Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Florida, boasting soft, white sand, clear turquoise waters and many fun aquatic activities. It is located near the city of Clearwater in Pinellas County, which has a number of attractions to offer. The climate is sunny, to the extent that locals claim there are 361 days of sunshine a year! Like many other areas in Florida, the area was originally settled by Native American indians, who were supplanted by the Spanish. The name Clearwater refers most probably to the fresh water springs that can be found in the area. These make for great diving spots if you´ve tired from exploring the underwater delights of the Gulf of Mexico.
Fun Facts
- The oldest existing newspaper in Clearwater Beach is the “Clearwater Sun”, first published in 1914.
- The highest recorded temperature was 102 degrees back in 1997.
- The most rainfall occurs here on average in August.
- Clearwater was known as Clear Water Harbor til 1906.
- Clearwater is the United States city with the highest rate of lightning strikes!
Things to Do
The main reason visitors come to Clearwater Beach is to enjoy one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Florida. The sand is brilliant white, soft and a pleasure to walk on, the water is crystal clear. Besides soaking up the sun, you can also spend your time more actively here. Try your hand at jet skiing, or perhaps kayaking or parasailing takes your fancy? For a day away from the beach, head into Clearwater city. If you´ve skipped breakfast, make up for it Lenny´s Restaurant, where locals and visitors have been filling up on good food for 50 years. Check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which features many rescued animals that cannot be returned for the wild, for example Winter, the dolphin who lost her tail and was fitted with a prosthetic one! You could also go ice-skating if you need a break from the warm weather. There are two popular rinks in the city, Sunblades Center and the rink in Westfield Countryside Mall.
A nice place to go after a day on the beach is Pier 60, where you can check out the many vendors who gather here to tout their wares. Starting 2 hours before sunset, and ends 2 hours after the sun sets. It´s a great place to pick up crafts and small souvenirs, and just hang out with crowds of tourists and locals that hang out here.
There are a number of restaurants doing well-priced food in Clearwater itself. If you don´t mind the dodgy neighbourhood, then a trip to Nauti Nancy´s is a must, as it has a great relaxed atmosphere and delicious seafood. Try the steamed clams in a spicy diablo sauce served with garlic bread. At Clearwater Beach itself you can get a wide variety of dishes and drinks at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, which offers live music every night and a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Getting To and Around Clearwater Beach
The two closest airports to Clearwater Beach are Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport. From there the best way to Clearwater city is by car, and there are many rentals available at the airports. Taxis are also available but these are expensive. Once in the Clearwater area, you can use the Jolly Trolley or Suncoast Beach Trolley which have routes along the beach, or else avail of Florida Free rides, a free electric car service where you just tip the driver.
Accommodation and Rentals in Clearwater Beach
The Clearwater area has an abundance of holiday accommodation on offer, be it hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts or self-catering rentals. Should you decide to opt for the latter, and have the option cooking your own meals, you can choose from a comfortable cottage, a beachside apartment or perhaps go all out and get a luxurious villa with an ocean view. Why not take the experience of a home away from home one step further and go with a Wimdu rental, where you get to really see what the locals live like. Your host may even have some insider tips on where to get the best cup of coffee or the tastiest seafood in the area!