Guidebook for Clearwater
Sightseeing
Clearwater Beach is a TOP beach so you have to go early. In all of the years we have gone to the beach we always get there by 9am and leave by 1pm to enjoy the beach without the hottest sun and also less traffic and almost no parking issues. The hottest part of the day is about 1pm-4pm. Here is the website - http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/clearwater-beach.html
Here are some CW beach and eating tips for your visit:
My family likes to go to the beach at 8am on weekend to beat crowds and I love Clearwater Beach. If you go during the week on a non-holiday week.
You have 2 main options at Clearwater Beach:
Pier 60 has a public park with swings and slides and bathrooms. At Pier 60 there are inflatable slides and other paid for activities.
When I have gone I go at 8 AM and it doesn’t get busy until about 1030. When I go to Clearwater Beach I park in a parking structure near Frenchy’s by the sand pearl hotel, sometimes we eat breakfast at the breakfast place there around 8 o’clock and then we get to the beach around nine or 930 and it doesn’t get busy until about noon. I will send you a message with addresses for the parking lot and the breakfast place if you’re interested. There is also a place called honeymoon Island that is a little further drive probably about 25 minutes but it’s beautiful and there’s almost no one there until noon
For smaller kids and teens it is super fun to go on the inflatable slides and little park at Pier 60 of Clearwater Beach, during the week it's not that busy. You pay extra for the inflatable slides. On the weekend you have to go early to beat the crowds. At Pier 60 there are also vendors selling jewelry, hats, bags, etc. Going to Pier 60 parking is outside in an open parking lot, its not a lot of parking so go early. If you prefer a quieter place with several better food options I would say go to the quite side of CW Beach, park at 490 Poinsettia Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767. https://northbeachparkingplaza.com (It is very hot in Florida so I like inside parking because you need a break from the heat when you finish at the beach.)
If you go in the AM you can eat breakfast at The Broken Egg Cafe or ClearSky (We prefer Broken Egg). After the beach we eat lunch at Frenchy's or Clear Sky. Gelato right there in the strip mall that Clear Sky is in (490 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767). There is ice cream on the same side as the parking garage but it isn't anything special if you ask me.
We also like these casual restaurants nearby: Bait House (super casual but amazing food) 45 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, it is tricky to get to because of the turnabout so don't go if you are starving and in a hurry, plan ahead for this fresh seafood experience (all locals love this place), best to go on a weeknight Tues-Thurs. They are closed Monday and only open from 12-9. If you are hungry after the beach and want something on the way to the parking lot that is salty and tasty this place is awesome (love their fish tacos) French's Original Cafe,l super causal hole in the wall, great fried seafood and reasonable prices, I don't drink but their beers are inexpensive compared to anywhere else in CW - 41 Baymont St, Clearwater, FL 33767.
P.S. Unless you like junk food, I would avoid Joe's Crab Shack, which you will see it on your drive in to Clearwater from the airport. It's trash food, over fried and double breaded and DOUBLE the price of any good place. But if you are hungry when you arrive about 10 mins from my house is Mr and Mrs Crab, not near the beach but seriously amazing place to eat. Locals secret for sure. The plates are paper and utensils are plastic. I would not bother with crab legs (way too much work), the shrimp and scallops are amazing, delicate and not overcooked. 23886 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33765
1870 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Clearwater Beach
Gulf of Mexico DriveClearwater Beach is a TOP beach so you have to go early. In all of the years we have gone to the beach we always get there by 9am and leave by 1pm to enjoy the beach without the hottest sun and also less traffic and almost no parking issues. The hottest part of the day is about 1pm-4pm. Here is the website - http://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/clearwater-beach.html
Here are some CW beach and eating tips for your visit:
My family likes to go to the beach at 8am on weekend to beat crowds and I love Clearwater Beach. If you go during the week on a non-holiday week.
You have 2 main options at Clearwater Beach:
Pier 60 has a public park with swings and slides and bathrooms. At Pier 60 there are inflatable slides and other paid for activities.
When I have gone I go at 8 AM and it doesn’t get busy until about 1030. When I go to Clearwater Beach I park in a parking structure near Frenchy’s by the sand pearl hotel, sometimes we eat breakfast at the breakfast place there around 8 o’clock and then we get to the beach around nine or 930 and it doesn’t get busy until about noon. I will send you a message with addresses for the parking lot and the breakfast place if you’re interested. There is also a place called honeymoon Island that is a little further drive probably about 25 minutes but it’s beautiful and there’s almost no one there until noon
For smaller kids and teens it is super fun to go on the inflatable slides and little park at Pier 60 of Clearwater Beach, during the week it's not that busy. You pay extra for the inflatable slides. On the weekend you have to go early to beat the crowds. At Pier 60 there are also vendors selling jewelry, hats, bags, etc. Going to Pier 60 parking is outside in an open parking lot, its not a lot of parking so go early. If you prefer a quieter place with several better food options I would say go to the quite side of CW Beach, park at 490 Poinsettia Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767. https://northbeachparkingplaza.com (It is very hot in Florida so I like inside parking because you need a break from the heat when you finish at the beach.)
