Clearwater

[Keely]

From everything I have been reading, Clearwater is the best beach in close proximity to the World. Does anyone know how long it takes to get there from Orlando? Also, I read about a pirate ship cruise to see the dolphins (sounds fun - has anyone done it?) Anything else fun at this particular beach?
Thanks for any input

[DisneyFreak]

It's about a 75-90 minute drive to Clearwater Beach. This is a very nice area but it can be extremely crowded and very congested driving. Pier 60 has some very fun activities (street vendors, musicians, shows) during sunsets. The Beach is huge but has limited parking.

There is a pirate cruise that goes out but we have never done it. We have chartered a fishing excursion which was well worth the price ($50 per person, total of 6, provides all the equipment).

A very good dinner spot is Leverrock's. Excellent seafood! Located on the southside of the island. Can be very busy on the weekends, about a 1-2 hour wait at times.

Hope this helps. :)

[Keely]

Thanks for the input. I will stay clear on the weekends, and will definately try Leverrock's (I love seafood).

Any more input from anyone?

[Deb From London]

Hiya,

About 2 hours drive from Orlando on the gulf coast is Anna Maria Island, its truly beautiful. Well I think so. It's very unspoilt and they are not allowed to build anything above three stories. No large restaurant chains here it's quiet, don 't expect any boat trips either but the beaches are to die for.

You take the I4 towards Tampa and then take the I75 south, then the SR64 west which takes you thru Bradenton and onto Anna Maria.
Enjoy!

[Fairy Nuff]

Anna Maria Island has some very quaint little family run Inn's on the beach. I keep meaning to schedule staying there, and almost did this trip,, but the kids want to go to Universal, so maybe next time. It's very pretty there. Also Sanibel Island and Captiva Islands are very nice to visit too.

Fairy Nuff