Trying to find a place to go for my 40th birthday on the gulf coast. I want the clear water without having to go to the Caribbean. It will be two couples late 30s. I am having a hard time choosing between - Panama City Beach, Clearwater, Key West and maybe Destin. I really didn't want to have to rent a car but if we have to then we do. Any recommendations on these places or others on the gulf coast would be greatly appreciated. We will be going in late may to beginning of June. We will be staying for a long weekend - about 4 nights.

Do NOT go to Key West for the beaches, trust me. The best "clear water" there is going to be in a pool.

ok. What about Panama City or Clearwater?

South of Clearwater is St Pete Beach and I think you would really like it. Do some checking on it. We have been there often and loved it. We stayed in a condo but this hotel has good prices and good recommendations: http://www.aldenbeachresort.com/

I went to St. Pete beach last spring for a wedding. I really enjoyed it.

I don't know anything about Panama City, but Clearwater and St. Pete Beach have some of the whitest sand and clearest water around. You'll want to fly into Tampa, and you'll need a car, but depending on where you stay you will be able to walk to some restaurants and such.

I would also suggest taking a look at Sarasota and surrounding beaches--the restaurants and shops there are higher end (but not snooty or glitzy), plus there's the Ringling Museum and Ca d'Zan (I hope I spelled that right) and Mote Marine for outings.

Where are you flying from?

Water is beautiful in and around Destin (so are the beaches). You definitely would need a car, though.

When considering St. Pete Bch, also research Treasure Island, Pass=a=Grille, Madiera Bch ---- all one big continuous stretch.(but all with separate govt's). St P,TI have the best beaches. When it comes to 'more things to do' St. Pete has all the other areas beat....but then how much else can you do in 4 days? I don't like the water as much at the panhandle (Panama City).

If you don't want to rent a car, you can fly into Tampa, get a shuttle to the beach (with 4 of you, a taxi might be more reasonable) and stay on Treasure Island. There is a trolley that travels Gulf Blvd and all the beaches, even going into ST. Pete. The Bilmar is a very convenient location for stores, rest, etc. and a beautiful beach.

The Alden mentioned above for Treasure Island is within a block of the Bilmar. The Bilmar has live music on the patio overlooking the beach every Sunday (and the serious kite flyers are flying awesome kites on that beach and the one next door).
They may have live music inside a lot more but it's been yrs since I went inside the Bilmar.

Thank you for all your responses. Can anyone give me more information on Clearwater/St. Pete - some hotels that are near some restaurants and stuff. I have never been to either so anything would help.

The Loews Don Cesar on St. Pete Beach is an historic property with a couple of restaurants on site; I highly recommend it, but it's not inexpensive. The Sand Pearl is a newer option in the same category.

If your only wish is a great beach, probably skip Key West. However, if you want a great place to celebrate a birthday where no car is needed and great weather, look at Key West. There are some beaches and a trip to the Dry Tortugas via ferry will bring you to the most beautiful water anywhere. The snorkeling there is great.
There are also great places to eat in Key West. I urge you to at least explore the possibility.

charsuzan, I really want to have both the beach and nightlife but I dont believe I can find that

What r some great places in key west to stay

My response above was prompted by the fact that Key West is NOT known for having a loot of great beaches. There are some who would say it doesn't really have ANY beaches to speak of.

Yes, it has nightlife and lots of it. Do you enjoy bar hopping and that sort of thing as well as varied shopping opportunities and a few folks dragging Duval Street on weekends in pickups?

The town is funky for sure but do not go there "for the beaches."

Casa Marina hasa smallish beach.

My favorite place to stay is The Garden Hotel but Key West has lots of great places to stay. The Westin resort comes with day beach privileges on Sunset Key, I believe.

pa, check out Sunset Vistas in Treasure Island:

http://www.providentresorts.com/suns...hfront-suites/

This is our go to place on gulf coast. Wonderful condo/hotel type place that is close to John's Pass with dining and shopping.

thank you very much for all of your replies. We keep going back and forth between florida and cancun. But thank you for all your time and responses.