If you go in the AM you can eat breakfast at The Broken Egg Cafe or ClearSky (We prefer Broken Egg). After the beach we eat lunch at Frenchy's or Clear Sky. Gelato right there in the strip mall that Clear Sky is in (490 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, FL 33767). There is ice cream on the same side as the parking garage but it isn't anything special if you ask me.
We also like these casual restaurants nearby: Bait House (super casual but amazing food) 45 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, it is tricky to get to because of the turnabout so don't go if you are starving and in a hurry, plan ahead for this fresh seafood experience (all locals love this place), best to go on a weeknight Tues-Thurs. They are closed Monday and only open from 12-9. If you are hungry after the beach and want something on the way to the parking lot that is salty and tasty this place is awesome (love their fish tacos) French's Original Cafe,l super causal hole in the wall, great fried seafood and reasonable prices, I don't drink but their beers are inexpensive compared to anywhere else in CW - 41 Baymont St, Clearwater, FL 33767.
P.S. Unless you like junk food, I would avoid Joe's Crab Shack, which you will see it on your drive in to Clearwater from the airport. It's trash food, over fried and double breaded and DOUBLE the price of any good place. But if you are hungry when you arrive about 10 mins from my house is Mr and Mrs Crab, not near the beach but seriously amazing place to eat. Locals secret for sure. The plates are paper and utensils are plastic. I would not bother with crab legs (way too much work), the shrimp and scallops are amazing, delicate and not overcooked. 23886 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33765
Parks & Nature
You can walk from my house - 2 blocks. There are walking trails, biking trails, a play area for kids, a lake to feed the ducks and see turtle families and other wildlife. There are also designated fishing areas.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque del Lago Eagle
1800 Keene RdYou can walk from my house - 2 blocks. There are walking trails, biking trails, a play area for kids, a lake to feed the ducks and see turtle families and other wildlife. There are also designated fishing areas.
Nice change of venue from the usual beach scene. You have the walking paths and nature as well as the beach. It is not the soft white sand of Clearwater Beach but there are nice bathrooms and snacks for kids and lots of natural animals and creatures to see. More sea shells and things to gather. It is a State Park.
Definitely a place to bring water shoes because the sand is rockier than other beaches.
459 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque Estatal de la Isla de Luna de Miel
1 Causeway BlvdNice change of venue from the usual beach scene. You have the walking paths and nature as well as the beach. It is not the soft white sand of Clearwater Beach but there are nice bathrooms and snacks for kids and lots of natural animals and creatures to see. More sea shells and things to gather. It is a State Park.
Definitely a place to bring water shoes because the sand is rockier than other beaches.
Food Scene
Great place for food, baked goods, french treats, brunch and all kinds of crepes! It's a Cafe, Coffee Shop and Restaurant all in one!
8 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Flying with Jerome
1469 S Belcher RdGreat place for food, baked goods, french treats, brunch and all kinds of crepes! It's a Cafe, Coffee Shop and Restaurant all in one!
On the actual beach there is an outdoor cafe attached to the Sandpearl that has good food, drinks & beers but better yet you are looking right at the beach. Inside the resort there is a very high end amazing dining experience.
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sandpearl Resort
500 Mandalay AveOn the actual beach there is an outdoor cafe attached to the Sandpearl that has good food, drinks & beers but better yet you are looking right at the beach. Inside the resort there is a very high end amazing dining experience.
Incredible Cuban cuisine. Highly rated and for good reason! Delicious flavorful food!
90 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Columbia
1241 Gulf BlvdIncredible Cuban cuisine. Highly rated and for good reason! Delicious flavorful food!
Sunday Brunch is famous here and very fresh! Family treat for all!
123 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Island Way Grill
20 Island WaySunday Brunch is famous here and very fresh! Family treat for all!
This is a great local place for Grouper sandwiches, tacos & bar type foods but tasty. Kids love it and the wallet won't hate you. Locals love this place.
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Frenchy's Original Cafe
41 Baymont StThis is a great local place for Grouper sandwiches, tacos & bar type foods but tasty. Kids love it and the wallet won't hate you. Locals love this place.
Great Divey food scene. Fresh seafood, fast and always tasty.
30 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bait House
45 Causeway BlvdGreat Divey food scene. Fresh seafood, fast and always tasty.
Go early to beat the crowd - Good for breakfast, Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict and Omelets.
60 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Clear Sky Cafe
490 Mandalay AveGo early to beat the crowd - Good for breakfast, Pancakes, French Toast, Eggs Benedict and Omelets.
High-end fine dining, this is a great place for a romantic dinner, it is pricey but often worth it.
34 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber
447 Mandalay AveHigh-end fine dining, this is a great place for a romantic dinner, it is pricey but often worth it.
People love this place for food and drinks. Divey but lively. Most people like the outdoor seating.
