3-4 adult friend in our late 40's - 50's from Indiana planning week in Flordia but, we can't decide between the gulf coast at Indian Rock beach near Clearwater and Tampa, or the atlantic side at Fort Lauderdale Beach. We need your help.

If you want quiet, go to Indian Rocks Beach. We love it there. Excellent restaurants, too.

I've not been to Ft. Lauderdale in 25 years, but think it is more built-up, nightlife, etc.

so it depends on what you are looking for....

I live on the beach in Fort Lauderdale and I mean directly on it. The more "usual" area with most of the hotels lies between Las Olas Blvd and Sunrise Blvd. Lots of eating places and lots of foot traffic.

The section between Sunrise and about NE 23rd where the Pelican Grand is located is much less built up and when one looks to the west you see homes rather than higher rise hotels. You can walk to this area from the so-called "main beach" area mentioned above. Much quieter area.

If you want a low-rise area which is also quiet you might look at staying somewhere like Lauderdale-By-The-Sea centered around the east end of Commercial Blvd. There are various eating places clustered around the east end and the "pier" at the terminus of Commercial but by regulation there are NO high-rise buildings at all along that section of the beach which seems to have more of a "old Florida" atmosphere.

The water is great right now although the beach in front of our home is going to be jammed this weekend because of the Air and Sea Show; the fighter planes were buzzing back and forth yesterday practicing their formation activities.

Come down soon; great time to be here because "the season" is basically over and many of the winter denizens have departed.

We very much prefer the gulf coast (no waves, white sand, sunsets) so of the two I would prefer IRB. That being said Indian Rocks is a little to quiet for me. My preferences are:

St. Pete Beach
Clearwater Beach
Treasure Isand

Good roundup of the differences between the two here!

If you want peace and quiet, Indian Rocks. If you want very calm water, any beach on the Gulf Coast. For a combo of calm water, white sand, and some activities, I like St. Pete Beach personally. The sunsets are a nice bonus.

I am not very familiar with Ft. Lauderdale, but Dukey's the resident expert and his advice is solid.

Hey, Dukey, the position of head honcho tourism promoter for Broward County is open; thought of applying? Enjoy the show this weekend.

And I personally would choose Sanibel or St. Pete, though have never been to Indian Rocks

It would help if we knew what type of vacation you want.
Also, when are you going?

Sanibel! Now THERE is a truly memorable spot.