The water temp for Clearwater Beach for today, Thursday Feb 20, is 65 degrees according to the Tampa Bay Times. If considering the east coast beaches, don't forget the Daytona 500 is this coming Sunday.

That's considered a decent water temp for Lake Michigan. Perhaps since your visitors are from NH, they might think that is okay.

The nice thing about New Smyrna Beach is the fact you CAN drive on the beach and tailgate right out of the back of your SUV or other vehicle. We also like Cocoa Beach --- The Pier at Cocoa Beach has parking close and Pier has good food. Always a number of Surfers to watch too.

Over to gulf side definitely worth the drive down to Siesta Key. The water is cool either side but waves are better on Atlantic side.

I agree with you about Cocoa. We had a great time there with our kids over Christmas. There is a restaurant on the pier with excellent seafood, and also a nice place for lunch outside but under cover.

A nice beach with great waves. I'm sorry, I just don't like cars & their pollution on beaches, and the fact that you're always having to watch out for traffic. To each his own, though.

Siesta Key in Sarasota hands down!