Debbielynn

My husband and I are planning on visiting family in the Tampa area in either April or May 2024. We will be coming from NY. We will not be staying with them. Looking for a nice beach to stay for a few days where we can relax and swim, hopefully in some warmer water. We would like chairs, umbrellas and facilities at the beach and nice local restaurants in the evenings. Sightseeing in the area is also okay, with some local shopping. Siesta beach area looks very nice. Does anyone know about this area or have any other suggestions? We haven’t been to Florida since 2000!

schmerl

I just spent six weeks on Siesta Key.
The beach is phenomenal there. I have never seen sand that fine before.
We rented a condo and they had chairs set up on the beach.
Since we did not go to the public beach, I don't know if they rent chairs there or not, so you might have to bring your own.
There are restaurants and local shopping. It's an easy drive across the bridge to Sarasota for even more restaurants and shopping.

PrairieHikerI

Dr. Beach says that Siesta Key has some of the best sand in the continental US.

AustinTraveler

Siesta Key is very nice but can get very crowded. Kayaking there is spectacular with the mangroves.

schmerl

Siesta Key tends to get crowded February/March although we never felt it was really crowded.
April and especially May shouldn't be too bad.

Debbielynn

Thank you for your responses. I would like to finalize my plans soon.

HappyTrvlr

South of Tampa, Siesta Key, Anna Maria Is, Longboat Key and north of Tampa, Clearwater Beach are all excellent choices.

Debbielynn

Thank you, HappyTrvlr. Those are all the places I’ve been looking up.