melissa

I'm trying to use some frequent traveller points and am trying to decide between Clearwater and Sarasota (need a Marriott Residence Inn). I'm traveling with my three young children, and am interested in some beaches that have the greatest potential for some nice shells. We live on the New jersey shore, where clam and scallops are the vast majority of what we find. Also, which area do you think is best for kids? Thanks for your help!

mel

The best place for shelling is Sanibel Island. But you already know that melissa.

OliveOyl

Shelling is equally good in either Sarasota or Clearwater. You'll find so much more than clam and scallop shells. As many as we have, I can never resist picking up more each time we walk the beach.

Water is calm enough for young children at both locations, but the areas of Sarasota away from the beach are a bit quieter and ... more refined I guess would be a good way to put it.

Clearwater's beach is one of the prettiest in the area, but overall, I prefer Sarasota.

x

According to the Navy Kahoolavi is a great place for shelling.

Sheller

Where is the Navy Kahoolavi?

Pat

Sheller: X is a poor speller who is pulling on your legs. Kahoolawe is a barren island near Maui that the Navy used in the past as a bombing/gunnery range. It is laden with high explosives and most dangerous.