Where to from Tampa?
 

Hi, we (DH, DD and myself) are flying into Tampa for 4 nights on Nov 14th. Not sure where to go from there. DD has expressed an interest in going to Orlando to visit Harry Potter's Wizarding World but aside from that, we would like to spend some time relaxing at a nice beach, perhaps with some water sports close by, Also need to find a hotel/resort up to $200/night or so, preferably on or very close to the beach, would love a water view. Thought we could do one night in Orlando and the rest....? (We have been to Fort Myers, Orlando and the East coast of Florida but never to Tampa and West Florida beaches.
A friend strongly suggested Sanibel Island, is the beach really that much better than the beaches closer to Tampa? Any recommendations for beaches/hotels would be much appreciated.Thanks!

It is a long and often unpleasant drive from Tampa to Sanibel. Most people going there would fly into F Myers.

Orlando is in the opposite direction from everything else you want to do. Is negotiating with DD possible?

With four night, I would stay at one of the beaches near St Petersburg, OR I would take the Sunshine Skyway and go to Anna Maria Island. Sarasota is within easy reach if you need a dose of city, it is off season so prices shouldn't be too bad, and the beaches and sunsets are dreamy.

Siesta Key (Sarasota) has much nicer beaches than Sanibel, especially if you're interested in soft, white beaches, and not shell-covered beaches (Sanibel).

Anna Maria Island is a great place to stay as well. I wouldn't bother with Orlando but I understand if it's a must with DD.

Thanks for the suggestions, staying close is probably a good idea. Is St Petersburg or Clearwater a better option?
Any suggestions for resorts close to the beach?
DD will probably be open to negotiation, it's me that wants to fulfill her every desire! :) We also thought a change of pace - the park v/s the beach everyday, might be enjoyable.

While it will likely be pleasant, do not count on very warm, beach-like weather in mid-November in the Tampa area. To be more sure of reaching 80 degrees, you need to drive a couple hours south. Average high/low in St. Pete that time of year is 77/61.

Thanks Brian, yes, we are not counting on being in the water but it will be nice to be on the beach, hopefully it will be in the 70's! (fingers crossed)! Any place where we can rent a boat maybe or enjoy some water sports?

I am thinking of only booking a hotel for the first night in Clearwater. Then decide if we want to go to Orlando for the following night/s or stay put or head south, (maybe Sarasota?) depending on the weather.

If your DD likes roller coasters, you can go to Busch Gardens in Tampa.
AAA members may be able to get discounted tickets.

While comparing beach to beach, I see none excelling each other from Clearwater, St. Petersburg Beach/Treasure Island (my pick for a beach),Anna Maria, Siesta Key or Sanibel/Captiva (also Marco Island in that area). However, Sanibel is a totally different experience from Clearwater/St. Petersburg. And the further south, the better the chance for warmer weather - although the water may be equally as cold. Some of these beaches have more to do 'off the beach' and some are quieter vs more hectic than others.

I've watched Busch Gardens 'grow up' from it's very beginnings but have never been to the Disney properties. I had a willing grandmother that did those for me since I had NO interest. But I do recommend Busch for a half day or a day. Tampa also has an Aquarium that compares with all the top aquariums in the US.

Nice to have this 'problem?'

Clearwater would be fine, I do like Sarasota myself, although not sure a kid would. I've been to both in November, but don't go in the water.

I've easily driven to Tampa airport when staying in Sarasota.

I like the Helmsley in Sarasota, right on the beach (Lido). I see it's been sold, but has a new name
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article...ICLE/140219909

You might be surprised by the Gulf temperatures around St Pete in November. They probably are about equal to Truro water temps in August...about 70°, and the weather is usually pretty. IMO the drive to/from TIA is easier from St Pete than from Clearwater, and the beaches quite similar. Both areas have plenty to do for all ages, so in my mind, it's a toss up between the two. As I live in St Pete 1/2 the year I'm more familiar with accommodations in that area. Looking for resorts, you could probably find rooms at any of the Tradewinds resorts within your budget, and they are all on the beach.

Although I enjoy Sanibel too, IMO beaches in the Tampa Bay Area, Clearwater to Sarasota are preferable to those in Sanibel, with softer whiter sand, and that area might be just a bit too quiet for your daughter.

OO, I have given up telling people that it's not cold in Sarasota, or St. Pete, in November. You're right, it's not! Thank you for trying :-)

NewbE, despite having grown-up in New England, I'm very definitely a warm water person. I fell off a paddle board last December early in the month, and was amazed at how pleasant the water was. When we got back home I looked it up on the NOAA website, and it was still 70, even then. Heck some crazy souls even go in January and February. It all depends on what you are used to.

Thanks all! The weather will be what it will be, warmer than New England I'm sure! As long as it does not rain, it will be just fine.

If we are going to stay in that area, any more votes for Clearwater, v/s St Petersburg? Any personal favorites/hotel recommendations? We would like a place that's lively in the evenings, we are night owls!

Christina, thanks for the resort info, if we do go to Sarasota, I think that will be an excellent choice.

OK. Here in Central Florida I am wearing jeans, but only because I am desperate to get out of shorts. That means it's a relatively cool mid-80s. On Thanksgiving, it is commonly that same temperature and even upwards of 90 at times. I long for a cool front to bring the temps down to the 70s.

Now, granted, the water cools things down a bit along the coast. But no way would I warn somebody from Massachusetts that it wouldn't be warm and beach-like in the Tampa area in mid-November. If anything, they'll be looking for A/C.

I'll still be wearing jeans. Even if it makes me sweat.

Between St. Petersburg and Clearwater, St. Pete is definitely livelier at night! But in St. Pete, you won;t be on the beach... very near, but not on.

Sludick, mid 80's sounds VERY warm to me. I'll take it!! And hope that your cold front doesn't arrive before T'giving!
I thought Pier 60 was supposed to be lively? Is it mostly just for kids? And I'm reading that the traffic to Clearwater is really bad , how much time would it take from Tampa?

You're most likely to see highs in mid 70's over there in Tampa, it should be very nice. Clearwater is basically just across the bridge from Tampa, so traffic will mainly consist of city street type stuff. Not sure I'd consider it bad, depends on where exactly you are coming from/going to - half hourish? Rush hour traffic not counting, of course.

Have a wonderful time!

It used to take us 40 min to get from the Tampa side of Courtney Campbell (near airport) to Clearwater Beach (Palm Pavillion area). As NewbE says, neither Clearwater nor St Pete are on the Gulf. You have to go to Clearwater Beach or St Pete Beach. Now we live on the St Pete side and it takes us 10 min to get to St Pete Beach (Don Cesar area) and another 5 to get further south in Pass A Grille. Downtown St Pete to St Pete Beach is about 20 min, depending on time of year. The drive from Tampa to Clearwater Beach is mostly over city streets as Sludick said, whereas Tampa to St Pete Beach is mainly I-275.

Sorry, I should have added that Courtney Campbell is SR 60 if you are looking at a map. It runs from the Tampa side of the bay to Clearwater Beach near the pier.

I live near Clearwater, but I vote for St. Pete Beach or a nearby location. Nightlife is definitely livelier; there are more restaurants. Both beaches are great, but SPB has more of the vibe I think you are seeking. Clearwater traffic is a definite drawback.