[Villageshooter]

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?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

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

[Villageshooter]

any recommendations for casual supper?

[MikeV]

Clearwater is very nice.

[Miles42]

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

[Bonanza]

There is no question that the beach in Siesta Key in Sarasota, may very well be the best beach in the country.
The sand is like Johhson's Baby Powder -- white and soft.
The best thing about it is that you can always walk on it
because it's (mostly?) quartz and never gets hot.

The only problem is -- that wouldn't be a day trip; you would need more time.

[Alaskarose]

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.

[Buster46]

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.

[Snowbirdtobe]

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

[rp001]

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

[Villageshooter]

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!

[Phanatic Luvr]

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!!!!

[Bruiser1]

Originally Posted by rp001

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

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.

[NottaVillager]

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.

[The Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

There is no question that the beach in Siesta Key in Sarasota, may very well be the best beach in the country.
The sand is like Johhson's Baby Powder -- white and soft.
The best thing about it is that you can always walk on it
because it's (mostly?) quartz and never gets hot.

The only problem is -- that wouldn't be a day trip; you would need more time.

Siesta Key beats South Beach by a mile, unless you're into building art deco. As Bonanza says, sand never gets hot, which is great for a beach. Lauderdale by the Sea beach is nice, but no comparison. And Lauderdale traffic is far worst than even Sarasota's Tamiami Trail! As for Greek food (seque alert), nothing beats St. Barbara's Greek Festival in early February. We're coming to The Villages January through March 2015 and we'll planning 3 days in Sarasota/Siesta Key so that we can eat at the Greek Festival and attend the Monongah High (WV) Alumni Reunion/Sarasota version. About 10 of us usually make it for the get-together.