How To Take The Ultimate Vacation In Clearwater Beach, Florida

This Florida beach town on the Gulf of Mexico is an perfect family vacation place. (Photograph: Getty Pictures/HuffPost)

Just take A Crack is your top manual to the fantastic excursions to recharge, rediscover yourself and your associations, and reengage with the planet. We’ll deal with purchasing stops, great bars, dining places well worth your dollars, photo alternatives, unforgettable drives and experiences, and other critical details you require just before you book.

Under, we chat with Lindsay Holmes, senior wellness and vacation editor at HuffPost, about why you are going to want to put Clearwater Beach front, Florida, on your bucket record.

What drew you to Clearwater Beach as a put to stop by or investigate?

I grew up close by, so I spent a ton of time at Clearwater Seaside. In substantial faculty, our lessons would end all-around 1 p.m. and we’d all beeline straight for the beach front. It felt like a getaway in my possess backyard. The sand is powdery gentle, the Gulf of Mexico is a sight to behold, and there are tons of good eating places and actions close by ― every time we’d go for an afternoon or on the weekends, I in no way needed to leave.

What are the very best moments of year to go to?

April and May possibly alongside with September or even early October are perfect. The heat and humidity is brutal in the summer, in particular in July and August, so I’d recommend keeping away from that time of year. You also run the chance of encountering afternoon thunderstorms throughout the summer months.

If you’re from a condition that truly has seasons, I extremely propose likely when you are around the chilly or not quite completely ready to endure chillier temperatures. The winter months can be heat, but you also operate the threat of it having into the 50s. (I know, tragic.) If you are really looking for beach weather conditions, late spring or early fall are frequently your very best bets.

What’s your finest suggestion for receiving there? How can you make the travel as anxiety-no cost as probable?

Clearwater/St. Petersburg has a tiny airport, but Tampa Worldwide Airport will most likely have the most choices if you’re traveling. From there, you’re only about a 40-moment travel away from the most important beach area. You can e book transportation like a Tremendous Shuttle or you can simply take Ubers or Lyfts. Getting all of your transportation set up beforehand will make all the things as seamless as probable.

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If you are driving, be organized to deal with bridges and website traffic ― particularly in the a lot more well known journey months. There’s primarily just one highway that goes into the beach and it’ll get packed swiftly. There’s also a huge roundabout that lots of motorists get flustered by, specially when there are a lot of cars and trucks. Persistence is essential when navigating Clearwater Seaside in a car or truck.

The comfortable sand and blue water of Clearwater Beach will have you experience relaxed and refreshed. (Image: Lindsay Holmes/HuffPost)

In which do you propose staying when you go?

There are so numerous resorts right along the beach that are worth checking out, particularly if you want immediate entry to the h2o or a pool. Some of the most popular ones include things like the Sandpearl Vacation resort, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Seaside.

In addition, there are adorable boutique resorts, like Resort Cabana. Airbnbs are also an option, and you can generally come across some terrific ones in just a shorter wander or Uber or Lyft journey.

What are your go-to restaurants or foodstuff to eat although you’re there?

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a have to-visit if you’re ever in Clearwater Beach. It’s a rite of passage I do not make the procedures. It’s positioned suitable on the drinking water, with a large patio that empties out onto the sand. It’s the excellent place immediately after a extended day in the sun. Get the grouper sandwich and the crab fries and I guarantee you will hardly ever be the exact. My mother also loves their she-crab soup.

If you’re hunting for something a very little far more “upscale” just one night time, the Beachcomber and the Island Way Grill are good options that have been around for several years. There’s also the Palm Pavilion or Crabby’s Bar and Grill if you’re on the lookout for something minimal-important with a seaside bar atmosphere. And for all you chicken wing lovers, the city of Clearwater is also residence to the first Hooters. (There’s also a spot on Clearwater Seashore.)

I also have to plug a prevent at the grocery store Publix. There is completely almost nothing like having a Pub Sub on the seashore. It’s one of life’s finest pleasures.

What bars or entertainment spots do you make confident to hit? What’s very good to consume there or what else should really people know?

