Day Trip to Gulf Beach

Hey all, I put this in La Cava as well but thought I’d put it out here too.

To all you FL locals or those who just really know the state well – we’re wanting to take the kids on a day-trip to the Gulf side. I was thinking Clearwater, but there is a chance we might even go on Memorial Day (the actual Monday of the weekend). Is that a bad idea? Also is there a particular area/beach that would be less crowded and crazy during that last week of May? We wouldn’t stay overnight so need access to public beach area.

Thanks and happy Saturday!