Family of 4 (kids 8 and 5). One week vacation, flying in and out of Tampa in late October. Are we better off at the beaches near Clearwater or should we go to the beaches near Bradenton/Sarasota?

I've seen a lot of vacation rental condos (bedrooms, kitchen, etc) on the internet. Has anyone successfully rented this type of accomodation from strangers via the 'net or is this for suckers? What about realty agencies that rent on the 'net. Is this more sensible?

Thanks all.

The further from Tampa you go, the less congested the beaches and the pricier the neighborhood. Long Boat Key in Sarasota is the most upscale around, but you'll have more of the beach to yourself.

I live near Tampa/Clearwater for 29 years; I have 5 kids. I would never vacation in Sarasota area with kids...unless you are over the age of 65-70. Clearwater beach is a great beach....perfect for kids.

Clearwater beach does have a nice mix of ages & there's a jazz festival in October, check for dates -- It's an easy ride up secondary highway (take busier main road on way back if you wish) to Tarpon Springs - fun for a lunch or dinner outting. A "day trip" up to the park to see the manatees -- Hermosa I think is the name but I know my spelling is off. And heading south you can take a jaunt down to John's Pass. We saw many families at all of these venues with children the ages of yours.

We are planning a thanksgiving vacation to Long boat Key and we are a family of 4(two active boys, 9 & 11) we had trouble finding a resort during that time due to the fact that so many families WITH kids will be vacationing then! We do plan to do a day of Busch Gardens, and will probably drive up from Long Boat key at least one other time to do the Tarpon Springs, St. Pete Beach, etc...also even just to enjoy various resturants...from what I have been reading and seeing on Fodors, it seems all these areas are within 1-2 hrs drive??? Hope we are not going to be disappointed...

There is plenty for kids in the Sarasota area -- not the least of which is the circus museum at the Ringling Museum site, but also Mote Marine Labs (where they talk about research w/sharks), and plenty of beach beach beach.

I have been going down to Sarasota since I was a kid, and I think it's a great family vacation destination. I now have my own kids(8 and 4) and they love it. We always go to Siesta Key. Haven't been to Clearwater - so can't make a comparision, but we love Sarasota. Laye October is usually beautiful. Enjoy!!

In regards to Sarasota and the above info., does anyone have any first hand experience with the Longboat Key Club? That's where we a going to be staying over the Thanksgiving holiday...I am reading positive posts about Sarasota area! I also would like to know if we should plan on staying a few days in the Clearwater/StPete Beach areas?? Thank You!