What to see in Tampa/Clearwater/Sarasota area on our visit?

[SeaNile]

We live in Philadelphia and are going to FL next week and spending about 4 days in the Tampa area before heading to Disney. Although it's probably not the best time to try and convince the wife to move to FL with it being July and very hot but I figured we might as well drive around and experience the local Tampa/Palm Harbor/Clearwater/Apollo Beach area.

If this is my initial shot at showing my wife all the cool areas and neighborhoods where are the best places to go? Realistically looking at things, I don't think Fishhawk Ranch would work for us, it's too far from the water which is one of the reasons we would even consider moving to FL. If we did this our budget would be about 800K but less would be great. Nice suburban area with great schools would be our goal. On the water would be awesome but we would like to be 30min or less to the boat.

Any recommendations for cool waterfront restaurants?

Thanks.

JK

 

[NorCal Boater]

I've been looking at that area for a few years and for $800k you can get a mansion on the water. For $500k you can get a pretty nice home on the water. Check out Zillow.com

Can't help on the restaurants but my wife and I really like the St. Pete's Beach area.

 

[Buckeye Boater]

Not a waterfront restaurant, but if you are looking for some of the best grouper sandwiches or meals try Dockside Dave's. They are a local place, nothing fancy but the grouper is the best I have had.

http://www.docksidedavesgrill.com/

 

[BritLady]

There are many places to visit and see here and believe me many you would not want to live in! Especially if you have a younger family and looking for good schools etc. For $800k you won't really get a mansion in Sarasota but you could buy a home on the water in other areas for that and there is a reason, there is a difference Prices are moving up here now in FL too. If you want upscale neighborhoods, exceptional schools, Sarasota even has a school for the "gifted", numerous private schools too and wonderful boating Sarasota is the place to be.

We have met people who live in Tampa and keep their boat at Marina Jack's in Sarasota because of the great boating. Also, if you are just looking at rambler homes beware the insurance rates which are going up dramatically if you buy on the water. Elevated above flood plane is the way to go, any good honest Realtor will tell you that. It can currently make as much as 10k a year difference on premiums and is rising. While I can't say the food is "out of this world" (it's not too bad), but a lunch at Marina Jack's in Sarasota will whet your wife's appetite for FL. Sarasota is the art capital of FL too and we have some interesting statues nearby Marina Jacks. Every day going home I see hundreds of visitors taking pics of the Unconditional Surrender statue. Google it for full info, it's easy to find. Mote Marine is also worth a visit if in the area and you will go via St. Armand's circle and see where the rich and famous who live here shop. We just go for Kilwin's ice cream You will also see many multi million $$$ mansions enroute too. Good luck and have a great time!

 

[chrishick]

^^^^THAT.

SRQ has got the Tampa area beat hands down.

 

[chrishick]

What are the days you will be here? Sarasota is hosting the offshore powerboat races and there are all kinds of cool activities going on starting with the downtown boat parade Friday evening.

http://sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org/
http://www.offshorepowerboatgp.com/

 

[Mystic Dreamer]

I am sorry, Florida is now full and has recently closed. You just missed it.

In all seriousness, this area is awesome. We live where people vacation. Great weather, boating, people... St. Pete is on a tear with a vibrant downtown, culture, nightlife, etc. Certainly consider a house on a canal in Pinellas county.