Spring Break 2009 in the area

I am starting to research for our Spring Break Trip coming mid March.

We are a family of 3 with 6 1/2 year old boy. Coming from the Dallas Area. Looking into going to Busch Garden and than some. Would be a 5 - 6 day trip. Would like to use Southwest Airlines. Renting a Car.

Need some input/suggestions:

1. Things to do or see with in driving distance? Websites?

2. Accomodations - Nice views and set up. Prefer a Kitchen and Washer/dryer in unit. Or atleast the W/D in the complex. Websites?

Areas to avoid? Areas to look into?

Thanks for any help,

Tanya

Spring Break 2009 in the area

I don%26#39;t know how I missed this post until now, my apologies.

For condos, you could check out www.vrbo.com

The best views are going to be from the Hilton or Sandpearl resort. These two are directly on the main beach, right in the heart of it all. A little further South and across the street from the beach are the more moderate priced Holiday Inn Gulfview, Econolodge, Travelodge and Red Roof Inn. Not sure about the use of a W/D in these hotels so you may need to inquire about that.

A couple places that I have heard nice things about that I think will have kitchens and WD, Barefoot Bay Resort. This is at the entrance to Clearwater Beach. It is on the bayside, but you could walk to the main beach within 7-10 minutes.

Royal North Beach, this is located at the Northern end of the beach. This area is alot quieter, less crowded and slower than mid-beach or South Beach. Still would be able to walk to a few restaurants, and the beach would also be within a 10 minute walk.

http://www.captmemo.com/

http://www.seascreamer.com/

http://www.realthriller.com/

http://www.dolphinencounter.org/

http://www.cmaquarium.org/

http://www.sunsetsatpier60.com/

http://www.palmpavilion.com/

http://www.johnspass.com/

http://www.frenchysonline.com/

http://www.cooters.com/

clearwater-beach-hotels.beachdirectory.com/