66 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rumba Island Bar & Grill
1800 Gulf to Bay BlvdPeople love this place for food and drinks. Divey but lively. Most people like the outdoor seating.
If you are hungry after the beach and want something on the way to the parking lot that is salty and tasty this place is awesome (love their fish tacos) French's Original Cafe, super causal hole in the wall, great fried seafood and reasonable prices, I don't drink but their beers are inexpensive compared to anywhere else in CW - 41 Baymont St, Clearwater, FL 33767.
33 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Frenchy's Original Cafe
41 Baymont StIf you are hungry after the beach and want something on the way to the parking lot that is salty and tasty this place is awesome (love their fish tacos) French's Original Cafe, super causal hole in the wall, great fried seafood and reasonable prices, I don't drink but their beers are inexpensive compared to anywhere else in CW - 41 Baymont St, Clearwater, FL 33767.
Essentials
Fresh Produce! Lovely small store owned by a nice Romanian family - they have great strawberries, watermelon, farm eggs, fresh squeezed OJ, dairy and all sorts of European goodies.
8 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
John's Fresh Produce Market
1496 S Belcher RdFresh Produce! Lovely small store owned by a nice Romanian family - they have great strawberries, watermelon, farm eggs, fresh squeezed OJ, dairy and all sorts of European goodies.
This Walmart is the closest and is open 24/7.
83 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Walmart Supercenter
23106 US Hwy 19 NThis Walmart is the closest and is open 24/7.
Entertainment & Activities
This is not a newer theatre but they have new reclining chairs which we love.
19 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Regal Largo Mall
10500 Ulmerton RdThis is not a newer theatre but they have new reclining chairs which we love.
If you are up for a real special treat, you can charter a private boat for 6 to go deep sea fishing. My brother-in-law and his family did this a few times and they said they had the time of their lives catching 40lbs of fish, Snappers, Groupers as well as King Mackerels. The captain takes you out on his boat, and he will fillet the fish that you catch to take home at the end. A private charter boat needs to be booked ahead of time, so if you are interested in that, I have listed the details from my brother-in-law on who he used, so you can contact the captain directly for more info.
http://www.doublehookfishing.com/
Captain Mike Colby
Double Hook Charter Boat
(727) 461-4533
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Queen Fleet Deep Sea Fishing
25 Causeway BlvdIf you are up for a real special treat, you can charter a private boat for 6 to go deep sea fishing. My brother-in-law and his family did this a few times and they said they had the time of their lives catching 40lbs of fish, Snappers, Groupers as well as King Mackerels. The captain takes you out on his boat, and he will fillet the fish that you catch to take home at the end. A private charter boat needs to be booked ahead of time, so if you are interested in that, I have listed the details from my brother-in-law on who he used, so you can contact the captain directly for more info.
http://www.doublehookfishing.com/
Captain Mike Colby
Double Hook Charter Boat
(727) 461-4533
We love Busch, but you need to be up for walking. Don't wear flip flops or sandles, this is a sneaker trip. If you enjoy rides, activities, fun for kids ages 1-21 this is the place for you! They have zoo animals, a safari train ride & coasters. We usually get a 3 day pass and go to both Busch Gardens & Adventure Island for a little more than the cost of 1 day at Busch Gardens. I recommend if you are going with kids to get there early, there is "stroller parking" for parents with little kids at the front of the park. YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR STROLLER PARKING. If you get in when they open you will miss the larger crowds, get better parking & you miss the later sun, depending on when you leave.
2168 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley DrWe love Busch, but you need to be up for walking. Don't wear flip flops or sandles, this is a sneaker trip. If you enjoy rides, activities, fun for kids ages 1-21 this is the place for you! They have zoo animals, a safari train ride & coasters. We usually get a 3 day pass and go to both Busch Gardens & Adventure Island for a little more than the cost of 1 day at Busch Gardens. I recommend if you are going with kids to get there early, there is "stroller parking" for parents with little kids at the front of the park. YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR STROLLER PARKING. If you get in when they open you will miss the larger crowds, get better parking & you miss the later sun, depending on when you leave.
Shopping
Ross Dress for Less
1401 Missouri Ave NThis is 5 mins away and is next door to TJ Maxx. The prices cannot be beat.
Drinks & Nightlife
Locals and Tourists love this spot for bar food, drinks and a good time. It is literally on the beach, if you walk outside you are on the sand.
104 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
10 Bay EsplanadeLocals and Tourists love this spot for bar food, drinks and a good time. It is literally on the beach, if you walk outside you are on the sand.
Brews & a varied menu of pub grub favorites in a casual yet classy sports bar with a relaxed setup.
38 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Brown Boxer
483 Mandalay AveBrews & a varied menu of pub grub favorites in a casual yet classy sports bar with a relaxed setup.
Locals love this place for all you can eat seafood! It's casual and popular.
26 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cooters Restaurant & Bar
423 Poinsettia AveLocals love this place for all you can eat seafood! It's casual and popular.