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Plan Your Trip to Clearwater: Best of Clearwater Tourism

Clearwater, Florida

Home to some of the best beaches in America, Clearwater is a great family beach destination. Sure, it’s in Florida, but it’s not Giant Rodent Florida (a.k.a. Orlando) or Crazy Spring Break Florida (a.k.a. Fort Lauderdale). Rather, it’s Calm, Old-Fashioned Florida… which is something worth seeing. Oh, and the weather’s outstanding.

Essential Clearwater

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Clearwater Is Great For

Whale Watching

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Clearwater travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Beachfront Hotels

According to forum posts, some of the best beachfront hotels in Clearwater include Sandpearl Resort, Opal Sands Resort, and Hilton Clearwater Beach. These hotels are directly on the beach, providing easy access to stunning ocean views and beach activities.

Hotel Features

Travelers have called out Sandpearl Resort for its consistent appeal, with one user visiting almost every year for 8 years. Opal Sands Resort is recommended for its location and amenities, while Hilton offers a central location that facilitates easy walking to nearby attractions and dining.

Additional Options

For those looking beyond just the primary options, the Wyndham Grand and Hyatt Regency are very close to the beach, just across a narrow road, offering proximity to the beach with slightly different amenities.

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Local Favorites

According to forum posts, local favorites in Clearwater include Columbia Restaurant on Sand Key, known for its views of the Intracoastal Waterway and great food. Other popular spots with locals are Bait House Tackle & Tavern, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, and Capogna's Dugout.

Seafood and Dining Variety

Travelers have called out a variety of dining options suitable for different tastes. For seafood, Crabby's Dockside and Frenchy's Rockaway are frequently mentioned. For those seeking a break from seafood, Spotted Donkey Cantina and Columbia Restaurant at Sand Key offer alternative cuisines.

Kid-Friendly Venues

For family-friendly dining, particularly suitable for celebrations like a child's birthday, Clear Sky Café and Frenchy's Rockaway Grill are recommended for their atmosphere and dessert options.

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Water Activities in Clearwater

According to forum posts, Clearwater offers a variety of water activities suitable for families and individuals. Travelers can enjoy dolphin-watching tours with companies like Little Toot, or engage in more adventurous activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and kayaking available at Johns Pass, a nearby village and boardwalk area.

Boat Rentals and Tours

Some travelers mentioned specific boat tours and rental services, such as the Sea Screamer or Thriller boat, which are thrilling options and allow passengers to drive as well. For larger groups seeking a half-day boat rental, Schooner Clearwater was recommended, which also provides referrals if it cannot accommodate the request.

Aquarium and Marine Exploration

For those interested in marine life, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a popular destination. It focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals, offering educational and interactive experiences for visitors.

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Cost and Availability

Some travelers mentioned that beach chair and umbrella rentals are available at Clearwater Beach. The cost is approximately $30-$50 per day for chairs and an umbrella or cabana. These are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, but it's advisable to check with your hotel if they offer these services.

Bringing Your Own

According to forum posts, visitors are allowed to bring their own beach chairs and umbrellas to Clearwater beaches. However, they should not place them in areas designated for rentals.

Vendor Locations

Travelers have called out Pier 60 as a convenient location for accessing rentals for chairs, umbrellas, and even water sports equipment. This area also features amenities like restrooms and parking, making it a suitable option for day visitors.

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Rideshare Options

According to forum posts, Uber and Lyft are popular transportation options from Tampa Airport to Clearwater. Prices for Uber range from about $28 to $55 each way, depending on the time of travel and specific destination within Clearwater.

Shuttle Services

Some travelers mentioned using shuttle services as an alternative to rideshares. Services like Super Shuttle were previously recommended, although it's noted that Super Shuttle may no longer be in operation.

Public Transport

For those looking for a more economical route, public transportation like the Jolley Trolley, Suncoast Beach Trolley, and Pinellas County buses are available, offering extensive coverage around Clearwater and beyond. Daily and multi-day passes for these services are available at low costs.

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Driving and Ferry Access

According to forum posts, one common method to access Caladesi Island State Park from Clearwater involves driving to Honeymoon Island and taking a ferry from there. The ferry service allows for a one-way ticket purchase, which costs $7.00 per person.

Walking Access

Some travelers mentioned that it is possible to walk to Caladesi Island from the northern part of Clearwater Beach. This walk can be about 2.5 miles up to the Kayak Mangroves trailhead from certain points like the Palm Pavilion area. However, depending on the tide, parts of the walk might involve getting a little wet.

Parking Information

Parking can be challenging near the access points at the north end of Clearwater Beach with strict enforcement and limited availability on the streets. Paid public parking is available beside Palm Pavilion, which serves as a starting point for walking north to the island.

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