re: Things to do in Tampa/St.Pete/Clearwater for the 4th of July weekend

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Don't go to clearwater beach, stick to the smaller local beaches to the south. Pass-a-grill it good balance...Indian Rocks and Shores good too, get there early and find one of the small parking lots that fit 10-15 cars and you will have the beach to yourself. Rent a kayak at Ft. Desoto and go through the mangroves. Also, boat out to Caladese island from Honey moon island (think 8 bucks a person) is a fun. Killer beach and since it is boat access only. Safety Harbor puts on a good small town fireworks display and is a fun downtown to walk around in for July 4th. Food wise crappy joes blows...don't go there. Guppies is good on the beach, ditto for a bunch around Belair Beach. Marlin Darling and E&E Steakhouse are good and just off the beach. Dunedin also a fun downtown to hit-up one night. Casatina is a great Mexican place there.

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This is all very good info.

However, I prefer Clearwater Beach to Indian Rocks/Indian Shores. It is much more crowded, but the sand is much nicer.

For beach outings though, you really should make the drive to Caladesi/Honeymoon Island, and/or Ft Desoto. Both areas are about a half hour's drive from Sand Key. These have both been recognized as the best beaches in America (outside Hawaii), at various times, and for good reason.

I like Busch Gardens, but I'm a sucker for roller coasters.