Clearwater Beach, Florida, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is approximately two hours from Orlando. Clearwater Beach is a top destination because of it’s numerous awards as one of the best beaches in the U.S. Clearwater is known for its soft, white sand and warm, tranquil waters. Clearwater Beach is also the perfect location for spectacular sunsets. Florida visitors often want to combine a trip to Clearwater Beach from Orlando. So, I recently visited Clearwater Beach so that I could share the best tips and tricks for a post-covid visit.
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Top Clearwater Beach Insider Travel Tips
- Traffic is often congested. Take the trolley, water taxi, or other transportation if possible to avoid the traffic.
- Parking is very limited and expensive. Arrive very early or stay at a resort with reserved parking for the least hassle.
- Crowd levels are high and social distancing and masks outside are minimal.
- Beaches are wide, well maintained, and have fine, sugar soft sand. Water is warm, tranquil and often clear.
- Restaurants and bars near the beach have lots of open-air dining options, but there are very few restaurants on the beach. Clearwater is great place for seafood lovers and is known for its grouper sandwich.
- Popular activities in Clearwater Beach include visiting Clearwater Aquarium, boat tours, deep sea fishing, paddle boarding, walking along the beach and pier, watching sunsets, and of course, relaxing at the beach.
- Resorts and rentals are located close to or along the beach, but not every resort is on the beach or has a private beach. Do your homework on lodging amenities. Resort and parking fees are common expenses.
Traffic
Getting around Clearwater Beach can be a challenge. We were in Clearwater Beach on a weekend, so we expected congestion, but not to the level we experienced, especially when it was not the height of summer. Plan a half hour or more to get over the Causeway to Clearwater Beach if you are driving. The Jolley Trolley is an alternative to getting around Clearwater Beach to avoid driving and parking nightmares. Some resorts even offer guests a free Jolley Trolley pass as a resort perk. Another transportation alternative is the Clearwater Beach Ferry. The ferry is economical, but requires advanced reservations and early arrival for on-time departure.
Parking
Parking is scarce. After sitting in Clearwater Beach traffic, it is likely you will then have to hunt for public parking. Parking fees can also be high $50 or more regardless of the time of day. Arrive very early – 7-8 am or earlier – to get the best public parking. I highly recommend staying at a Clearwater Beach hotel with parking or staying at a nearby town and taking the trolley or Clearwater Beach Ferry for lower parking cost and less hassle.
Crowds
Clearwater Beach is not a quiet little beach town. It can get crowded and people often walk in traffic to cross the street. It is after all one of the most popular beach towns in the U.S. Clearwater Beach tends to have a younger crowd that brings a bit of a party vibe, so if you are not staying at a resort with a private beach, expect crowds and extra noise. If you are seeking a more tranquil beach vacation, plan a stay at Clearwater Beach resort with a private beach or visit a quieter nearby area like Sand Key or Honeymoon Island.
Beaches
Clearwater Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico and has fine, white powder sand. The surf is often calm and the water is usually warmer than the Atlantic beaches on Florida’s East Coast. Clearwater Beach is usually well maintained. The beach is also wide which allows more space for visitors to spread out, but anticipate a bit of a walk to find your spot for the day. If you are visiting Clearwater Beach without your beach gear, there are several places along the beach to rent umbrellas, lounge chairs, and wind tents starting at about $35 per day. Some more remote areas do not have may restaurants, especially if closer to Sand Key or Honeymoon Island. Bringing a cooler with food and drinks for the day is a good plan so that you don’t lose your coveted parking spot when leaving for meals.
Restaurants
Clearwater Beach has several restaurants with outdoor dining options with offerings for almost any pallet. Most restaurants are casual and cater to beach visitors, but there are also fine dining options. Most restaurants offer seafood and Clearwater Beach is known for it’s delicious grouper sandwich. Most restaurants are across the beach walk way, but there are a few options to enjoy a meal on the water. Frenchy’s is a popular Clearwater Beach restaurant on the water, but, there are several other restaurants and bars in Clearwater Beach. Seafood lovers won’t be disappointed.
Activities
Clearwater Beach offers a variety of activities and water sports. Dolphin sightseeing tours, Segway tours, adventure boat tours, fishing charters, and private boat tours are popular in Clearwater Beach. A visit to Clearwater Beach also isn’t complete without spending time at Pier 60, the home of the famous Sugar Sand Festival and the nightly sunset festival. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium – accessible by ferry if you do not want the hassle of driving – is a top local destination and a great way to spend the day. I recommend reserving aquarium tickets and parking in advance. In addition to several marine animals and activities, Clearwater Aquarium also has a great on-site restaurant (with a delicious grouper sandwich) and outdoor dining overlooking the marina.
Where to stay
Clearwater has several lodging options – resorts, condos, and retro mom and pop motels. Resorts with a private beach will offer the most tranquil experience in Clearwater Beach or Sand Key. If you are visiting Clearwater Beach for the nightlife and activities, stay closer to Pier 60. Reservations can be hard to come by last minute for holidays, festivals, and during the summer. For the best price and room choice, make reservations months in advance. Most resorts do charge a resort fee, but one of the few or only resorts that does not charge a resort fee, parking fee, and offers a free Jolley Trolley pass is the Sheraton Sand Key resort. The resort also offers a variety of promotions and discounts.
Clearwater Beach is beautiful, but plan ahead for crowds
I highly recommend visiting Clearwater Beach not only for the beautiful, tranquil Gulf Shore beaches, but food, entertainment, and the sunsets. Like anywhere else, though, it is important to plan ahead for the type of vacation that suits you. For a quiet beach getaway, plan on a resort stay with a private beach. Most activities, restaurants, and nightlife are centrally located near Pier 60. To be part of the action, reserve a stay near the heart of Clearwater Beach, but also expect to pay extra parking and resort fees.
A better way to book your Clearwater Beach vacation
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