Clearwater Beach Florida
Recognized as one of Florida's top beaches by multiple travel industries, Clearwater Beach Florida is a great place to check out... BUT... I'll warn you, it can also be known to be extremely busy and crowded, making it not as appealing to some.Since we visit Clearwater Beach often, we have a few 'local' tips below!
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Photos Of Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach Florida Travel Blog
Clearwater Beach Florida Travel Blog
Just like any other human being, we like to actually see the location that we are traveling to, and we assume you are the same way.
Clearwater Beach Florida Travel Blog
Clearwater Beach Florida Travel Blog
Clearwater Beach Florida Travel Blog
CLEARWATER BEACH YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Clearwater Beach Florida Travel Blog
CLEARWATER BEACH YOUTUBE VIDEOS
If you truly want to be 'a part' of our adventures and get a true, first hand experience, definitely check out our YouTube videos in Clearwater (and a TON more Florida!)
Where To Stay In Clearwater With Direct Beach Access
All too often, when you will be traveling to a location that has a beach, you find a lot of the resorts/ hotels will show the beach.... but not actually be on the beach. Here's a few locations that actually sit directly on the beach!
- Continental Towers (VRBO)
- Winter The Dolphins Beach Club
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Gulfview Hotel On The Beach
- Shephard's Beach Resort
- Opal Sands Resort
- Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
- Mandalay Beach Club Condos (VRBO)
- Residences At Sandpearl (VRBO)
- Sandpearl Resort
- Regatta Beach Club (VRBO)
QUICK TIP: There are MULTIPLE privately owned homes in Clearwater Beach Florida, so be sure to check VRBO, AirBnb etc. Sometimes these are a much better price for the amenities and space that you're getting... AND you are supporting the locals 😉
QUICK TIP #2: The first few resorts/hotels listed, have private beaches and trust us... this is a HUGE plus, especially if you don't want to be in a massive crowd ALL DAY
Which Part Of Clearwater Beach Is the Best
So this truly depends on what you are looking for... such as:
- Little to no crowds: The further North you go, you will find little to no crowds... but this also means you are further away from your basic amenities (bathroom, food, drinks, etc)
- Nearby bathrooms: Generally these are near public parking lots (which is normally a very busy place) and closer to the southern part of Clearwater Beach
- Dog friendly: Sadly dogs are not allowed on the beach of Clearwater, but you can have them everywhere else, as long as they are on a leash. If you have a car, there is a dog park located at Sand Key Park (south of Clearwater), or you can take them to Honeymoon Island onto Dog Beach (north of Clearwater). By the way... Honeymoon Island and Dog Beach are where the locals go and we promise, you won't be disappointed!
- Nearby shops/ restaurants: The further South on Clearwater Beach, the more shops & restaurants!
QUICK TIP: If you are looking for the 'clearest water', the weather has to be pretty much perfect. Little to no wind is the biggest factor! If you can find an area (Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, or the southern tip of Clearwater) where there is a bit of a 'cove' area, this is where you will get the clearest water
QUICK TIP #2: If you are going to Honeymoon Island, it's surrounded by mangroves and other shrubs.... and in Florida, shrubs = lots of hungry bugs that like to eat you for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Be sure to bring some bug spray!
Where To Eat In Clearwater
Nothing speaks more clearly to us than FOOD (currently picturing Fat Bastard saying 'Get In My Belly')... especially while visiting a new destination! Here's just a few suggestions from us, some other locals and other visitors!
- Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
- Bob Heilman's Beachcomber
- Cesare At the Beach
- Island Way Grill
- Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
- Jimmy Hula's Clearwater Beach
- Another Broken Egg Cafe
- Forlini's Restaurant
- Marina Cantina
- Blinkers Beachside Steakhouse and Lounge
- Clear Sky Cafe
QUICK TIP: If you look on Groupon and search the Clearwater area, sometimes they have discounts on meals and/or merchandise at multiple restaurants... great way to cut down on some cost!
QUICK TIP #2: There are some great food options in Downtown Clearwater, don't forget to take a look there too!
Nearby Beach's To Clearwater
If you are renting a car or some set of wheels, here are a few nearby beaches to Clearwater that we encourage you to check out! (As a local, I would consider a couple of these to be on Floridas top beaches list too)
- Honeymoon Island & Dog Beach
- Sunset Beach
- Maderia Beach
- Anna Maria Island
- Cortez Beach
- Siesta Key Beach
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Egmont Key (must take a ferry, but SOOOO worth it)
- Anclote Key (must take a ferry or other water vessel, also WORTH it)
QUICK TIP: If you want to get a quick look before driving to these locations, check these locations on Google Maps or Google Earth (best on a computer) to get a little bit better idea of what you can expect
QUICK TIP #2: Some of these locations are state parks and will cost a couple of dollars to gain access... but trust us...THEY ARE WORTH THE FEW DOLLARS!
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