Florida Keys or Gulf Coast?

[IndieRocknRoll]

Off to Florida next August with DC aged 11 and 15.
We will be there 18 nights in total. Planning to spend the first week at Disney then we’d like to break up the holiday with either a road trip to the keys or a week relaxing on the beaches near Clearwater before heading back to Orlando for Universal.
Can’t decide which to do! It will obviously be hotter than the sun and wet at times. Are we better to choose Clearwater as a more relaxing option or will we regret not doing the Keys? The wildlife and boat trips etc look amazing but I’m not sure which will work best!

My aunt, uncle and cousins have lived in Clearwater since the early 90s. I’ve been going all my life (33 years), I’ve done both numerous times. The Keys is beautiful but honestly, after a week at Disney, I’d choose Clearwater. Less far to drive, still get the wildlife and boat trips, beautiful area and beach and you get to relax.

Hmmm, I was just in the Keys last week for midterm break (we live in Caribbean) and it was fantastic but our two like fishing and not bothered by lying on the beach (because of where we live) and the Keys are big water sports activities/snorkeling etc over beach laying.

We were in Clearwater with them a few years back and it’s much better for pure sunbathing if that’s what you’re after, and less to drive obviously. I’d say Clearwater just for ease, and there are some lovely places up the coast there too.

We went to the Keys a few years ago. Loved it there, so relaxing after the chaos of Orlando

I’d do the Keys, and Miami. Maybe not go down as far as key West, which I love, but can be a bit hit or miss depending on what’s on.

Thanks all! I think I’m leaning towards Clearwater. It doesn’t look as pretty scenic as the keys which is a shame but I think it will prob be easier. The kids love fishing, wildlife & a good pool but hopefully we can still do all that there.