Need Advise on FL West Coast by Car

As you can tell by the above comments, our area has lots to offer. You are just north to our most northern destination which Dunedin, Tarpon Springs & Caladesi Island. From there south all the way to Naples has great places to visit on the Gulf. Then inland you have Tampa Bay, the Manatee river, the Peace River and the Caloosahatchee river where Ft. Myers is and where you can cross the state to the East side of Florida for more adventures!
This is sounding like a travel guide, but WELCOME to cruising heaven!
 
I am very excited about our coming to the area. We'll be spending 12-16 weeks a year here we hope. I really appreciate all the great suggestions. We won't make it to them all this trip but will certainly bank them for subsequent visits.

Our small boat is perfect for our immediate area and the limited dockage available at our condo complex but not that great for cruising long distances. I think it'd be fine to run down to Clearwater and that area but past that we'd be at risk with the weather. We've been up Crystal River and down to Dunedin so far. So past that I think a lot of our exploring will either be by pickup or motorcycle. Either way I'm looking forward to the adventure.
 
Check out the sponge docks in Tarpon Springs (stop at Hellas for the broiled octopus, saganaki, and great pastries), then check out downtown Dunedin, nice place to walk and shop, grab lunch or dinner at Bon Apetite, great restaurant with amazing views of the intercoastal.
 
We've walked right by Bon Apetite and didn't even know it was there. Looks awesome. Just made a reservation. Thanks for the heads up.

Do you happen to know of any public docks to hook to if we come by boat?
 
Give a call to the Dunedin Municipal Marine.

I just spotted this!

The City began the dredging operations on Dunedin Marina on Monday, June 1, 2020.

The entire marina continues to be an active construction zone and access to the marina, boat slips, day docks, parking lot and west side of the Marina including the beach area, Boat Club and Pram Shed is prohibited.

The City’s objective is to ensure that the dredge is completed as quickly as possible. The contractual completion date for dredging is November 2, 2020.
 
Last edited:
I believe the area indicated below has public slips available for day use small boat parking in Clearwater. We'd prefer to be out on the island though.

upload_2020-8-30_22-45-51.png


There seems to be slips available at Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Center. See below. Can anyone confirm that this is in fact available to the public?

upload_2020-8-30_22-44-38.png
 
The area on the Clearwater side that you are pointing to is the Clearwater Harbor Marina (city operated).

City of Clearwater has two marinas, Harbor where you are pointing and the Beach Marina on the Clearwater Beach side.

Call the Clearwater Harbor Marina to inquire about their availability of day slips. We have stayed at that Marina a lot over the years, typically overnight to pick up the correct tide going into our slip the next day. I believe they do have day use tie ups, they can confirm. Not a lot in the area, a few restaurants within easy walking distance up the hill on Cleveland street (Clear Sky is a good choice).

On the Beach side there are several options.

upload_2020-8-31_7-54-1.png


The top arrow is pointing towards the docks for Frenchy's. You may see their fishing boats tied up. They have day docks which are typically attended. You tie up, if you go to any Frenchy's location on the island, they will stamp your ticket and docking is free (just tip the attendant). Not sure what the charges are if you do not eat at a Frenchys location.

Second option is the bottom arrow. The city marina at the Beach has free day dockage. On the way in, swing by the Fuel dock and they can confirm that it is still there (its been a few months since we have been there). Go all the way to the back of the Marina, you will see a handlful of slips marked for day use (no fee, no attendant). This option drops you right in the heart of the beach area.

Also for something different, continue south on the ICW about 5-6 miles. Right after you go under the second bridge, you are in Indian Rocks.

Very nice day use docks (free) on the beach side.

Several restaurants in this area.

upload_2020-8-31_8-0-50.png
 
The area on the Clearwater side that you are pointing to is the Clearwater Harbor Marina (city operated).

City of Clearwater has two marinas, Harbor where you are pointing and the Beach Marina on the Clearwater Beach side.

Call the Clearwater Harbor Marina to inquire about their availability of day slips. We have stayed at that Marina a lot over the years, typically overnight to pick up the correct tide going into our slip the next day. I believe they do have day use tie ups, they can confirm. Not a lot in the area, a few restaurants within easy walking distance up the hill on Cleveland street (Clear Sky is a good choice).

On the Beach side there are several options.

View attachment 91407

The top arrow is pointing towards the docks for Frenchy's. You may see their fishing boats tied up. They have day docks which are typically attended. You tie up, if you go to any Frenchy's location on the island, they will stamp your ticket and docking is free (just tip the attendant). Not sure what the charges are if you do not eat at a Frenchys location.

Second option is the bottom arrow. The city marina at the Beach has free day dockage. On the way in, swing by the Fuel dock and they can confirm that it is still there (its been a few months since we have been there). Go all the way to the back of the Marina, you will see a handlful of slips marked for day use (no fee, no attendant). This option drops you right in the heart of the beach area.

Also for something different, continue south on the ICW about 5-6 miles. Right after you go under the second bridge, you are in Indian Rocks.

Very nice day use docks (free) on the beach side.

Several restaurants in this area.

View attachment 91408

Just north near the Indian Rocks free docks, is PJ's restaurant. Not on the water but great stop for a bite!
 
Our slip is in Clearwater so spend time in the area. If we are not cruising we eat lunch out almost every day on the Dinghy. Either Dunedin, Clearwater Beach, or Indian Rocks. Lots of dining options in the area.

Also one of my favorites is Island Way Grill. In Mandalay channel, go east on the north side of the causeway past the Aquarium. There are some docks (free) at the end by the restaurant. You can also easily walk to Publix from those docks.
 
F. Y. I.

Up dated my post above from this past Sunday.
 
That explains what we saw when we cruised by there in July. There was tape across the marina entrance and no boats in side. Thanks
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,943
Messages
1,422,708
Members
60,927
Latest member
Jaguar65
Back
Top