Good area to stay in between Tampa and Clearwater

Question

Hi,

Will be 10 adults and 2 children visiting the area for a week after Orlando. We will have rental cars for getting around.

We’re looking for an area where we can walk around with restaurants etc but within easy reach of the beaches and what Tampa has to offer.

Many thanks for your tips and help.

Answer

For a group of 10 adults and 2 children visiting the Tampa–Clearwater area, the key is to find a location that balances accessibility to beaches, walkable dining and entertainment, and convenient driving to Tampa attractions. Since you’ll have rental cars, you have flexibility, but staying in an area that offers some walkability and a central base will make the trip more enjoyable.

Some of the best areas to consider include:

Clearwater Beach – Famous for its white sand and calm Gulf waters, Clearwater Beach has a lively strip with restaurants, bars, shops, and family-friendly attractions. It’s a walkable area where you can easily spend days without needing a car. Being on the Gulf side, it’s also slightly further from Tampa (about 30–40 minutes by car) but offers excellent beach access and entertainment.
Dunedin – A charming small town just north of Clearwater, Dunedin has a quaint downtown with walkable streets, local restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Clearwater Beach and 40–45 minutes to downtown Tampa. This is ideal for a quieter, more relaxed stay while still being close to the water.
Safety Harbor / Oldsmar area – These towns are located along Tampa Bay and are roughly halfway between Tampa and Clearwater. They offer small downtown areas with dining and shops. Driving to either Clearwater Beach or downtown Tampa is relatively easy, though walkability is limited compared to Clearwater Beach or Dunedin.

Other considerations:

Tampa side: Harbour Island / Channelside – These neighborhoods are closer to Tampa attractions (museums, sports venues) and offer waterfront dining and some walkable streets. Beaches will require a 25–35 minute drive, so this works better if your group wants more city activities during the day.
Vacation rentals vs hotels – For a group of 12, renting a house or multiple condos may be more practical than booking multiple hotel rooms. Areas like Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, or even Madeira Beach have large homes or condos suitable for groups, often with access to a pool or beachfront.
Traffic & parking – Clearwater Beach can be crowded, especially on weekends, so having a rental car is useful but consider accommodations with dedicated parking.

In summary, for a mix of beach, walkable dining, and reasonable access to Tampa, Clearwater Beach is ideal for a classic beach experience, while Dunedin offers a quieter, small-town charm. If you want to prioritize Tampa city activities, staying closer to Channelside or Harbour Island is better, but you’ll need to drive to the beaches.