What Gulf Coast resort would suit us best?

[Clare R]

I raised this very point but have repeatedly been told that it is Charlotte County regulations.

[rosegarden]

Pinellas County which encompasses two of the United States best beaches (Caladeski Island/Honeymoon Island and Fort Do Soto) and miles of beaches in between has 1000s of short term rental [edited out - this is a family forums]iniums and townhomes and houses too. They tend to be right on the beach areas, not inland like some other communities that are waterfront and not necessarily beach waterfront.
There are major seaside towns that cater for tourists St Petersburg Beach and Clearwater Beach. Some of the cities were established in the mid 1800s and so have a lot of character and infrastructure. Downtown St Petersburg is a great place for restaurants, shopping at Baywalk, the Pier and Yacht Marina, all close to one another so are fabulous for wandering around. It is very safe too. There are major museums like the Salvador Dali and Holocaust Museums and lots of smaller ones and galleries for those interested in some culture. Dunedin - near to Clearwater is a pretty little town with an artistic community. Tampa and it's airport are only 20 mins from St Pete and about 40 from St Pete Beach. In Tampa is the fabulous International Plaza a great mall anchored with Neiman Marcus/Nordstroms/Dillards and all the designer stores in between - LV/Hugo Boss/Tiffany etc etc. There is easy access to Ellenton Mall an outlet mall, then there is Countryside Mall, Tyrone Square Mall, Clearwater Mall and Parkside Mall. All of these are very large. Pinellas County is a very large and vibrant population and there is no shortage of things to do. Depending on the season, it's home to winter leagues for the major baseball teams. Tampa Bay Bucs are nearby during football season, The Devil Rays baseball team is watchable in comfort in the huge air conditioned Tropicana Field stadium in St Pete (I know a good bar to hang out in down there too) and there is loads of places to play golf from pretty easy par 54s to PGA tour championship courses like Innisbrook. There are tons of free tennis courts to walk onto and you can hire bikes and cycle one of the several bike/walking/skating trails that cross the county, one being over 25 miles in length. Add to that countless opportunities for water sport/boating and fishing and free parks for the children all over the place, you might not go wrong in my area too.

[Chaufeurse]

SW Florida is a lovely area and like the other people I too am biased as I have a couple of homes in Cape Coral. I like to be able to go up or down from there. We really enjoy the Everglades and in particular Everglade City - especially the ranger boat out of there. Then there is the boating out of Cape Coral plus the wonderful Naples - love to go on the pier at Naples.

Best wishes all,

Chris

[Pookie]

Hi

I am also baised towards the Cape Haze peninsular & Rotonda West in particular as we have oue second home there.

We have one son, now 18 years old & he loves it.
There are numerous water sports and activities, bike trails, fishing, mini golf, tennis, gyms, wildlife & of course shopping.

Rotonda is ideally located to explore the barrier islands that skirt this coastline, from Manasota Key to Gasparilla Island.

You are not far from Sanibel Island, Fort Myers & Sarasota
a few of the places great to visit.

Wherever you choose I do not think you will be disappointed.

Lynne

[rosegarden]

I tried to upload pictures of the pinellas area beaches and places, there is so much to do in this area, it's nearer to Disney, great if you are using Tampa Airport instead of Orlando for arrival/departure and offers a lot of nightlife and entertainment for teens. There are 50 golf courses in the Tampa Bay area, all varying abilities and prices.
Boats/jetskis/kayaks etc easily hired, fishing charters, MLB baseball, NFL football (all in season) preseason starts August for Bucs, training July. Free tennis courts all over the place, every town centre has parks and things for younger children. Free entertainment put on by cities all year round, cinema shows, concerts, art shows etc etc.

[SDJ]

Great descriptions Rosegarden. We used to own in Clearwater, and I agree, a fantastic place with plenty to do in surrounding areas without driving miles and miles. One can also visit Tarpon Springs, the Greek community. It is like stepping back in time, with the sponge docks and many restaurants and bakery's, it is worth a half day or evening visit.

Another place to brwose, is Dunedin. It has loads of antique shops and sometimes street markets going on Downtown. Several restaurants and even pavements to walk on.

Sandra