Florida - Clearwater or Naples?

[Four Litre]

Looking to book either clearwater or naples. I'm thinking Naples, wifes thinking Clearwater and kids are good with anything!

Has anyone been to either, if so any good?

[Mandat]

The wife and I had 2 weeks in Florida in 2012, and we decided to stay over in Clearwater. The beach there is very nice with soft white sand.

We did a lot of research on the places that we were visiting, and I can't remember why whe chose Clearwater rather than Naples, although Clearwater was the better option for us.

[NPI]

Been to Clearwater. It was OK.

How long will you be staying there and how old are the kids. Are you doing anything else, or is that the whole holiday?

[danzltiu]

Both very nice I am sure you would enjoy either. Clearwater has the advantage of being a very short drive from Tampa airport if you are flying BA. Naples is a bit of a slap to drive from either Orlando or Miami when you have been on an aircraft for 9 1/2 hours spent time getting through immigration and picking car up. You will be tired.

[Four Litre]

Cheers all - kids are 4 & 7 Will be the only destination for 2 weeks. Or if I can work it maybe do both. I wanted to also do a few days at the parks but overall costs are starting to get silly!

For me I was hoping to check out he everglades and keys, however if westay at clearwater its prob to far away?

Decisions, decisions!

[toon10]

I've visited both but not stayed at either to be honest (day trips). Not much help to you but I enjoed both days out. I don't think you'l be dissapointed if you chose one over the other.

[anonymous-user]

danzltiu said:

Both very nice I am sure you would enjoy either. Clearwater has the advantage of being a very short drive from Tampa airport if you are flying BA. Naples is a bit of a slap to drive from either Orlando or Miami when you have been on an aircraft for 9 1/2 hours spent time getting through immigration and picking car up. You will be tired.

Don't underestimate just how much nicer/easier Tampa airport is versus Orlando (or God help you) Miami. Makes a world of difference to the journey...

[surveyor]

We've done days, and one night in Clearwater. I like it, but two weeks would be too much.

If you do end up there, don't forget Busch Gardens - not far away, and as a park we really like it.

[NPI]

surveyor said:

I like it, but two weeks would be too much.

Hence my questions. The main thing about the coast is very nice beaches, but there's not a right lot to do around there, but I know "lie on a beach all day and then go for a nice meal in the evening" type of people who really like it.

We used to do split stays from Orlando and go to the coast for few days but we haven't bothered splitting the stay for the last few years and have stayed based in Orlando. If you're going in the summer then the sun will be too fierce to stay on the beach for long during the main part of the day.

[tim0409]

I go to Naples every year for 4/5 nights (with the other half either down the keys) and love it but perhaps if you have a young family Clearwater might be a better option as Naples is pretty quiet, and I think you would all get bored after a while.

Why don't you do a week in each?

[RammyMP]

Naples! Going layer this year again for two weeks, can't wait!

[B17NNS]

Naples is lovely. Stand on the pier and watch the dolphins play

The Bellasera is really nice if you're looking for accommodation.

Edited by B17NNS on Tuesday 14th January 22:04