One of the best things to do in Clearwater is to hit the beach! Why? Because the beaches of Clearwater, Florida are consistently ranked amongst the best in the United States. Known for their cerulean waters, white sand shores and warm weather year-round, you can’t go wrong with a beach vacation in Clearwater! Here are the best three beaches to visit, along with practical details:
Caladesi Island is a photographer’s dream!
Honeymoon Island
Honeymoon Island is a must see in Clearwater, because it’s Florida’s most visited state park. With four miles of sandy beaches, this natural barrier island offers nature trails and abundant wildlife and is a great place to lay a picnic blanket down. The island got its name from a Life Magazine contest for newlyweds in 1939 where couples who won got a two-week honeymoon stay on the island. The park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year and costs $8 per vehicle to enter. You can convieniently pay online in advance at https://www.floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland.
Honeymoon Island at Sunset
Caladesi Island
One of my favorite things I did in Clearwater was spend an afternoon on Caladesi Island. It requires a short ferry ride from Honeymoond Island, but that’s what makes it special. Because it takes a bit of extra effort to get there, the beach is pristine with prime seashell hunting and minimal, spaced out crowds. The Caladesi Connection ferry travels to Caladesi Island State Park for a four-hour stay, and the park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The cost of a roundtrip ferry ticket is $16 per adult. While you’re there I’d recommend renting an umbrella and beach chair for $29 as there aren’t many tall trees around for shade. Nature lovers can also hike the three- mile nature trail through the island’s interior or rent a kayak to explore the mangroves.
One of my finds on Caladesi!
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is Clearwater’s namesake beach, offering visitors a warm dip into the Gulf of Mexico. It has soft, white sand, which reminded me of the Caribbean. Some activities to try are jet-skiing, parasailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. I recommend doing one of my favorite free activities: watch the sunset! Afterwards, head to Palm Pavilion for dinner and drinks. You can’t go wrong with the Palm Rum Runner, a cup of Florida Shrimp & Crab Chowder, and fried Gator Bites if you’re feeling adventurous! They also have live entertainment daily.
Palm Pavilion is a must for drinks at sunset!
The Best Place to Stay in Clearwater Beach
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater is the perfect weekend or long stay escape. Its residential-like rooms feature a kitchen and outdoor balcony for dinning. The views are incredible! If you want to enjoy your vacation to the max, take a night off from cooking and have diner at SHOR American Seafood Grill, located inside the hotel. It’s got a perfect view of the beach!
The view from my balcony was so pretty!
For More Ocean Exploration:
If you want to explore the ocean further, check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. You’re sure to be educated and entertained, even if you don’t consider yourself an “animal person.” The dolphins have such inspiring stories – so inspiring that Winter and Hope are the inspiration behind the box office hits “Dolphin Tale” and “Dolphin Tale 2,” starring Morgan Freeman! One thing I found very impressive is that the Aquarium operates as a marine hospital for dolphins, turtles, otters, and manatees and the main goal is to rescue, rehabilitate and release. You can even visit the Animal Hospital to see the work being done behind the scenes for yourself. This is also a great place to visit if you’re concerned about social distancing, as almost half of the Aquarium is outdoors.
Admission to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is $32.95 for adults
Getting Beyond the Beach
If you want to expand your trip beyond beaches, visit nearby St Pete which is only a 30 minute drive. Highlights include the Dali Museum, The James Museum of Wester Wildlife and Art, the St Pete Pier.
THERE YOU HAVE IT! I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS POST FROM CLEARWATER,FLORIDA! FOR MORE HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY TRIP, CHECK OUT MY INSTAGRAM AT @ONEGRLONEWORLD!
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Note: This post is sponsored by Visit Florida, but opinions are all my own.
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