We go to Destin annually for the past 5 yrs and love the area. We plan on going to Tampa Bay and clearwater is only 1 hr away.

Any insight on CW beaches? Is it just as good as Destin or should we just do the 6 hr trip to Destin?

I'll offer this Insight

Had been to Clearwater twice
Went to Destin and after 1 day was actually looking into picking the family up and making the 6.5 hour drive to Clearwater .
Next 2 beach trips were to Clearwater

We prefer Clearwater and not even close honestly
Much much better beach town, restaurants, and imo beach.

Destin: Florida
Breckenridge : Colorado

CW/Sarasota are LEAPS and BOUNDS better.

What were the differences between Clearwater versus Destin?

Currently in watercolor and went to Clearwater two years ago. It feels like a wash, honestly. I think Clearwater the town is better but I'm leaning towards liking this beach better.

Pepper Brooks said:

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Currently in watercolor and went to Clearwater two years ago. It feels like a wash, honestly. I think Clearwater the town is better but I'm leaning towards liking this beach better.

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While you are there, make your way over to Watersound and see what the beaches SHOULD look like when you preserve the dunes and don't build right up onto the shoreline. It's such a shame that isn't how it is all along 30A. I get it, people want to see the beach from their homes, though.

As a Tampa Bay resident, I have to agree with the above posts. If you're already in this area and you want some great beaches head to Siesta Key down near Sarasota. This time of year every beach will be packed, so just go into your trip with that preset mindset. But otherwise, Siesta Key has great sand and laid back beaches without all the teenager, frat bro, party atmosphere you might find on Clearwater Beach (although I have to admit it's been a while since I visited Clearwater Beach).

I should def check Siesta Key out!

Thank you for all of the suggestions. I will look into these beaches. We are a family with teenage kids so no need for partying or bars. Nice sand, decent food is all we care about for a relaxing day.

What are the best beaches for airbnb beach home rentals? We typically will rent a home with direct beach access. We try to avoid large condo complexes b/c they tend to be overcrowded.

I'm also a TB resident. Clearwater Beach doesn't have a lot of direct beach access rentals other than condos or hotels. You may get a close rental in Indian Rocks (my personal favorite), Madeira, or even St Pete Beach.

Pirate04 said:

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I'm also a TB resident. Clearwater Beach doesn't have a lot of direct beach access rentals other than condos or hotels. You may get a close rental in Indian Rocks (my personal favorite), Madeira, or even St Pete Beach.

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I've been to Tampa a couple of times and am definitely thinking of it as a retirement area. I don't care so much about seeing or being close to the ocean, but I would definitely want a view of "navigable waters" when I wake up and throw open the shades. Any areas around Tampa you would focus on? Probably would be looking at something in the $1.5 M range in today's dollars, which I am assuming would put me into the condominium range. I'm fully aware that prices are sky high there already. Thanks in advance if you have thoughts.

He Who Shall Be Unnamed said:

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Pirate04 said:

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I'm also a TB resident. Clearwater Beach doesn't have a lot of direct beach access rentals other than condos or hotels. You may get a close rental in Indian Rocks (my personal favorite), Madeira, or even St Pete Beach.

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I've been to Tampa a couple of times and am definitely thinking of it as a retirement area. I don't care so much about seeing or being close to the ocean, but I would definitely want a view of "navigable waters" when I wake up and throw open the shades. Any areas around Tampa you would focus on? Probably would be looking at something in the $1.5 M range in today's dollars, which I am assuming would put me into the condominium range. I'm fully aware that prices are sky high there already. Thanks in advance if you have thoughts.

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Townhomes may also interest you. You can look for waterways such as canals, instead of direct bay or beach access. Tierra Verde is a small island south of St Pete that's very nice with a lot of options. I also like Dunedin, which I north of Clearwater.

I'll throw out a darkhorse candidate - Pensacola.

Beaches are the same as the other two and it's much less overrun as it's mostly locals. You also have the badass Naval Air Museum there which is a must see.

Now, having said that, you won't have the same level of high-end lodging that you can get in Destin and Clearwater. If you don't care about that, then I would at least check it out.

Thanks to you both. I had an unbuilt lot in Seagrove Beach, three blocks from Seaside, for years. Stupidly, I sold it. Still kicking myself about that one. Easy access to airports and lots of infrastructure, a vibrant downtown with great restaurants, museums, and a university to audit classes make the Tampa area really attractive in my mind.

Pirate04 said:

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He Who Shall Be Unnamed said:

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Pirate04 said:

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I'm also a TB resident. Clearwater Beach doesn't have a lot of direct beach access rentals other than condos or hotels. You may get a close rental in Indian Rocks (my personal favorite), Madeira, or even St Pete Beach.

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I've been to Tampa a couple of times and am definitely thinking of it as a retirement area. I don't care so much about seeing or being close to the ocean, but I would definitely want a view of "navigable waters" when I wake up and throw open the shades. Any areas around Tampa you would focus on? Probably would be looking at something in the $1.5 M range in today's dollars, which I am assuming would put me into the condominium range. I'm fully aware that prices are sky high there already. Thanks in advance if you have thoughts.

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Townhomes may also interest you. You can look for waterways such as canals, instead of direct bay or beach access. Tierra Verde is a small island south of St Pete that's very nice with a lot of options. I also like Dunedin, which I north of Clearwater.

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What about timeshares? What are you opinions about that?

Pepper Brooks said:

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Currently in watercolor and went to Clearwater two years ago. It feels like a wash, honestly. I think Clearwater the town is better but I'm leaning towards liking this beach better.

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Question on watercolor. I looked at it and only saw rooms with no private bedrooms unless you pay $2000/night and they do not have beach views. Don't think i can do a room without a private bedroom with 2 younger kids 9 and 11). Are there any other options with beach views there or nearby or will I have to go over to Seagrove or Seacrest? Are those places also nice or close enough to get to Seaside?