I've heard these are both nice beaches. We'd like to check out them out, but will only have time for one. Which one would you recommend? What's different about them?

We usually go to Siesta Key beach which is wonderful,and which I've found is hard to beat. We also checked out Clearwater's beaches and didn't like them as much as Siesta Key.

Both of these beach areas are pristine and undeveloped. That is the draw. It is not a matter of do you like the sand or not.

Caladesi is a single island (or WAS a single island, I believe it is now connected at its southern point) accessible only by a VERY short ferry ride. It is close to the beautiful little town of Dunedin which has the fun restaurant Kelly's.

There are a few islands at Ft. DeSoto (three, I believe) with bridges to connect them. I think the vegetation at Ft. DeSoto is more interesting and there is an old fort to visit. It would be much closer for you to go there. But there are no amenities so you would need to grab a cuban sandwich or two and some drinks to take with you in a cooler.

Thanks, TGirl. I was leaning toward Fort DeSoto b/c it is closer to where we'll be and almost right on the way to the airport (Tampa), but I would have considered going to Caledsi if it was significantly better.

karens, when you cross the skyway on I-275, you will head in the direction of signs to Gulf Coast Beaches (immediately after you hit the mainland). You'll go about a half-mile and there will be a turnoff to Ft. DeSoto. You pass through a town called Tierra Verde and then pass the Ft. DeSoto campground and marina. Follow signs for the fort -- you'll go past the fort to get to the best beaches. We always go to the last parking lot for some reason but all the beach is nice there.

If you're in that area you might want to check out the old beach town of Passe-a-grille which is close by. To get there you'll head back out from Ft. DeSoto and when you get to the beaches access road you'll head west instead of east to I-275. You'll go through a toll and then turn left at the Don CeSar hotel.

Cute little beach town. It might be a good choice for the future. Have fun.

BTW, there are showers and changing rooms at Ft. DeSoto.

Gosh - thanks so much. I'll put this with the rest of my Florida info when we go next April!