Visiting Tampa (Clearwater, St. Augustine, Destin: extended stay, condos, hotels)

[RashadzMcCantz]

Well thanks for the help on the beaches and stuff from all of you guys. My first time. Like I already mentioned, I'm going to come through St. Louis into Alabama and then into the panhandle where I'll stop at the two best beaches in that area in Destin Beach and St. Joseph Peninsula Park. If you guys are aware of anymore great beaches in the panhandle then please let me now. After, I'll make my way down to Tampa where I'll stop at Hernando beach for the Dolphins. Then, I'm on my way down to Extended Stay America hotel for the week which is right next Airco (sp) golf course and Feather sound country club on 3089 Executive Drive if anyone is aware of where that is? What's the place like, and should I change my hotel before I finally book it because I still have a couple of days before I make all my decisions final. I'm also looking to catch the Bucs-Panthers game at Raymond James stadium which is approx. 15-20 min? from my hotel. I'll also be at Clearwater, Sand Key, and Modeira Beach which are the best beaches in the area? I'll also stop at Fort DeSoto Park and Caladesi Island in that area. Of course, I'll also be stopping at Busch Gardens and even possibly ybor city.

Some questions about marine life on the beach. Will I come across sea urchins, jellyfish, and stingrays in the waters. What are the most populated animals in the area? How about dolphins, is Hernando beach really the best place to catch a glimpse of them? More info. on the beaches please. Thanks.

Am I missing anything? Should I not go to one of the beaches I mentioned and go for another. How about the hotel and the area it's in? From first hand experience, how far is it from Ray Jay stadium and the beach? Also, just out of curiosity, are there beaches on the actual bay of Tampa? Any tips on where to visit, where to eat breakfast, etc?

[tampaguy03]

Wow, thats alot of questions..LOL...anyway, the place your staying is in a good area, mostly corporate area, off a busy road with other small hotels, fast food places, just over the Howard Frankland bridge(I-275), go to mapquest and look at where the hotel is compared to destinations you wish to visit...
you are about 20 minutes from the Gulf Beaches(Clearwater Beach can be busy with hotels along the beach, a long pier, and wide sandy beaches - Fort DeSoto is just the opposite as it is a Park, just miles of sandy beaches(North End), bike trails, kayaking areas, camping, fort tours, a few snack bars, pier and a boat that can take you to Egmont Key; the other beaches are touristy(Treasure Island, Madeira Beach -with small mom and pop type motels, condos, restaurants, etc., but still beautiful beaches). I would think you could see dolphins from any of the beaches, Ive see many from Clearwater and Fort DeSoto..in Clearwater beach there is a boat that has Dolphin excursions at the Marina.

You are about 25-30 minutes form Ray Jay where the bucs play, 35-40 minutes from Busch Gardens.

This time of year there are not many stingrays, I rarely ever see jellyfish on the Gulf beaches. The water temps are around 68 degrees, refreshing if it is warm out, but outside temps are in the upper 70's this time of year, and thats a little chilly for me.

[TampaKaren]

Originally Posted by RashadzMcCantz

How about dolphins, is Hernando beach really the best place to catch a glimpse of them? More info. on the beaches please. Thanks.
Also, just out of curiosity, are there beaches on the actual bay of Tampa? Any tips on where to visit, where to eat breakfast, etc?

I've never heard Hernando Beach being the best place to see dolphins. Bottle Nose dolphins prefer shallow water and are seen everywhere along the coastline and inland waterways. Take a drive along Gulf Blvd (north / south along the coast). There are also three bridges crossing Tampa Bay that link Pinellas and Hillsborough County (east / west). There are lots of places to stop. Keep a lookout and you just may see Dolphins. They create a feeding frenzy when they find a school of fish. You could also charter a boat. They're everywhere, too, though kayaking is probably the best way to get up close.

Also, If you drive across the Courtney Campbell Causeway (bridge linking Tampa & Clearwater), you will see two public beaches on Tampa Bay...one on the Clearwater side, and one on the Tampa side. If you should venture out into the water, don't go too far. There are currents. There are other very small beaches on Tampa Bay, but for the most part, the beaches have lost the fight to mega residential development. IMO, It's a pitiful shame...

I think you should also plan a short trip to downtown St. Pete to visit the St. Pete Pier, Vinoy Park, and if you like art, the Salvidor Dali museum.

My personal favorites: you haven't lived until you've watched the sunset while eating a fried grouper sandwich atop the Hurricane Restaurant on St. Pete Beach; Sunday Brunch at Castaways on Tampa Bay; and sipping Lobster Bisque soup at Armanis atop the Hyatt hotel on Tampa Bay.

Enjoy your trip!
TampaKaren.

[RashadzMcCantz]

How about some deep sea fishing? Where's the best place to do that?

[TampaKaren]

Originally Posted by RashadzMcCantz

How about some deep sea fishing? Where's the best place to do that?

I'm probably not the best to respond to this question. That said, one of the local sports news anchors, Chip Carter, Fox Tampa Bay, has a segment called Fish & Chips. He and a local fisherman, Captain Doug Hemmer, go on regular fishing excursions. If you'd like to call him, Capt Doug's number is 727-347-1389 (OK to put a number here, I hope). If not, check online at http://www.myfoxtampabay.com and search site for Chip Carter.

[Keeper]

Hurricane Restaurant is one place you have to go to for a grouper sandwich and cool one.

[Debi1957]

if you get to apollo beach, there is an area to watch the manatees...i think they are cooler than dolphins...input???

I am not a florida fan or a beach fan, but I love beverly beach..you can stay at the campground where the beach is private or go up to St. Augustine and stay in the campground in a rented park model and have the beach at your feet. That one is not as private as beverly, but still nice...and doggies are allowed!

Have fun! keep your wallet close...YBOR!!!!?????