First trip to Gulf Coast

[imported_n/a]

Can anyone recommend anywhere to stay in Clearwater or St.Petes?
Jamne

[imported_n/a]

Agree with Julie that the shops in Naples are expensive, particularly around the harbour (Tin City) but there are the usual Publix shopping complexes around, great Marshalls there! DKNY trainers for $12 last visit.

As for things to do - only ever managed to move from the pool to the beach and back to the motel so can't comment on things to do - we go for a rest after the hustle and bustle of Orlando. There is supposed to be a fantastic zoo and we always say we will go if it rains - luckily for us, always had great weather when there.

We stay at a very very modest model - the Quality Inn - during the USA High Seaon (October to April) it is expensive considering it is just a motel but during our High Season you can book a room for arond $50 per night - very reasonable for Naples. It is about 5mins walk from beach.

It has a pool and a poolside bar and bbq - it is just a family run motel with a lovely atmosphere - can be noisy at the weekends as the bar gets very busy with locals but friends of ours just came back and also enjoyed their stay.

Highly recommend eating in one of the many fish restaurants at the Harbour and then take your bread and go outside and feed the fish swimming in the harbour - some of them are huge.

Fantastic yachts to be seen here too.

SARASOTA

Try Sarasea Inn at the Beach - I think I put this on a thread a few months ago but fabulous place to stay - has two pools if you get sick of the beach (which you simply can't as it is so beautiful).

SANIBEL

Beautiful beaches, very quiet but you will get the Sanibel Stoop looking for shells. If you need a relaxing time, go to Sanibel.



Edited by - janesansom on 17/09/2002 20:40:02

[shazbat]

quote:
We have been to Sanibel twice, Marco Island and Naples.

Loved Sanibel - we never leave the island, and just go to chill out. You can do boat rides, fishing trips etc.

Marco Island we found a bit shantyish after Sanibel and Captiva, and Naples was masses of estates with a very expensive area for eating and shopping - though did also have a good shopping mall. But for me it offered nothing that Orlando doesn't, but it costs more!

Fiona