Like to find a quiet beach in January. Should it be St. Pete, Madeira, Indian Shores or other? Also, any recommendations of a Gulf front condo on the beach?

I imagine ALL the beaches in the Tampa area will be quiet in January. Not warm enough...

I consider Sarasota to be Tampa area (50 miles downtown tampa, not quite as far from ST.PEte) go to siesta or longboat key those are very nice. The weather can be unpredictable. But temps in the 70's are common, even the 60's would be considered warm if you are coming from New England (all the Tampa locals will be wearing parkas at 60).

Whatever the weather in Tampa Bay it's a heck of a lot warmer than the rest of the country.

You won't see the natives swimming... 80 degree water temperature is the norm. You can pick out the souls from Chicago and other Arctic regions willing to swim in 70 degree water. Check to see that you select a hotel with a heated pool.

My favorite place in the world is Sarasota. 50 miles south of Tampa. Check out Siesta Beach, Long Boat Key, up though Anna Marie Island.

Look into Clearwater Beach. I stayed at the Sheraton and had a lovely time.

You will find a very nice beach on Longboat Key, called Whitney beach, on the north side of the island and at that time of the year, you will have it all to yourself. Great for shelling at low tide in the tidal pools.

I stayed at the Penhouse of Adam Mark of Clearwater Beach and had a wonderful time.

It's a bit of a cruise from Tampa, but Clearwater Beach is well worth the trip!
One of the prettiest I have seen in Florida.

Has anyone stayed at the hilton in clearwater?

Thanks.

I'd say Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach (you could stay at the Don CeSar, which is full of history and right on the gulf.)

Siesta Key Beach near Sarasota is an excellent beach. BY FAR the softest sand Ive ever walked on. Nice calm water too...

St Pete Beach is nice too, but Siesta Key is great.