How To Take The Ultimate Vacation In Clearwater Beach, Florida

Consider A Break is your ultimate tutorial to the fantastic excursions to recharge, rediscover you and your associations, and reengage with the planet. We’ll deal with searching stops, great bars, dining establishments worth your cash, image opportunities, memorable drives and experiences, and other significant facts you will need right before you e-book.

Below, we chat with Lindsay Holmes, senior wellness and vacation editor at HuffPost, about why you’ll want to place Clearwater Seashore, Florida, on your bucket list.

I grew up close by, so I used a ton of time at Clearwater Beach front. In significant school, our classes would close all over 1 p.m. and we’d all beeline straight for the beach front. It felt like a trip in my individual backyard. The sand is powdery smooth, the Gulf of Mexico is a sight to behold, and there are tons of terrific places to eat and things to do nearby ― every time we’d go for an afternoon or on the weekends, I under no circumstances needed to depart.

April and May together with September or even early October are excellent. The warmth and humidity is brutal in the summer, specially in July and August, so I’d recommend keeping away from that time of 12 months. You also run the possibility of encountering afternoon thunderstorms ― in particular at the beach front ― through the summertime months.

If you’re from a point out that truly has seasons, I remarkably endorse likely when you’re in excess of the cold or not very prepared to endure chillier temperatures. The winter season months can be warm, but you also operate the hazard of it finding into the 50s. (I know, tragic.) If you are truly searching for seaside weather conditions, late spring or early drop are typically your ideal bets.

Clearwater/St. Petersburg has a modest airport, but Tampa Global Airport will most likely have the most options if you’re flying. From there, you’re only about a 40-minute generate away from the main beach front space. You can reserve a transportation like Super Shuttle or can easily get Ubers or Lyfts. Finding all of your transportation set up beforehand will make every thing as seamless as attainable.

If you are driving, be well prepared to deal with bridges and site visitors ― primarily in the additional popular travel months. There is basically a person highway that goes into the beach front and it’ll get packed speedily. There is also a huge roundabout that numerous motorists get flustered by, specially when there are a lot of autos. Persistence is key when navigating Clearwater Beach front in a motor vehicle.

There are so many accommodations correct together the beach front that are worth examining out, in particular if you want direct obtain to the h2o or a pool. Some of the most well-liked types consist of the Sandpearl Vacation resort, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Seashore and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Seaside.

In addition, there are lovable boutique accommodations, like Resort Cabana. Airbnbs are also an alternative, and you can often come across some excellent types in a brief stroll or Uber or Lyft experience.

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a have to-take a look at if you’re ever in Clearwater Seaside. It’s a ceremony of passage I really do not make the principles. It is positioned right on the water, with a huge patio that empties out onto the sand. It’s the perfect location immediately after a prolonged working day in the solar. Get the grouper sandwich and the crab fries and I guarantee you’ll in no way be the exact. My mom also enjoys their she-crab soup.

If you’re searching for something a little extra “upscale” a single evening, the Beachcomber and the Island Way Grill are reliable selections that have been about for yrs. There is also the Palm Pavilion or Crabby’s Bar and Grill if you’re wanting for something reduced-essential with a beach bar atmosphere. And for all you rooster wing enthusiasts, the city of Clearwater is also property to the initial Hooters. (There is also a spot on Clearwater Beach.)

I also have to plug a quit at the grocery retailer Publix. There’s certainly nothing at all like consuming a Pub Sub on the beach front. It’s one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Frenchy’s and the Palm Pavilion are good places if you want to seize a consume on the seaside. They have great, cost-effective frozen cocktails (if you’re from a main metropolis, your mouth will fall at the charges). My favourite are the piña coladas, which I know is extremely simple. But soon after a warm day of swimming and sunbathing, it genuinely hits the place. They also have rum runners, critical lime coladas (yet another favorite), coconut margaritas and far more.

A lot of dining places, like Frenchy’s and Palm Pavilion, frequently have are living music. I advise heading during sunset if you can get a desk. Leisure, a refreshing drink and pristine surroundings. What far more could you request for?

There are tons of community memento outlets along the seashore, which are excellent for window buying or acquiring a trinket to commemorate your vacation.

The overall beach front is ripe for shots! If you stroll north together the beach front ― further than all of the hotels ― you’ll definitely get very good pictures with out a bunch of persons in the qualifications or pushing alongside you. Pier 60 is also a good area for pictures if you want sweeping views of the Gulf (you could possibly also get a glimpse of some dolphins if you are fortunate).

I’d individually say skip the pirate-themed boats that go out in the h2o and choose for a dolphin sightseeing boat, or even go parasailing. Some persons love the pirate cruises, but most locals say they are not actually worth the price tag. If you’re a drinking water sport fan, a lot of persons actually rave about the jet ski rentals as nicely.

I come to feel so at simplicity when I’m on a wander or sitting on the north aspect of the beach front. We’d often park there for the working day when we have been in substantial faculty. I have fond memories of lounging in the sunshine with my friends, gossiping about what happened in course or who was relationship who at the time.

Every time I go again, I make positive to stroll up that way, which ends up remaining about a mile or so away from Pier 60. It promptly tends to make me come to feel like a teenager once more. It is also pleasant since it’s additional away from the touristy regions, so you get a amount of tranquil that you are not actually afforded in the much more crowded pieces.

For some very good men and women observing, I surely propose walking together the pier or in some of the a lot more populated spots. There are also other lovely seashores close by if you want to swap it up for the day. Attempt checking out Sand Vital Seashore or Caladesi Island Condition Park, which offer you one more minimal slice of heaven of the Gulf.

There are a couple of: Initially, assume to be uncovered to UV rays and system appropriately. The sunlight will get you if you are not mindful. Use sunscreen ― even if it looks cloudy throughout the summer.

You need to also anticipate afternoon thunderstorms if you are likely in the hotter months. (I individually like them, but they can be frustrating on a holiday.) Storms typically roll in all around 3 p.m. and can previous wherever from 20 minutes to more than an hour, depending on the forecast. It is useful to program any seaside times or excursions about it ― you’ll very likely get far better climate the earlier you go out.

Last but not least, familiarize by yourself with the stingray shuffle. If you check out at any time involving April and Oct, that’s generally stingray time. Shuffle your toes in the drinking water so they know you’re coming. (For what it’s worth, I’ve by no means experienced a challenge with them in my life time of likely to Clearwater Seashore. Just be conscious, really do not anxiety!)

To state the evident, a bathing accommodate and sunscreen. Some individuals favor bringing drinking water sneakers for stingray year and beach front shirts since, as stated, the sun can be pretty strong.

Do. Not. Feed. The. Seagulls. They are all over the place, and they want your foods. Feeding them just can make them much more needy (and it could be perilous for them) ― not to mention you’ll annoy all the other beachgoers close to you. Hold your snacks, subs and just about anything else to yourself. Have confidence in me.