Florida Vacations - Destin or Clearwater?

Fundguy1 · 05-04-2016, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Daytona Beach.

Hit the bars till you drop.

Actually I prefer Clearwater or maybe Panama City for that. Daytona is good for bikes and cars moreso. Beach itself is eh and it's kindarun down on a relative basis. Not really a good small kids place. Top area for shark attacks and has harsher colder water Good for surfers more like cocoa beach.

RJ_ · 05-04-2016, 12:16 PM

I've been to Clearwater a couple times, so add one more voice saying it's an awesome place. Good restaurants and a huge beach. You won't be disappointed.

ASBSECU E93 · 05-04-2016, 12:29 PM

St. Pete/Clearwater does have Busch Gardens, and a nice water park.

Mr Tonka · 05-04-2016, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASBSECU E93

Where in FL do they let you swim with the Manatee's..? Some river..?

I believe they are know as the Labrador Retriever of the water...

THIS is where I'd like to visit

It's pretty cool. And also, the water is cold. lol

They are pretty awesome to swim with. It can get a bit freaking because you're sitting there looking forward hoping one of them swims up to you. Then when it does, you're focuses on it and then your realize that there is one on each side and behind you as well. And they are huge! But they are very gentle.

I went in Homosassa jtodd_fl Springs as well as Crystal River. Homosassa jtodd_fl was much better. There were about 60 of them in a 100ft radius all around us. Crystal River, not so much, but we didn't really go in a good season at Crystal River.

jtodd_fl · 05-04-2016, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

It's pretty cool. And also, the water is cold. lol

They are pretty awesome to swim with. It can get a bit freaking because you're sitting there looking forward hoping one of them swims up to you. Then when it does, you're focuses on it and then your realize that there is one on each side and behind you as well. And they are huge! But they are very gentle.

I went in Homosassa jtodd_fl Springs as well as Crystal River. Homosassa jtodd_fl was much better. There were about 60 of them in a 100ft radius all around us. Crystal River, not so much, but we didn't really go in a good season at Crystal River.

OMG... this has become torture. AT least you did not deprive me of a good shrinkage joke. Wait... I just let the joke out too soon. Premature jocularity. I hate when that happens.

ASBSECU E93 · 05-04-2016, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

It's pretty cool. And also, the water is cold. lol

They are pretty awesome to swim with. It can get a bit freaking because you're sitting there looking forward hoping one of them swims up to you. Then when it does, you're focuses on it and then your realize that there is one on each side and behind you as well. And they are huge! But they are very gentle.

I went in Homosassa jtodd_fl Springs as well as Crystal River. Homosassa jtodd_fl was much better. There were about 60 of them in a 100ft radius all around us. Crystal River, not so much, but we didn't really go in a good season at Crystal River.

Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC - coldest water, EVER!!

Mr Tonka · 05-04-2016, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASBSECU E93

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

It's pretty cool. And also, the water is cold. lol

They are pretty awesome to swim with. It can get a bit freaking because you're sitting there looking forward hoping one of them swims up to you. Then when it does, you're focuses on it and then your realize that there is one on each side and behind you as well. And they are huge! But they are very gentle.

I went in Homosassa jtodd_fl Springs as well as Crystal River. Homosassa jtodd_fl was much better. There were about 60 of them in a 100ft radius all around us. Crystal River, not so much, but we didn't really go in a good season at Crystal River.

Sliding Rock in Brevard, NC - coldest water, EVER!!

Pretty sure I've been there.

Relax, it was before I knew you.

ASBSECU E93 · 05-04-2016, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Tonka

Pretty sure I've been there.

Relax, it was before I knew you.

PoorLurker · 05-04-2016, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASAP

Pretty interesting no one mentioned Destin...

As it has the whitest and most beautiful sands of any beaches in the entire USA, is in the cheapest part of Florida and looks like this-

Are the beaches still ok for non white families or will we face discrimination?

Fundguy1 · 05-04-2016, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoorLurker

Are the beaches still ok for non white families or will we face discrimination?

No. Whites are still allowed. Lol. Is this a trick question? I've lived in Florida 15 yrs and never heard of anyone being looked down for not being white, or even seeing a beach with no non white people. Maybe this is a pan handle phenomenon or some old special event like biker week, which has been mixed for decades. You forget how many Hispanic, many of which are black, live here. Cubans, Brazilians, columbians, Puerto ricans, etc. To me it's less discriminatory and more of a melting pot than when I lived in NYC.

Fundguy1 · 05-04-2016, 08:06 PM

And I'm confused by "still". Are there beaches that were ok for non whites that aren't now? That would be the first time I ever saw that. Last time I saw someone discriminated by color on a beach was over 30 yrs ago at the jersey shore. And that was just people saying stuff privately under their breath, not being overtly offensive or aggressive.

anesthetize · 05-04-2016, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kscarrol

Can't really speak to the OP's question of Clearwater vs Destin but I will say if you are looking at the Florida panhandle, consider the Seaside/Watercolor/Alys Beach area which is to the east of Destin. Same sugar white beaches, way less crowded and lots of family friendly activities. Give it a look...

