Florida-engagement-help needed..

Thinking of proposing to my gf in March.
Thinking of doing it in Florida. So looking for something romantic. Given I am from CA, I prefer the gulf side, because the Miami/daytona side is stuff I have seen.
Would you guys recommend the west side of Florida for a 3-4 day weekend getaway? So looking for a city idea so far. I have never been to the west side of FL.
I am looking for a pretty romantic place. Once I figure that out, then the proposing ideas will come.
Appreciate any help you can provide.
You could check out Tampa Bay, Clearwater, St. Petersburg to get things started.
Someone proposed to his wife with a billboard here. It was updated saying "She said yes!" not too long after. I digress.
Keep in mind Spring Break occurs in the month of March.
What did you have in mind for a romantic getaway? Give me an idea and I'll do what I can to help.
Last edited by Phamboogie; Jan 13, 2009 at 06:23 PM. Reason: edit
Fort Desoto beach
St. Pete(rsburg) beach
Treasure Island beach
Madeira beach
Indian Rocks beach
Clearwater beach
Here's a link I just found for you:
http://images.milesmediagroup.net/We...AD_10_1212.pdf
Caldesi Island is ranked best beach in 2008.
http://www.ajc.com/travel/content/tr...each_0522.html
Clearwater beach was also ranked sometime in the 90s.
I went to Daytona once. The beaches here are so much better although you can't drive in the sand. An advantage of the West is that you can watch the sun set into the water while at Daytona/Miami it's rising from the water.
Here are a few flicks I took a couple years ago. I suck but what the heck:
Clearwater area:


These were taken at a random spot between Clearwater beach and Indian Rocks beach:


Keep in mind the sand differs from beach to beach at the locations I mentioned.
You can also check out Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota/Bradenton as well.
Last edited by Phamboogie; Jan 13, 2009 at 06:56 PM.
We don't really have to have a hotel on the beach. We will have a rental car (as that would be the only way to really get around). We would like to stay somewhere at least 5-10 miles from the beach. Plan is hang out at the beach during the day, some nice food at night. Some shopping, low key.
We party hard all the time, so looking for a change of pace.
Appreciate the help. Every hotel I have looked that, that was reasonable, are all booked up. Damn snow birds.
I don't know if you caught this in my previous posts' edit:
Countryside mall (ehh)
Tyrone Square Mall (ehh)
International Plaza & West Shore Plaza are next to Tampa International Airport
The other malls around here are open malls so whatever.
Food:
www.fiveguys.com <--I would rank them above In-N-Out.
www.checkers.com <--Try their fries
www.thevenueclub.com <--Two (different) restaurants in one
Sushi Spot
Cheddar's
Leverocks
Crabby Bill's
Mimi's Cafe
Shells
Bonefish Grill
Outback Steakhouse
Restaurant BT
I can't think of any more restaurants at the moment
Tampa Bay is cool. Hard Rock Casino & Hyde Park is what's up.
The beach is always close if you take the right routes.
Last edited by Phamboogie; Jan 13, 2009 at 07:13 PM.
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You can get by with no car but you're going to limit yourself to the restaurants in your area. The downside to living here is that everything is spread apart. On average, it takes 15-30 minutes to get to point A to point B and that's midday but that's if you travel at least 10 miles.
If you're not too concerned with shopping malls and fine eateries, then go for it. A cab shouldn't be a problem if it's just 2 miles inland. You're in a totally different environment 2 miles off shore. Haha
Any particular area in mind? You're welcome, by the way.
I would stick to Treasure Island as it's not ridiculously touristy and is somewhat of a secret as compared to down by the Don Cesar.
Let me know if I can help you with anything else! I'll be happy to give you a hand.
No particular area, as I don't know anything there, thus your help. Where would you recommend reasonable staying prices for about 2-3 nights? With quick access to the beach?
Thanks
I would stick to Treasure Island as it's not ridiculously touristy and is somewhat of a secret as compared to down by the Don Cesar.
Let me know if I can help you with anything else! I'll be happy to give you a hand.
You recommend a car rental?
Appreciate the help.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Pinell...-8&sa=N&tab=il
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Pinell...-8&sa=N&tab=il



Shopping around Treasure Island is just beach shopping, nothing crazy fancy. If I were you, I wouldn't rent a car, just go to the beach and sit. Get a room on the water and watch the sunset every night. Driving all over the place just seems unnecessary for a 2-3 night stay. Sounds like you just want to relax.







