True "Beachfront" Dining in Tampa?/and other deals (Clearwater: rentals, hotel)

[theurbanfiles]

Hello all.

So, I've never been a huge beach person, however, while on honeymoon in Mexico recently, I had an experience that could possibly change all that. We took a super cheap shuttle over to the beach town (Costa Maya) from our cruise, and once there, we found an opportunity to get 2 of us to eat and several drinks for around $20. But not only that, we were literally sitting out with our toes in the sand less than 50 feet from the water. There was a shaded canopy that they had created for guests, and during our time there they also offered free kayak and bicycle rentals.

It sounds like something that's too good to be true, but we did find that there. Obviously, I don't think were going to find anywhere stateside with those kinds of prices, but, does a remotely similar experience exist at any restaurant along the Gulf Beaches? Of course, I know it's possible to recreate that experience within reason with a portable grill, well placed umbrellas, and a beach that permits alcohol, but I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

I do know that DeSoto National Memorial offers free kayaking every Saturday (at least during the warm weather months) at 9:30 AM, but I wasn't sure if there were any other offers like that. I am aware of things like the water bicycle in Tampa ($30 pp/hr.) and Jetpack Rides at Tradewinds ($99 if you stay there I believe), and (sort of unrelated) ATV rentals coming in somewhere around $350 for a two person experience. That is something that would be a very expensive proposition. So if anyone else knows of relative deals on that type of stuff, I would be all ears.

[dothetwist]

I lived in Mexico for 5 years. No, you won't find that sort of deal here. Not even close.

[theurbanfiles]

I'm certain I won't find any deal like that (with the exception of possibly free kayak rentals at DeSoto National Memorial, which we all fund as taxpayers, and potentially free kayak rental through my employer, USF St. Pete).

I was just wondering if there were any restaurants that had seating that close to the water like that, or other creature comforts, OR whether alcohol/other creature comforts were allowed to be brought onto certain area beaches.

[gypsychic]

There are several down here in Manatee County. Beach House, Sand Bar, Gulf Drive Cafe to name a few. Prices will be considerably higher than Mexico of course, but all of these are reasonably priced.

[spbbound]

Bongos at Grand Plaza Hotel on St Pete Beach has at least ten tables (with umbrellas) that are actually in the sand, although St Pete Beach is pretty wide, so you'll still be probably a couple hundred feet from the water.

[jdallas]

I like Frenchy's Rockaway in Clearwater but, like everything else, you will have to increase your mexico budget.


Through USF, I'm pretty sure you can signup for their canoe/kayaks for free at the Hillsborough river site near Lettuce Lake Park.
I know it's not sand but Rick's marina on the Hillsborough river off Columbus has been one of my favorites to chill and relax waterside with decent food/drinks under a patio umbrella

[NYmikef]

Originally Posted by jdallas

I like Frenchy's Rockaway in Clearwater but, like everything else, you will have to increase your mexico budget.

Also the Palm Pavillion just on the other side of the parking lot from Frenchy's.

Clearwater Beach Restaurant-Palm Pavilion

[theurbanfiles]

Those all sound good, I will look into each of them! Thank you very much.