to the gulf side for a nice beach experience, i enjoy walking the beach for health reasons , wife loves to read in a cumfy chair. we wuld like to find interesting place eat and enjoy some music afterwards . any one have any ideads for this long day trip?

We just got back from Clearwater Beach and it is awesome. Park in the parking garage of the Hyatt Regency. (The huge coral colored building you can see from everywhere. Take the elevator down to 1R and walk across the street to the beach. We've been to several beaches on the gulf and unless you want to drive 3-1/2 hours to Sarasota, this is the best one on the gulf coast that we've been to.

They call themselves "Florida's Best Beach". I'd say that they are the second best beach after Miami's South Beach

any recommendations for casual supper?

Clearwater is very nice.

Clearwater is a great beach. We will be going back there for sure.

Manatee Beach on Anna Maria Island, you go through Bradenton to get there is my favorite and they have a great outdoor cafe called Cafe on the Beach for a casual meal. You can do it in one day if you are on the road at 8 am. It is worth the effort.

Try St Petersburg Beach. The St Petersburg Clearwater area has been voted some of the best beaches in the world. You will find all types of restaurants, easy access and some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. I went on Starlight Cruises dinner cruise out of Clearwater and had a good meal, wonderful drinks and a sunset to die for. I lived in the area many years and love going back. You might want to check out Home | St Petersburg Clearwater, FL Beach Vacations. Its a great site with lost of information and very good friends.

Dr Beach lists the 10 top beaches each year.
 

Dr. Beach: America's Foremost Beach Expert.* Top 10 Beaches.

Past winners
Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
Fort De Soto Park, North Beach, St. Petersburg, Florida
Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Florida

Plus 3 winner beaches in the panhandle
Grayton Beach State Park, Florida panhandle
St. Andrews State Park, Florida panhandle
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida panhandle

I like Captiva. Beautiful island community and a couple of nice resorts to enjoy.

thanks so much everyone ,,, we are on the road now as we head to clearwater, what is great we now have some ideas of other places also to head out to. we try to make every monday beach day! we feel like we know daytona beach like the back of our hand looking forward to some new sand! we will post our thoughts on the day later today or on tuesday. thanks again!

If you are headed down I75 and then I275, traffic can really back up going through the city of Tampa. The road is under construction and due to all the weaving of lanes, it backs up all the time. Expect delays, you'll get through it, it may just add 20 extra minutes to your commute both ways.
A casual place to eat in Clearwater is Frenchy's on the beach. Once you take 60 all the way into Clearwater Beach, and you come up to the circle, go right and a few blocks up, on your left hand side, you will see the fire station. There is parking right there, bathrooms and Frenchy's for a beachy bite to eat.
Have fun!!!!

Captiva is well named you will be "Captivated" by the sunsets over the gulf.
Wait till you see the green flash (last thing you see before the sun disappears).

Sanibel Island has a multitude of stores and restaurant. and is a shelling bonanza. "Ding" Darling Wildlife preserve is a must see to walk,bike or ride through to see wildlife in its natural habitat.:agree:

We are fans of St. Pete Beach. We like to stay at the Don Cesar Hotel which is right on the beach. If you are looking for a small place for lunch or supper check out the Sea Critters Café on the Pass-A-Grille end of the beach.

After 18 years on Siesta Key, Crescent Beach section