We are looking to spending nine days/eight nights in this area. We are thinking of just splitting it with four nights each in Tampa and Sarasota. Would it be better to spend just three nights apiece in each of these and maybe spend a couple of nights on a beach (maybe St. Pete's) somewhere inbetween? We are not really looking at having a "beach" vacation, but we enjoy the baech and thought that the change of scenery might be a nice option, as long as it is convenient to nice dining and sightseeing. Or would we better off , saving the time and trouble of moving to a different location and just using Tampa and Sarasota as our base?

You could base yourself in one spot (St. Petersburg or one of the beaches immediately west along the Gulf of Mexico), but you'll be doing a lot of day-trip style driving. Am thinking that staying 3 days each in St. Pete, Tampa, and Sarasota with a beach stay elsewhere (Pass-a-grille, Clearwater Beach, or St. Pete Beach are all good choices) would work fine.

Also, consider doing a day trip up to Tarpon Springs as part of your itinerary, maybe on one of your St. Pete days.

A car will be a must for this trip as well, as public transportation is spotty.

Sarasota has some of the best beaches in this area. Siesta Key (chosen as No 2 beach in the US), Lido Key, Long Boat Key, Anna Maria Island all have beautiful beaches.

The plus side is that you can use a very reliable public transportation from any one of the islands to get to downtown Sarasota.

Is there a particular reason why you want to spend four nights in Tampa? I think downtown St. Pete is much nicer, far more "walkable", has better restaurants and interesting museums, still gives you easy access to Tampa points of interest, and has a beautiful waterfront(on the bay). If you're not really "beach" people, you might be bored on the beaches. I love them, but their offerings are noticeably slanted toward tourists.

Sarasota is lovely. Be sure to check out St. Armand's Circle and the Ringling mansion and museum...very cool!

I think you would enjoy more time in St Pete than in Tampa. Tampa has a great aquarium, Ybor City and Bush Gardens, of course but the Gulf beaches are beautiful and full of fun things to do. No matter where you stay, you should include a trip to the Sponge docks in Tarpon Springs and a visit to Fort DeSoto Park they give you an idea of some of our history. Both St Pete and Sarasota cultural centers and very tourist friendly.

Might I ask why you're looking at 9 days in that area? Apart from beaches and golf, not sure how you'd plan on spending 9 days in the area.

If you're looking at the West Coast of Florida, you might want to consider the Tampa/St. Pete area and Naples as more viable in terms of splitting it up.

Might I ask why you're looking at 9 days in that area? Apart from beaches and golf, not sure how you'd plan on spending 9 days in the area.

you don't know what you're talking about.....

I'm with AAFrequentFlyer here. One can easily spend 9 days between Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota sightseeing and beach visiting (especially if one adds in day trips to Tarpon Springs, Weeki Wachee, and such).

The Salvador Dali museums is really nice.

Nature - beautiful state parks, canoeing, cycling, nature day cruises, etc. etc.

Museums and old historic neighborhoods with some surprising stories

Wonderful shopping, restaurants, nightlife, etc. etc.

There is a LOT more to this area than just golf and beaches...

Agreed, I spent a week in that area recently and never stepped foot on a beach or golf course (neither interest me). There is a LOT to do in the way of historical sites, museums, art, shopping, restaurants, etc. Have a fun time!

See Snooty - the oldest manatee in captivity (62) at the South Florida Museum (I like the rest of the museum/planetarium, too). Eat shrimp, oysters, fish, crabs, grits, and the best hushpuppies I have ever had while sitting at a picnic table on the dock of the Star Fish Comapany (wholesale and retail fish market, plus the outdoor dining) in Cortez, FL (an authentic old fishing village). John Ringling (of circus fame) house and museum and Asolo Theater. The St. Pete Art Museum. Go on a sightseeing boat - Captain Kim (out of Cortez) does all sorts of specialty trips. Egmont Key is a favorite.

Myakka River State Park to see alligators, ride on the airboat, and climb the tower. Historic Spanish Point, a park, etc., south of Sarasota. Find sharks teeth at beach in Venice. Mote Marine Laboratory. (I thought of those after the boys had reclaimed the computer)