Beach front hotel

Question

We are flying into Tampa for Thanksgiving week and was planning on staying at the Hilton Clearwater beach but I’m seeing so many other beach options and am not sure which is best anymore (St. Pete’s, Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key, etc)

We have 2 tweens (12 & 14) and like to stay active (eg. water sports, hiking, museums, shopping, swimming etc).

Is Clearwater the best choice or is there a better beach we should consider getting a hotel at?

Answer

If you’re flying into Tampa and planning a beach vacation with tweens, you have several excellent options along Florida’s Gulf Coast, each with a different vibe and range of activities. Clearwater Beach is very popular, but there are alternatives worth considering depending on the experience you want.

Clearwater Beach is highly developed, family-friendly, and offers a wide range of activities for kids and teens. There are water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding, plus nearby attractions such as Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Pier 60 with its daily sunset festival. Shopping and casual dining are plentiful, and the beaches are wide, soft, and well-maintained. Staying at the Hilton Clearwater Beach puts you right on the sand with easy access to all these activities.

Other options to consider:

St. Pete Beach: Just south of Clearwater, it has a more laid-back vibe with some boutique hotels and resorts. The beach is beautiful and quieter than Clearwater, but still within driving distance of Tampa’s museums, such as the Salvador Dalí Museum, and other family attractions. Water sports are available, and there are kid-friendly restaurants along the shore.
Anna Maria Island: A quieter, charming option, perfect if you prefer a less crowded, relaxed environment. The beaches are stunning with soft sand and calm waters, ideal for swimming. There’s a small-town feel with local shops, bike rentals, and casual dining. Water sports are available, though less extensive than Clearwater or St. Pete. Driving to bigger attractions takes longer (30-45 min to Tampa).
Siesta Key: South of Sarasota, about an hour and 15 minutes from Tampa, it’s famous for its powdery white sand and shallow waters, perfect for kids. There’s plenty of beach space, some water sports, and small shops and eateries nearby. It’s a bit more spread out, so having a car is essential for exploring attractions outside the immediate beach area.

In summary, if you want the convenience of nearby activities, dining, and active options for tweens, Clearwater Beach is probably your best choice. St. Pete Beach offers a slightly quieter, less touristy option while still close to museums and activities. Anna Maria Island is ideal for a laid-back, scenic getaway, and Siesta Key is excellent for stunning beaches and calm swimming but requires more driving for excursions.

Other tips:

Consider renting a car to explore nearby beaches and attractions.
Check hotel amenities: some beach resorts include water sports rentals or kid-friendly activities on-site.
For a balance of activity and relaxation, Clearwater or St. Pete are usually the most convenient for families with tweens.

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