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Clearwater Beach – One of the Top 10 Beaches in Florida
What do you think about when you are planning your summer vacation? I am betting that the beach crosses your mind in your plans. Do you add a beach trip? Or do you go somewhere else? For me and my family, we like to go to the beach. Â
Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Clearwater Beach stands as a testament to the state’s reputation for stunning shorelines. Renowned as one of the top 10 beaches in America, Clearwater Beach captivates visitors with its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant atmosphere. Offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and a relaxed ambiance, this beachfront gem has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you seek sun-drenched relaxation, thrilling water sports, or family-friendly adventures, Clearwater Beach exceeds expectations and creates unforgettable experiences.
Florida is one of my family’s favorite vacation spots. Besides Disney, the beaches of Florida are my favorite places to get away from it all. To me, Clearwater is the best beach to visit. Why do I say that? There are a lot of reasons.
Natural Beauty
Clearwater Beach boasts a captivating natural beauty that immediately draws visitors in. Its hallmark feature is the soft, powdery white sand that stretches for miles, inviting barefoot strolls along the shore. This fine sand, composed of quartz crystals, remains cool underfoot even on the hottest days, enhancing the beachgoer’s comfort. The beach’s sparkling turquoise waters are renowned for their exceptional clarity, allowing visitors to spot colorful fish and even playful dolphins swimming nearby.
Beyond the shoreline, Clearwater Beach is flanked by breathtaking natural landscapes. Caladesi Island State Park, located just a short ferry ride away, offers a secluded paradise for those seeking a more tranquil beach experience. Here, visitors can explore nature trails, kayak through mangrove forests, and bask in the unspoiled beauty of the island’s beaches. Sand Key Park, another nearby gem, features dunes and coastal vegetation that attract numerous bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Sun, Sea, and Activities
Clearwater Beach is synonymous with sunshine and outdoor activities. The area enjoys a year-round tropical climate, providing endless opportunities for sun-seekers to soak up the rays. The beach’s gentle slope and calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, and designated areas for surfing and paddleboarding cater to more adventurous visitors.
Thrill-seekers will find an array of exhilarating water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and deep-sea fishing. Clearwater’s Pier 60 is a bustling hub of activity, featuring a fishing pier, recreational areas, and vibrant nightly sunset celebrations that showcase the area’s stunning sunsets. Even the little ones can enjoy a park just for them with various inflatables to play on. And a FUN giant gerbil ball.
For nature enthusiasts, Clearwater Beach offers eco-tours, dolphin-watching cruises, and even the chance to encounter the graceful giants of the sea on a thrilling whale-watching excursion. These experiences allow visitors to get up close and personal with marine life, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Family Friendly Attractions
Clearwater Beach is a haven for families, with a host of attractions catering to children of all ages. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, famous for being the home of Winter the Dolphin, provides an educational and interactive experience, allowing visitors to learn about marine life conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Pirate-themed cruises and boat tours offer swashbuckling adventures, complete with treasure hunts and pirate shows, guaranteeing endless fun for the little ones. Clearwater Beach also boasts miniature golf courses, water parks, and a variety of beachside playgrounds, ensuring that families can create cherished memories together.
Good Food!
You know me – I LOVE food! And I have found some of the BEST restaurants in Clearwater. The nice thing is that you can walk to many of the places and if you don’t want to walk, you can catch the Jolley Trolly. I like walking because it lets me get my cardio in so I can eat and not feel guilty. One restaurant that is probably further than walking distance but worth going to is The Columbia. They specialize in Cuban cuisine, and it is some of the best food you will eat! If you want to stay closer to town, then walk the “strip” and you will find so many tasty treats.Â
So Many Things to Do!
Not only is the beach there, but there are so many other fun things to do as well. Below the hotel we stayed in (the Regency) was a place where you could rent bikes and “fun rides“.Â
The fun cars are little two seaters that you can drive on the road. You are restricted as to how far you can go but I highly recommend it. We had a blast! You really need to add this to your list of things to do. We also rented bikes too which is good for getting your cardio in!
Another fun thing to do is to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium. If you recall the movie, Dolphin Tale, this is where this movie was filmed. We actually got to see Winter. It is really an animal hospital but they get funding from allowing tourists to come in and explore for a small fee. This is a good place to go to beat the heat and learn about our marine environment.Â
Make sure you stop by the stingray display. You would swear they are like puppy dogs. They swim right up to you so you can pet them. Some even have a more playful attitude and will splash water on you with their wings.
Do you like shopping? There is a great little shopping district right off of the beach. You can walk there from many of your hotels. “Downtown Clearwater’s Cleveland Street District is pedestrian friendly and the perfect place to stroll and explore its stores and boutiques. Favorites among locals and visitors include a number of fashion boutiques and fine jewelers as well as the freshest local food at Bob and Daughter’s Produce” (1).
You can also get some water sports in as well. You can find several vendors along the beach where you can set up some offshore fishing, scuba diving, and spearfishing. If you have younger kids with you, then I suggest going on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise.Â
Your kids will thank you for the fun and you will have fun on it too! Maybe you want to go parasailing or rent a jet ski. All of that is right there. I guarantee you will not get bored while you are here.
Just a Hop and a Skip from Theme Parks!
If you decide you want to take a break from the beach, you are only a 45 minute drive from Tampa where you can visit Busch Gardens. We have done this for a day trip and had a blast! Not only are you only a 45 minute drive from Tampa, but you are also only about 1-1/2 hours away from Walt Disney World. If you really wanted to, you could hop over to Disney for the day making your vacation feel longer and more refreshing.
A Final Word
Clearwater is located in such an area that you can have the best of both worlds! Beaches and theme parks! I love my vacations there. It is so relaxing and I can still go to my other favorite places all in a day. I highly suggest checking out Clearwater. You can thank me later. Oh, don’t forget the sunscreen. Or, you may want to pack a long sleeve shirt that offers SPF protection. I picked up a couple of these and they definitely work! Â
Clearwater Beach truly deserves its place among America’s top 10 beaches. With its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a myriad of activities, it offers an idyllic tropical paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you are looking to relax under the warm Florida sun, indulge in thrilling water sports, embark on family-friendly adventures, or explore nearby attractions, Clearwater Beach has it all.
From its breathtaking natural beauty to its vibrant dining and entertainment scene, the beach’s charm is undeniable. Its warm hospitality, coupled with a range of accommodation options, ensures that visitors can create memorable experiences and forge a deep connection with this coastal gem.
Clearwater Beach beckons visitors to immerse themselves in its inviting waters, witness stunning sunsets, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. It is a destination that continues to captivate the hearts of all who visit, earning its rightful place as one of America’s most beloved beaches.
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