Family vacations are a wonderful source of memories and tradition. While there are many exotic and beautiful destination choices, our family’s favorite vacation spot is on the West Coast of Florida. For over 25 years we have made it a point to spend time on the sand bar beach strip just south of Clearwater Beach, Florida in Belleair Beach. We rent a three bedroom condo that is right on the beach. Renting a private condo allows us to save hundreds of dollars as it is less expensive than a hotel and we have all the amenities of home. In addition, we walk out the door and have our choice: a beautiful pool or the Gulf of Mexico. 

This narrow strip of paradise is separated from the mainland via numerous causeways and runs from Clearwater down to St. Petersburg. There all kinds of accommodations available from high rises to smaller condo complexes to beach cottages. It is quiet and uncrowded  but still close to lots of activities!

When we want a break from the beach the possibilities are numerous. A 45 minute drive to Tampa and we are at Busch Gardens for a day of fun. If we want to attack the Orlando scene we get up early and make the 90 minute drive. We can spend the day at any of the Disney, Universal or Sea World theme parks and be back at the beach by 10pm. If we want to stay local, we head 5 minutes up Gulf Boulevard to Clearwater Beach for shopping or water fun. Perhaps our favorite traditions are routed in the Clearwater Phillies minor league ball field. Located about 15 minutes from the beach, their new stadium is magnificent.

While we eat home for breakfast and lunch, we explore the local cuisine at dinnertime! One of our favorite restaurants is in Indian Rocks Beach. Crabby Bills has to be the best seafood restaurant in the state. It casual and fun and family style.  Long picnic tables set the ambiance, nothing fancy but a party like atmosphere prevails. Beer and soda by the pitcher, fresh seafood on paper plates with great sides like coleslaw, fries and hush puppies. It is the perfect family seafood restaurant. Stop into their fun gift shop and “Get Crabby” on the way out!

Family vacations are a great part of establishing family traditions. While our kids are all older from 20-26, we still all do the family vacation.  We start in later winter, pick some dates and everyone works their vacation schedule.   They are welcome to bring along their significant other or a friend . So this August there will 10 of us making memories at our favorite vacation spot in Florida.  It will truly be a family celebration! To read more about this wonderful and affordable vacation spot head to Celebration Ideas Online.