Water temp in Clearwater will be high 60s in December and for Ft Lauderdale mid 70s. Also though I tend to like Clearwater beach better than Ft Lauderdale, clear and calm water. But if you’re planning on swimming while at the beach I’d choose Ft Lauderdale.

The Don CeSar is actually St. Pete Beach, not Clearwater. Which is a good thing--I prefer St. Pete. The beach isn't private but it's mostly surrounded by condos so it won't be as crowded as the public beach areas. Agree with PPs though, it won't be swimmable and could be a little chilly for the beach.

The water in FLL will probably be 10-15 degrees warmer than Clearwater.

Thanks to all! This is very helpful.

I used to live in Clearwater. The air temperature can be (and often is) lovely at Christmas time, but the water is not warm enough to swim.

Anonymous wrote:Much better chance of warm weather in FLL, I’d go there.

agree

Have no idea what winter weather is like, but my family enjoyed our stay at the Sandpearl this summer in Clearwater beach. Tons of delicious food options onsite and nearby, and their free shuttle will take you anywhere on the island. The ocean was glorious.

Is the water and overall weather in St. Pete noticeably colder than in FLL? I remember FLL being perfect temp in December and I'm assuming St. Pete is colder? I'm a bit wimpy about cold water and my kids definitely are more wimpy.

Much better chance of warm weather in FLL, I’d go there.

The water on the gulf side of Florida is more gentle (less surf) than the Atlantic side. The Atlantic side can be rough depending upon weather.

I think the Don Cesar is St Pete Beach.

I have not stayed at Don Cesar but have walked thru the lobby. It is a historic hotel.

I've stayed in St Pete Beach over New Years Eve. The town felt very geriatric to me and we walked for several miles and I don't remember seeing any kids. I'm 62 years old by reference. There were a lot of people with walkers in restaurants.

The restaurants were affordable and a lot had family/diner type affordable meals.

OP here-- also any places that have multi-bedroom options where we could all stay together in a suite or villa would be great. 4 adults plus 4 kids.

Anonymous wrote:Clearwater Beach is much nicer than Ft. Lauderdale.

Interesting-- can you give a little more detail? The kids and I loved the beach at Ft. Lauderdale because they felt it had the perfect mix of waves & calm water. I'm not familiar with Clearwater-- are there waves?

Clearwater Beach is much nicer than Ft. Lauderdale.

Picking a travel destination for 2 families with 4 kids between 5-9. Looking at the Diplomat and Marriott in Ft. Lauderdale, and the Don CeSar in Clearwater Beach, but would love to hear other recs although most are likely booked! Would like to have a nice/private beach (stayed at the Diplomat before and our kids really liked that the waves weren't rough), warm water (is Clearwater water warm enough to swim in in Dec?). Would prefer to have decent, not-too-expensive restaurants with breakfast options on-site. Activities for kids are a plus but the kids will just be pleased to be together I think/hope!