LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT WINTER GETAWAY?
It’s no secret that I’m a beach gal – put me anywhere near the ocean and I’ll be in a great mood. But there’s something special about Clearwater Beach that brings me back to visit time and time again. Known for its pillowy, soft, white sand, fabulous sunshine, lively beach bars, and get this – dolphin sightings, Clearwater Beach is a must visit destination for singles and families alike. Located only 40 minutes from Tampa, it’s perfectly located for an easy day trip or long weekend on the water.
This past week, Tim had a work trip in Tampa so I decided to escape from the Chicago cold and join him in sunny Florida. Desperate for the ocean, we rented a car and spent a full day in Clearwater Beach simply enjoying ourselves.
CLEARWATER BEACH TRAVEL GUIDE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOAKING UP PARADISE:
- Grab your swimsuit and hit the beach! This one is pretty obvious, but Clearwater Beach is truly one of the best beaches I’ve been to in the United States – it was even ranked #1 on America’s Top 25 Beaches by Tripadvisor! Go for a walk along the sparkling turquoise water and hunt for gorgeous seashells scattered on the shore.
- Note: I like to set up my beach chairs south of Pier 60 given the proximity to bars/restaurants in this guide, but this is just a personal preference.
- Lunch: Once you work up an appetite, grab lunch at one of the many beach restaurants along Gulfview Road ⇢ One of my favorites is Crabby’s Bar & Grill for the local fish tacos, tropical drinks, and live music. You also can’t go wrong with Badfins or Frenchy’s South Beach.
- Look for dolphins and watch the sunset at Pier 60! There’s a nightly sunset celebration here featuring artists and street performers. The festival operates year-round from two hours before until two hours after sunset – check here for more details.
- If you’re looking to get out on the Gulf, there’s a number of boat companies in the area that offer dolphin excursions or sunset cruises.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK:
- Dinner: My absolute favorite spot for dinner with a view in Clearwater Beach is at Sandbar! Located at the Opal Sands Resort, this tiki bar/restaurant serves up delicious food and drinks with a gorgeous backdrop ⇢ Everything I’ve had here is delicious but I highly recommend the Killer Colada, Gulf Breeze Salad, and Island Crab BLT.
- Accommodation: If you’re looking for a great place to stay, look no further than the Opal Sands Resort! While Tim and I didn’t stay overnight on this trip, I’ve been fortunate enough to stay here before. With an ocean view from every room, this resort wraps you in a feeling of pure bliss! Opal Sands was even voted one of the world’s best 500 properties by Travel + Leisure!
Life’s too short so let’s go somewhere! Clearwater Beach is a spectacular winter destination if you’re looking for an easy getaway with friends or family. Everything you could ever want is within walking distance of each other – restaurants, shops, and of course the beautiful Gulf of Mexico!
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