The Perfect Vacation to Clearwater Beach, voted #1 beach in the US!
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Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a little slice of paradise along Florida’s Gulf Coast where you can have the ultimate beach vacation. Step onto the powdery white sand, clear waters, endless sunshine and the best sunsets. This iconic location draws in a lot of visitors each year, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists from all over the world.
You will get to stroll along the beach while soaking in the sun and building sandcastles. Make time to enjoy one of the many water sport activities, from calm tiki boat tours to thrill seeking boat tours. Clearwater Beach comes alive both day and night with its live entertainment on Pier 60 daily to nightly music at the local bars. You can also make a trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see the rescued sea animals. You can definitely find Clearwater Beach to be a place to relax, play and satisfy your desired tastes for good food.
We have been to this beach multiple times and have enjoyed it each time. This area is touristy and usually pretty crowded, but it definitely needs to be on your list of places to visit in Florida.
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Parking at Clearwater Beach
Parking at Clearwater beach: There is a fee to park at Clearwater Beach. The ParkMobile app I find helpful in finding parking spots throughout Florida. Within this app I find the code posted at each parking lot (signs will be posted with lot number) and pay for parking directly through the app on my phone. The app will notify me when my time is almost up and I can choose to leave or add more time. They have a newer feature which I love that will also help you find your car when you are ready to leave. There have been a few times I couldn’t remember where we parked so this feature is super helpful. There are still machines at each parking lot if you prefer to pay that way with your credit card.
SpringHill Suites Clearwater
We chose to stay at SpringHill Suites Clearwater during our stay in Clearwater. Our stay at this hotel was as good as expected. We paid $116 a night and we stayed for 2 nights (2020 prices). I chose this hotel due to the close proximity to the beach. This hotel is not right on the beach, but is across the street from the beach.
Parking at the hotel $31 a day. They do not have parking for oversized vehicles.
Amenities: Free coffee and tea, free wifi, restaurant, fitness center, free hot breakfast (served from 6:30 to 10am daily), outdoor pool, laundry
Pets: welcome with a $125 non-refundable fee. 2 pets up to 50 pounds.
Starbucks: located right next to the hotel. Surf Style located across the street.
We were within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and shopping so we did not use our car while we were there. The rooms were clean, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the rooms were easy to find. The only thing we did not like about this hotel was the grab and go breakfast. It consisted of cereal, milk, and orange juice. Yuck!! This was due to COVID at the time. They now have their hot buffet back for breakfast.
Book your Clearwater stay at booking.com or VRBO.
This is the back of the hotel that faces the bay.
We had a balcony room and could see Clearwater Bay and a tiny glimpse of the ocean. There were chairs to be able to sit and enjoy the city view.
Clearwater Bay. View from the pool.
Bathroom, smaller but clean.
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Main lobby where you would typically eat breakfast and look out into the pool area.
Pool overlooking Clearwater Bay. The water was rather cool at night when we took time to swim in it. Look how beautiful it is overlooking the bay though.
Enjoy this fast-paced speed boat on the Gulf of Mexico. Transportation included from Orlando, Florida. Prices start at $119
Where to eat in Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach offers an array of restaurants that will satisfy any tastebud. This popular destination provides a wide range of dining options from casual beachside cafes, seafood restaurants, casual burger and pizza dining spots, upscale dining experiences and bars with plenty of nightlife and entertainment. You can walk to the many restaurants from the hotel.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on the Beach has become one of our favorite restaurants in Clearwater. We love this restaurant and the atmosphere it provides us while we eat on the beach. We have eaten at Frenchy’s several times and always bring our friends here when they visit. The food is always great, staff is friendly, and you can eat inside or outside right on the beach. This is a 20-minute walk from the hotel.
Address: 7 Rockaway Street
Hours: 11am to 10pm daily. Due to the popularity of this restaurant, there is always a long wait to eat here so be prepared. You can enjoy sitting outside in the sand with the ocean view while you wait for your table. They will text you when your table is ready. (2024 hours)
Food: fresh seafood, salads, soups, kids’ menu, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, ribs, and more.
The food is always good at Frenchy’s. Below are some samples of the food we ate while there. From cheeseburgers, ribs and steak and shrimp. It is all very good!!!
Starbucks at the hotel
The next day we took our time waking up (why wake up early for cereal)! We headed to Starbucks before we went to eat and then do a little shopping. I have been to several Starbucks and have always encountered friendly staff, but at this one, the staff was not friendly at all. First time experiencing that at a Starbucks. When they called my name for our drinks, she said the wrong name and then didn’t apologize when I confirmed if those were my drinks. Hopefully it was just a bad day for them, and you don’t have that same experience.
Crabby’s Bar & Grill
We stopped at Crabby’s Bar & Grill. This restaurant offers fresh seafood, indoor and outdoor seating, and beautiful beach views. The food is always fresh and good. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at this restaurant. Our bill was around $70 for 5 meals and water only to drink.
Address: 333 Gulfview Blvd
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 8am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 8am to 12am.
Food: appetizers, oysters, salad, sandwiches, fish, tacos, pasta, kids menu, full bar and so much more.