Frenchy’s and the Palm Pavilion are excellent places if you want to seize a consume on the beach. They have excellent, affordable frozen cocktails (if you are from a important city, your mouth will fall at the rates). My preferred are the piña coladas, which I know is exceptionally primary. But just after a hot day of swimming and sunbathing, it definitely hits the location. They also have rum runners, vital lime coladas (a different favourite), coconut margaritas and extra.

Quite a few eating places, together with Frenchy’s and Palm Pavilion, usually have reside audio. I propose likely throughout sunset if you can get a table. Entertainment, a refreshing drink and pristine surroundings. What more could you ask for?

What are your favorite retailers and what do you seem for when you’re there?

There are tons of community souvenir stores along the seaside, which are excellent for window purchasing or getting a trinket to commemorate your excursion.

A piña colada from Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Seashore. The best treat soon after a sunny beach day. (Image: Lindsay Holmes/HuffPost)

What is your single most loved spot to go for photos and why?

The overall seashore is ripe for photographs! If you stroll north along the seaside ― further than all of the resorts ― you are going to certainly get great pictures without a bunch of men and women in the qualifications or pushing along with you. Pier 60 is also a great spot for pictures if you want sweeping sights of the Gulf (you could also get a glimpse of some dolphins if you are fortunate).

What vacationer attraction should really people skip and what need to they do instead?

I’d personally say skip the pirate-themed boats that go out in the drinking water and choose for a dolphin sightseeing boat, or even go parasailing. Some people today get pleasure from the pirate cruises, but most locals say they’re not definitely worth the rate. If you are a h2o sport lover, many people today genuinely rave about the jet ski rentals as nicely.

The place do you really feel the most calm, relaxed or content?

I really feel so at simplicity when I’m on a wander or sitting on the north portion of the seaside. We’d normally park there for the working day when we had been in superior college. I have fond recollections of lounging in the solar with my close friends, gossiping about what took place in course or who was dating who at the time.

Each and every time I go again, I make absolutely sure to wander up that way, which finishes up being about a mile or so away from Pier 60. It instantaneously makes me really feel like a teen once again. It is also great since it’s more absent from the touristy regions, so you get a level of tranquil that you are not definitely afforded in the much more crowded elements.

What scenic places do you propose checking out?

For some very good men and women seeing, I absolutely advocate strolling together the pier or in some of the extra populated areas. There are also other stunning beach locations close by if you want to swap it up for the working day. Try checking out Sand Key Beach front or Caladesi Island State Park, which provide a different very little slice of heaven of the Gulf.

The perspective from the patio at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Sunset is a well known time but the wait around is worth it. (Photograph: Lindsay Holmes/HuffPost)

What are some particular scheduling strategies to know just before you go so you’re not stressed?

There are a handful of: To start with, anticipate to be exposed to UV rays and system accordingly. The sunshine will get you if you are not very careful. Don sunscreen ― even if it appears to be cloudy throughout the summer season.

You really should also count on afternoon thunderstorms if you are heading in the hotter months. (I individually adore them, but they can be frustrating on a holiday.) Storms ordinarily roll in about 3 p.m. and can final wherever from 20 minutes to more than an hour, dependent on the forecast. It is valuable to approach any beach days or excursions around it ― you’ll probably get superior weather the before you go out.

Last but not least, familiarize oneself with the stingray shuffle. If you visit anytime between April and Oct, that is typically stingray year. Shuffle your feet in the drinking water so they know you’re coming. (For what it’s truly worth, I’ve hardly ever had a problem with them in my lifetime of likely to Clearwater Beach. Just be informed, never pressure!)

What is a single issue you make confident to pack if you are likely and why?

To condition the apparent, a bathing go well with and sunscreen. Some persons desire bringing water footwear for stingray time and seaside shirts since, as outlined, the sunlight can be pretty potent.

Something else visitors really should know?

Do. Not. Feed. The. Seagulls. They are everywhere, and they want your foodstuff. Feeding them just will make them a lot more needy (and it could be unsafe for them) ― not to mention you’ll annoy all the other beachgoers all around you. Hold your snacks, subs and just about anything else to you. Have faith in me.

This short article at first appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.

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