Senior, A good desert spot is a place called the Candy Kitchen on Madeira Beach. It has any type of candy that you can think of, and the best hot fudge sundays. Its north of John's Pass about a mile on the east side of the road on Guld Blvd. Just ask a local they'll know. Also Fort DeSoto park at south St. Pete beach is a great place to take the family. If you have a truck you should check the airstations MWR for kayaks to rent to take the family out. -Geskus
I don't know if you are taking a dog but if you are, there's a nice beach on Honeymoon Key located north of Clearwater....I think it's just off of Dunedan. It's a State Park where the first section of the beach allows dogs, the rest is just for people.
Just keep an eye out for rattlesnakes along the trails...seriously.
Want a nice Grouper Sandwich? Wish I could remember the name but there's two restaurants by Clearwater Beach. Go down the Ocean to Bay (60) Causeway, when you get to the circle, go right (north) and they are side by side about four buildings up or so.
John's Pass at Madeira Beach is a fun place to hang out for an afternoon...food, drinks, stores, tour boats, waverunner rentals, etc.
Having been a displaced yankee in the Clearwater area for the last 35 years I've seen a lot of beaches and resturants come and go. During the winter months the beach in Indian Rocks moves to St. Pete Beach and back again in the summer. Anyone of the beaches on a 25 mile shore line are good. Finding access and a place to eat are sometimes more difficult. Parking is always difficult at the popular ones like Clearwater Beach. The resturant mentioned by 21 is Frenchy's and on the other end of the parking lot is the Palm Pavillion. Both very popular and crowded on weekends.
A short drive across the bay in Tampa is Busch Gardens. Popular with the locals who have kids. Great deals on season passes. Look for active duty deals at some of the theme parks. There are a few good head boats out of Clearwater, Tarpon and John's Pass,they run half anf full day trips. John Pass Village in Maderia Beach good place for lunch and the wife will like all the shops while you check out the tide tables at the local watering holes. On the culture side we don't got none.
Got awful hot in July and the usual downpours in the PM. Happy hours all over the place. Check out Boyles Back Yard in Palm Harbor. Retired Coasty owns it. Beer, wine and good food. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks a good afternoon trip. Good food and shops. That's about our only culture in the area.
I'm beginning to sound like the local Chamber of Commerce. Something has kept me here all these years. Enjoy your trip. Bring money and help Florida stay green.