Marina Cantina Tequila Bar and Grill
You will definitely want to check out the Marina Cantina. This is the first time we had eaten there, and I am so happy we did. We were able to sit on the top deck that overlooks the Bay which had an amazing view. It was a beautiful night and although the weather was cool, they had fire pits going which were helpful to keep us warm. This restaurant has a Mexican fusion and includes the freshest seafood. The food was so good and our bill for 6 people was around $70-80. (I wish I would have taken pictures to show you the food, sorry). This is a 9-minute walk from the hotel.
Check out their weekday specials, hand crafted alcoholic drinks, and brunch.
Address: 25 Causeway Blvd
Hours: Monday to Thursday 4pm to 10pm, Friday 4pm to 11pm, Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday 11am to 10pm Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 11am to 3pm.
Food: Salads, appetizers, tacos, quesadillas, seafood, kids’ menu, desserts, and daily specials.
Instagram @marina.cantina
Marina Cantina roof top deck
View from deck at Marina Cantina
Look how nice and cozy this looks. The fire pits helped keep us warm while we were there.
The Mint Fox Cookies and Ice Cream
Don’t forget to top off your night with some ice cream at The Mint Fox Cookies and Ice Cream. Their homemade cookie dough is made fresh daily and can be served with ice cream on top for an excellent cookie sundae. They have some of the best ice cream and their service is always phenomenal. The staff is always personable and friendly and eager to help you pick a flavor. I have never had a bad interaction at The Mint Fox.
Address: 483 Mandalay Ave, #114
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 4pm to 9pm, Wednesday to Saturday 2pm to 10pm, Sunday 4pm to 9pm. (2024 hours)
Instagram @the.mint.fox
Pier 60
Pier 60 is an iconic place to take a picture in Clearwater. This area has a shaded playground for younger kids and restrooms are available. There are street performers, artists and craftspeople on the pier nightly from 2 hours before sunset and 2 hours past sunset for you to enjoy.
Fishing Pier
This leads you to the 1,080-foot pier where you can view the surrounding area with telescopes and do some fishing. On the pier there is a bait house for your fishing needs to include bait, drinks and souvenirs. There are staff there to help you with your fishing needs. You can walk the pier for free until you reach the bait house and then there are fees to enter beyond that point.
Cost: 2024 prices
Walk-on admission $1
Rod rental $10
frozen bait $5
Daily fishing fee
$10 adults
$8 seniors
$7 age 15 and younger
weekly, monthly and yearly passes are available
Address: 370 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater
Tours are available within Clearwater, and most are family friendly
Sail out with this tour towards Compass Island and keep your eyes peeled for the playful dolphins while your captain provides commentary about your surroundings. Then, once you reach the island, jump in the water to search for marine life, collect shells, or simply enjoy the water.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater beach is rated the #1 beach in the US. Once you step onto this beach you will understand why. The sand is so soft and always clean. The atmosphere is always relaxing despite the amount of people that might be on the beach. The weather is typically warmer in this area, and you will definitely need sunscreen. We typically spend several hours on the beach while the kids enjoy time in the water and playing in the sand. Despite the crowds, there is plenty of room to set up beach chairs and enjoy the warmer weather. The beach is open 24 hours, but the Pier, park and restrooms are only open from 6am to 9pm daily.
Beach chairs and cabanas
You can rent beach chairs and cabanas at this location. These are on a first come, first served basis. Chose the umbrella and chair that you want, and an attendant will come over to you for purchase. No refunds will be given due to change in weather. No cash accepted, credit card, apple and google pay only.
Cost before 3pm:
beach umbrella with 2 chairs $35
deluxe cabana with 2 chairs $45
luxury bed with deluxe cabana $80
additional chair $10
Cost after 3pm:
beach umbrella with 2 chairs $20
deluxe cabana with 2 chairs $25
luxury bed with deluxe cabana $40
additional chair $10
I love this picture! So nostalgic!
Enjoy your favorite booze on the floating tiki bar. Bring your favorite snacks, drinks and music and enjoy a day floating on the ocean waters. Prices start at $59.95
Clearwater Beach Sunsets
The sunsets at Clearwater beach are the absolute best! You have to make a point to stay for a sunset on the beach. You will not be disappointed!
Shopping at Clearwater
There are so many shops to visit while in Clearwater. Shops include Ron Jon Surf Shop, Surf Style, to multiple other clothing stores, beach wear, food and sweets, and more. Take time to browse the shops and buy a few souvenirs.
Head to Surf Style to pick up a few Clearwater Beach souvenirs, the song inside the store is catchy and I guarantee you will be singing it when you leave. This is the place to pick up all your souvenirs from t-shirts, beach toys, sunscreen, mugs, glassware, sunglasses, and more. Address: 315 South Gulfview Blvd. Hours: 9am to 10pm daily.
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Clearwater Beach is a nice and relaxing place to spend a beach vacation in Florida. Experience sun-soaked days, swimming in the refreshing Gulf waters, indulge in multiple dining options, or shop for the perfect souvenir or new beach outfit. Take time to eat at some great restaurants and stay for a spectacular sunset. Clearwater beach has something fun for everyone, enjoy a morning walk on the beach, experience an unforgettable water sport activity, or dance to the nightlife.
Getting to Clearwater earlier in the morning will limit the amount of people there and you are more likely to find a better parking spot. So, grab your bags and sunscreen and make plans to visit Clearwater Beach this year!
Let me know in the comments what your favorite restaurant is in Clearwater.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US.
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