For any of you that have been to the beaches on the west coast of Florida you know how amazing they are. Clearwater Beach however, is on another level. The sugar white sands and clear blue water make it truly an amazing spectacle. Trip Advisor has ranked Clearwater Beach #1 in the US and #6 in the entire world! The number one ranking is not the first time. Clearwater Beach was also ranked #1 in 2018 and 2016 by Trip Advisor.
What makes the beach special is the high concentration of quartz that makes up the white sugary sand. Believe it or not, the sand is not native to this area. It originated from the Appalachian mountains that were once as high and jagged as the Rocky mountains. Millions of years ago rivers flowed from the north and washed the rocks and gravel down stream to the west coast of Florida which now make up the beach sands you see today. You can read more about it in one of our previous blog posts here.
If you are thinking of planning a trip to Clearwater Beach, April is a great time to come. The annual Pier 60 Sugar Sands Festival is a 17 day free event that brings sand sculptors from all over the world. There are tons of free activities, sculpting classes for the young and old as well as live music. Check out the Sugar Sands Festival’s website for more details.
Clearwater Beach has been very popular for tourists and locals for decades but the movie Dolphin Tale that really put the area on the map. Dolphin Tale was based on a true story about a local dolphin who’s tail was caught in a crab trap and later had to be replaced with a prosthetic tail. The movie was followed up with the sequel, Dolphin Tale 2 that tells the story about Hope the dolphin and other true stories at the aquarium. Since the original movie’s release the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has grown significantly and gained wide spread national and international attention for its rescue, rehabilitation and release efforts of many sea animals.
Here are some helpful links if you plan on making a visit to Clearwater Beach:
Accommodations:
Florida Beach Rentals – Yeah, that’s us. One stop shop for booking Clearwater Beach area vacation rentals, hotels and condo’s.
Restaurants:
Marina Cantina – Mexican, Seafood, Vegetarian options, tequila bar. Voted best new restaurant by Florida Trends.
Gondolier Pizza Italian Restaurant – Huge menu, Locally owned by the Sioutis family for over 40 years.
Brown Boxer Pub & Grill – Great local place overlooking the main strip. A favorite place for football fans during the season.
Frenchy’s Restaurants – Five locations, 3 on Clearwater Beach. Awesome seafood, burgers, chicken etc. Locals and visitors favorite. A MUST visit while you’re here.
Attractions:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium – If you come to the beach and don’t see Winter then be prepared for many sleepless nights kicking yourself for not visiting!
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise – It’s a freakin’ cannon firing pirate ship! I don’t care how old you are, it’s just cool. Day and sunset cruises available.
Sunsets at Pier 60 – This is why they come! Enjoy some ice cream while watching our wold famous sunset. Watch the street performers, pick up some souvenirs from the local craft booths and then throw down a blanket and catch a movie in the park.
Clearwater Beach – You don’t come here and not put your toes in sand and feel the warm Gulf of Mexico water do you?
**BONUS TIP: If you plan on visiting the beach please remember that beach access is limited. Two roads in, two roads out. Get here early. Earlier than you think you need to. Free parking is limited (mostly on the north end) and the parking lots fill up early. There is surface road parking but it also fills up very quickly. Your best option is to use to use Free Rides Florida. They offer free rides (drivers work for tips) throughout Clearwater Beach, Island Estates and Sand Key. You can also schedule trips for a fee to the airport, Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, Tarpon Springs and many more locations.
Stop by our office and say hi when you get here!
516 Mandalay Bay
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Leave a Reply
Be the First to Comment!