Clearwater Beach is Calling Your Name!

OMG! I am so excited that you are thinking about going to Clearwater Beach! You know me, I travel all the time, but this place is seriously one of my favorites ever. Imagine a place where it is sunny almost every single day of the year. I’m not kidding—they get like 360 days of sunshine! And the sand? It’s not like regular beach sand that’s all rocky and brown. This stuff looks like powdered sugar and it feels so soft between your toes. You are going to have the best time ever!

Why the Sand is So Cool

Okay, let’s talk about the sand first because it’s the best part. Most beaches have sand that gets really hot and burns your feet, right? Not here! The sand in Clearwater is made of tiny bits of white quartz. This means even when it is 90 degrees out, the sand stays cool. You can walk on it barefoot all day and your feet won’t get fried. It is so white it almost looks like snow. Pro tip: Make sure you wear your sunglasses because the sun hitting that white sand is super bright! You’ll want to walk right down to the water’s edge where the sand is packed down. It’s the perfect place to go for a long walk and look for seashells. I found a huge conch shell there last time!

What to Eat (The Yummy Stuff)

You are going to get so hungry from swimming, and you have to go to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. It is right on the beach and everyone goes there. You have to order the “Original Grouper Sandwich.” Grouper is a big fish that lives in the ocean there, and it tastes amazing when it’s fried. It’s $22 and it comes with fries. If you’re feeling extra hungry, get the garlic fries for $7 more. They are super smelly but so good! Sit outside on the deck so you can see the ocean while you eat.

For dinner, you should go to the Palm Pavilion. It’s been there forever and has a great vibe. Order the Gator Bites for $16. Yes, real alligator! It tastes just like chicken but a little bit tougher. It’s a Florida thing, so you have to try it at least once. For a sweet treat, find an ice cream shop on the main strip and get a double scoop of mint chocolate chip. Budget about $9 for a big cone.

Best Photo Spots for Your Feed

You need to get some great photos while you’re there! The best spot is definitely Pier 60. Every night, they have a big party for the sunset. There are magicians, people making balloon animals, and artists. About 30 minutes before the sun goes down, walk all the way to the end of the pier. It costs exactly $1 to walk to the very end where the fishing happens. Stand right against the wooden railing with the sun behind you. The sky turns bright orange and pink, and it looks amazing in photos!

Another cool spot for a photo is the “Clearwater” sign near the big roundabout. It’s big and colorful. Also, look for the giant shark mouth at the entrance of the Surf Style store. You can stand inside the shark’s mouth like you’re getting eaten! It’s silly, but everyone does it and it’s free.

Fun Things to Do

You have to get on a boat! If you want to feel like a kid again, go on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise. It’s a giant red pirate ship! It costs $42 for adults, and they give you free soda and beer while you sail around. The pirates do dances and tell jokes. It sounds cheesy, but it is so much fun. If you want something more chill, take a dolphin boat tour. Those cost about $30. The dolphins love to jump in the waves made by the boat. I saw five dolphins last time I went, and one of them did a flip!

If you get tired of the beach, walk over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It’s where they used to have Winter the Dolphin from the movies. It’s $35 to get in. It’s really cool because they rescue animals and help them get better. You can see sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. It’s a nice way to get out of the sun for a couple of hours.

Where to Stay and What it Costs

Clearwater can be a bit pricey, but you can do it on a budget too. If you want to ball out, stay at the Sandpearl Resort. It is super fancy and right on the sand. If you want to save money, look for a motel just a few blocks back from the water. You still get the same beach, just a 5-minute walk away! Here is a quick breakdown of what you might spend per day for two people.

A Few More Tips

The traffic getting onto the island can be crazy. There is only one big bridge, and it gets backed up around 11:00 AM. Try to get there by 9:00 AM so you can find a parking spot and get a good spot on the sand. If you don’t want to drive, take the “Jolley Trolley.” It’s a cute bus that looks like an old-fashioned train car. It only costs $5 for a whole day pass, and it saves you the headache of driving.

Don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen! The Florida sun is no joke, especially with the reflection off the white sand. I recommend the SPF 50 stuff. Also, bring a small cooler with water bottles. Buying water on the beach costs like $4 a bottle, but you can buy a whole pack at the grocery store for $6 before you go across the bridge.

I am so jealous that you’re going! You’re going to have the best time ever. Make sure you take a million pictures and send them to me. If you want to see more cool tips and find some great deals for your trip, you totally need to join our group! We talk about all the best spots to save money and have fun in Florida.

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Have the best trip ever, bestie! Love you!