+1, although I would add Rosemary Beach which is within walking distance to Alys Beach. We drive 10 hrs every year from NC to enjoy all the 30A beaches.

kscarrol · 05-04-2016, 08:29 PM

^ Of course, I did not mean to leave out Rosemary Beach! Great area which we go to every year as well.

chumley · 05-04-2016, 10:07 PM

Grew up in Largo/Clearwater, live in Naples. Clearwater is very nice. Changed alot over the years but they've done a nice job keeping it from being spoiled. HUGE beaches. Not sure if it was mentioned but there is an aquarium right there that has "Winter" - from the Dolphin Tales movies - kids will like it.

Naples and Sanibel are nice as well. Alot more families here than most people think/remember. Outstanding restaurants and nice parks. Everglades, boating, fishing, etc. Beaches are more "old florida" - not manicured or over developed.

1LRM3 · 05-05-2016, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASAP

Pretty interesting no one mentioned Destin...

As it has the whitest and most beautiful sands of any beaches in the entire USA, is in the cheapest part of Florida and looks like this-

I was going to say Destin too only as I have been there too... nice area when the kids are gone.....

St. Pete is supposed to be awesome so I hear too...

Hell anywhere with nice smooth sand on a beach and some tunes is good for me...

angelr · 05-05-2016, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fundguy1

No. Whites are still allowed. Lol. Is this a trick question? I've lived in Florida 15 yrs and never heard of anyone being looked down for not being white, or even seeing a beach with no non white people. Maybe this is a pan handle phenomenon or some old special event like biker week, which has been mixed for decades. You forget how many Hispanic, many of which are black, live here. Cubans, Brazilians, columbians, Puerto ricans, etc. To me it's less discriminatory and more of a melting pot than when I lived in NYC.

He was being silly.

Fundguy1 · 05-05-2016, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelr

He was being silly.

Dooh lol

EL Jeffe 5 · 05-05-2016, 12:55 PM

Not from florida I been in Miami and Daytona Beach many times
My experience in Miami people are rude it doesn't bother me tho
Daytona beach nothing too exciting yes you can drink

ASBSECU E93 · 05-05-2016, 01:50 PM

^and Drive on the beach...

Lups · 05-05-2016, 02:07 PM

If I went to florida, I'd book myself into asbecues apartment. It's easy if you know the dude!

If not, then Tonka. He's more accepting but he makes you go on yours on a bike.

jtodd_fl · 05-05-2016, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lups

If I went to florida, I'd book myself into asbecues apartment. It's easy if you know the dude!

If not, then Tonka. He's more accepting but he makes you go on yours on a bike.

Go a bit further south and I will find a place for you to stay. I have very reasonable terms. Especially for car-loving Finns who appreciate hockey.

Lups · 05-05-2016, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtodd_fl

Go a bit further south and I will find a place for you to stay. I have very reasonable terms. Especially for car-loving Finns who appreciate hockey.

I'm not washing your car every day again and I'm not fucking spending my days AGAIN explaining to you the rules of hocket and why the big ring is better.

Jesus the last two weeks were horrible and btw, I scratched your lip. You fucking dct driver.

If you want to do that again, buy a real car, learn hockey and jesus you don't know your shit when it comes to alcohol. I am giving you a two star review in the bp holiday guest housing thread!

05-04-2016, 12:16 PM	#24
RJ_ Baby-faced Assassin 1203 Rep 152 Posts Drives: when car isn't broke. Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Department of the Posterior iTrader: (0)	I've been to Clearwater a couple times, so add one more voice saying it's an awesome place. Good restaurants and a huge beach. You won't be disappointed.
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05-04-2016, 08:06 PM	#33
Fundguy1 Major General 2032 Rep 8,339 Posts Drives: 335 e93 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Orlando, fl iTrader: (0)	And I'm confused by "still". Are there beaches that were ok for non whites that aren't now? That would be the first time I ever saw that. Last time I saw someone discriminated by color on a beach was over 30 yrs ago at the jersey shore. And that was just people saying stuff privately under their breath, not being overtly offensive or aggressive.
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05-04-2016, 08:29 PM	#35
kscarrol Brigadier General 8908 Rep 4,107 Posts Drives: 2021 X3 M40i, 1974 2002 Tii Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (0)	^ Of course, I did not mean to leave out Rosemary Beach! Great area which we go to every year as well. __________________ 2021 X3 M40i 1974 2002tii, Inka, 5 sp manual BMWCCA # 327475
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05-04-2016, 10:07 PM	#36
chumley Captain 50 Rep 776 Posts Drives: 2009 335 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Naples, FL iTrader: (1)	Grew up in Largo/Clearwater, live in Naples. Clearwater is very nice. Changed alot over the years but they've done a nice job keeping it from being spoiled. HUGE beaches. Not sure if it was mentioned but there is an aquarium right there that has "Winter" - from the Dolphin Tales movies - kids will like it. Naples and Sanibel are nice as well. Alot more families here than most people think/remember. Outstanding restaurants and nice parks. Everglades, boating, fishing, etc. Beaches are more "old florida" - not manicured or over developed. __________________ MHD flash, DCI, BMW PE, ETS FMIC, Powerflex, SWS8xi's, VMR 803's in Solar Rain, LUX V4
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05-05-2016, 12:55 PM	#40
EL Jeffe 5 Major 612 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: CBR1000RR Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0)	Not from florida I been in Miami and Daytona Beach many times My experience in Miami people are rude it doesn't bother me tho Daytona beach nothing too exciting yes you can drink
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