[Charles_A]

Last year we stayed two nights at Clear Water Beach Shephards Resort (approx. $300. per night) and loved it.
We plan on going back again soon. Catch the sunset at Pier 60, awesome.
Hope you enjoy your trip.

[LateBoomer]

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul

We want to get out and start discovering FLA. Has anyone been to the Clearwater beach area? Is it nice! Any recommendations for hotel or a resort that isn't 300 or more a night?? Any information appreciated

I have lived in the tampa area for almost 15 years, and spent a year near downtown Clearwater, very close to the bridge that goes to the beach.

is it a nice beach? yes. it's very wide and there are lot of businesses and restaurants that popped up. the beach side of Clearwater is very expensive.

that being said, especially during "the season", the beach is so popular, it backs up traffic literally over the bridge and into downtown Clearwater. It can be quite staggering. It could easily take 30 minutes to literally cross the bridge and then parking on the beach side is not plentiful and the paid lots are not cheap.

it has its good points and bad points. depends on what you want out of a beach. Peace and tranquility? CB is not the place. fun fun fun? It is.

personally, mostly it's only tourists that go to the beach. Residents tend to stay away

I would have never lived on the beach side. I mean, during certain times of the year, just going to the 'mainland' to shop or something? you could get caught in some pretty major traffic jams. biking over the bridge however, was challenging (it's steep) but a fun way to go over there. personally after the first couple years, I never went on the beach. no reason to want to get burned to a crisp. but I enjoyed several of the restaurants and bars on that side

[Nick B]

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul

We want to get out and start discovering FLA. Has anyone been to the Clearwater beach area? Is it nice! Any recommendations for hotel or a resort that isn't 300 or more a night?? Any information appreciated

Clearwater is a great beach but geared more toward young people. Very crowded at times. Try John's Pass Madeira Beach Area. Also Pass a Grille is nice

[Heartnsoul]

Thank you

[Heartnsoul]

Thank u. Appreciate that info

[Heartnsoul]

Let me try to explain what we are looking for a little more vwe are going in March. Have tickets to show at Ruth one night so want to stay nearby then following morning we can move to another area for beach, towns, etc? Appreciate all suggestions so far vwe know nothing about this area

[kilowatt]

Clearwater Beach is beautiful and we love the cool sand. We usually stay at Sheppard`s resort and love it there. They have there own small beach or if you want to go to the regular bigger beach, it`s a five minute walk. Went about a month ago and couldn`t get a reservation at Sheppard`s since they were all booked. Stayed at Clearwater Beach Hotel for the first time. It`s an older place, across from the beach and it was very clean.
For food, Frenchy`s is very good and if you want more upscale, Hoilman`s Beachcomer is excellent and has a piano player. Wherever you stay, have a great time.

[TimeForChange]

Originally Posted by Heartnsoul

We want to get out and start discovering FLA. Has anyone been to the Clearwater beach area? Is it nice! Any recommendations for hotel or a resort that isn't 300 or more a night?? Any information appreciated

School is out. Be prepared for massive traffic in
the beach area and most everywhere. Parking is very difficult to find.