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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!
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.
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!)
Typically when you are preparing for a vacation to Florida, you MOST likely have it in your mind to hit one or two of Florida's top beaches, for example, Clearwater Beach in Clearwater Florida! Clearwater Beach has been on Floridas top beaches list for quite some time and we can easily tell you WHY. For instance, it's bright white sandy beach area and that clear ocean water (well... kinda).
In most of our travel blogs, we try to touch base on things to do, where to go, and so on... AND, in our Florida Travel Blogs specifically, we like to dive a little deeper and try to give you a 'locals' insight and perspective. This brings us to our most recent adventure!
Living in Orlando, we are essentially smack in the middle of Florida & get to choose between two very popular beaches to visit, Clearwater Beach (west coast FL), and Cocoa Beach (east coast FL). We have been to both beaches multiple times, and we prefer Clearwater Beach 99% of the time (weather & wind are the biggest factors).
On our most recent adventure, we not only take you out on the ocean and show you a couple unique areas near Clearwater (see our video here), but we also take you on land to Clearwater Beach (see it here), and explore with our bicycles (see some pictures), giving you a little insight on what to expect.
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There is a MULTITUDE of things to do in Clearwater & even outside of Clearwater... and this list literally could go on for dayyyyyssssss. So I'll just drop a few items that come recommended and maybe a few things that no one talks about! Oh and be sure to check Groupon for ANY of these activities... great way to save some $$$
※ See Some Wild Dolphins - There is a pretty good amount of Dolphins that hang around Clearwater and are spotted daily. Taking a boat tour or cruise is going to be the easiest and best way to see these amazing critters!
QUICK TIP: Nearly every time we go to the edge of the Pier (Pier 60), we see the dolphins... maybe you can get lucky and see them there too! Here are a few tours that come recommended:
※ Cruise On A Floating Tiki - No really... picture a tiki bar with the thatched roof and all... with a motor that will drive around the waters of Clearwater!
※ Go Fishing On The Ocean - Florida is known for some of the BEST fishing in the world and trust me, this is ALWAYS a blast to experience! There are a ton of charters to take and the prices are pretty decent! The best way (in my opinion) to get an idea of prices, what accommodations are offered, reviews, compare multiple charters at once, etc, is to look at Fishing Booker.
QUICK TIP: We are out on the water all the time and I can't stress this enough... cake on the 50+ SPF & wear an SPF shirt (the guys preference & my woman's preference), wear a hat, stay hydrated, and if you get seasick easily, make sure to take Dramamine! There is nothing worse than booking a fishing charter and end up getting seasick... Blake knows this feeling all too well (poor kid!)
※ Rent A Jet Ski In Clearwater Beach Florida- This is definitely fun... (hence why we bought jet skis... watch our latest jet ski video here 😉).
QUICK TIP: Again... I can't stress this enough... cake on the 50+ SPF & wear an SPF shirt (the guys' preference & my woman's preference), wear a hat, stay hydrated, and CONTINUE to reapply the sunscreen! The sun is INTENSE and you WILL get fried like a lobster... It only takes about 30 minutes in the sun and BAM... instant suntan and burns lol
QUICK TIP #2: Knowing what we know now (since we own jet skis), we always wear a pair of water shoes. I know... it doesn't sound 'cute' nor 'appealing' but when you are ripping around and hitting the waves, having some grip on the bottom of your feet is very necessary! Plus, if you end up getting off the ski at a sandbar or something, it's nice to have some type of 'shoe' on your feet!
※ Rent A Scooter, Mini Car, Golf Cart ... All Seriously fun and a GREAT way to see Clearwater!
※ Go Parasailing - Always a fun way to get a 'bird's eye view' of Clearwater and you might even see some dolphins from up high.
※ Go Tubing, Wakeboarding, Or Skiing - Sometimes you want something out of the ordinary when you are on vacation, and being able to do these things on the ocean is even more unique!
※ Explore Nearby Islands - You could consider some of the beaches to be on Floridas top beaches list as well! There are multiple cruises & boat tours that you can take... here are a few suggestions!
※ Casual Ocean Cruises - If you are wanting to get on the water but nothing too crazy, these are some great options.
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!
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
Whether you're interested in a Cruise, guided tour, group trip, independent international travel or just a weekend get-away, and even that bucket list adventure... we can assist you with that FOR FREE!
Click 'Lets Go!' & lets start this adventure together!
Clearwater isn't just for the adults 😉 Here's a few ideas for family friendly activities... and yes, as adults, you will still have fun!
QUICK TIP: If you look on Groupon and search the Clearwater Beach Florida area, sometimes they have discounts on some of these activities... great way to cut down on some cost! Also check their website... sometimes they will put a 'discount code' somewhere!
So this truly depends on what you are looking for... such as:
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!
Finding a spot that is Dog friendly (pretty much anywhere) can be a bit of a pain. To save you a little bit of hassle, check out the website www.bringfido.com and hopefully this can give you some options to choose from.
We personally don't have a doggo, but we have heard from MULTIPLE people that this is the best website for Dog friendly hotels!
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!
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!
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)
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!
Well... that pretty much brings me to the end of this little blog and I'll be honest, this has been the longest one yet!
As always, if you enjoyed my rambling, and you would like to hear more, be sure to sign up for our blog posts. And if you REALLY like us, we would so much appreciate you sharing this with someone else ❤
The referral of your friends & family is the greatest compliment you can give us! (Be sure to check your SPAM folder often if you don't see an email message from The Adventure Encounters in the near future!)
Thank you for your trust & Happy Adventures!
Cheers friend,
- Ashley, (Nate & Blake)
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