Clearwater, Sanibel or Naples?
 

Early September we're spending a week in Orlando then want to drive out to the coast for a further week's holiday but can't decide between Clearwater, Sanibel or Naples.

We're from the UK, just the two of us, no kids, and looking for a chill out second week. Looking for good food, good scenery, places to see and do during the day but not fussed about a lively nightlife. We're more interested in relaxing and having a great meal with a bottle of wine or two than boogying the night away. :)

Any recommendations would be really appreciated. We also can't make our mind up over whether to go for a hotel or rent a small house with a pool - are there any disadvantages to either that anyone here has experienced? Thanks in advance.

OK, I haven't spent much time in Clearwater or Naples, at least as a tourist. So take what I say with a grain of salt! :-)

I would probably pick Sanibel/Captiva. You can get a gorgeous waterfront property, lay on the beach on day, swim in the pool, shop in some interesting shops, and eat at some divine restaurants. I would stay in a private house if I were to stay on Captiva. Otherwise, I'd pick Sanibel and stay somewhere on West Gulf Drive, which is quieter. You can bike around, go to the wildlife preserves, rent canoes/kayaks, go shelling (some of the best shelling the world). Best of all, these places are self-contained - no strip malls, no "bad sections" of town, and in September, little traffic. We even went to the Sanibel library and enjoyed ourselves there.

I would say that Naples is more upscale than Clearwater Beach (which is what you would want, not Clearwater proper). But I think there are less beachfront properties. Clearwater Beach has a little bit rougher feel than either Sanibel or Naples, I think. It's not as polished. That's not a bad thing, actually.

If it were me, I'd pick Sanibel and stay at someplace like Shalimar or another place with my own kitchen, or potentially Captiva. I have to admit in part that two things bias my decision: my love of the incredible wildlife so closely concentrated there, and my dislike of fighting traffic on my vacations, which you will encounter some of in Clearwater (on US 19) and Naples.

I'd pick Sanibel / Captiva over Naples or Clearwater. My impression is that Sanibel is more of a vacation destination, where the others are more for snowbirds & retirees. For a vacation experience, go to a vacation destination. Sanibel & Captiva are beautiful!

Based on what you said in this paragraph: ("We're from the UK, just the two of us, no kids, and looking for a chill out second week. Looking for good food, good scenery, places to see and do during the day but not fussed about a lively nightlife. We're more interested in relaxing and having a great meal with a bottle of wine or two than boogying the night away."), I'd have to say Sanibel/Captiva is where you want to go.

Definitely Sanibel for relaxation. There is no more magical place in all of Florida (even DisneyWorld)!!

Thanks for all the great recommendations.

It was obviously a no-brainer after reading feedback here so we've now booked our holiday with the second week at the West Wind Inn in Sanibel, complete with kitchenette.

Thanks to you guys and girls, I'm so in my girlfriend's good books now I've stopped dragging my heels and actually booked! Many thanks. :)

Can't comment on the others but we're just back from Naples (after New York and Key West) travelling from Ireland. It's a lovely upmarket place but just prepared for it to be expensive. It is really lovely - if you pick it make sure you pick a hotel near the centre as the majority are quite a drive out. Naples Beach Club is about a mile out. Edgewater Beah and Escalante would be better options

You did the right thing!

Clearwater beach is a party atmosphere place. Sanibel is perfect for you!