How To Take The Ultimate Vacation In Clearwater Beach, Florida

Just take A Split is your ultimate guideline to the perfect journeys to recharge, rediscover your self and your interactions, and reengage with the globe. We’ll protect purchasing stops, terrific bars, restaurants truly worth your dollars, photograph alternatives, unforgettable drives and experiences, and other vital aspects you want before you reserve.

Down below, we chat with Lindsay Holmes, senior wellness and travel editor at HuffPost, about why you are going to want to put Clearwater Seashore, Florida, on your bucket list.

What drew you to Clearwater Seaside as a location to stop by or discover?

I grew up close by, so I used a ton of time at Clearwater Seaside. In substantial college, our classes would end around 1 p.m. and we’d all beeline straight for the seaside. It felt like a holiday vacation in my personal yard. The sand is powdery smooth, the Gulf of Mexico is a sight to behold, and there are tons of excellent dining places and pursuits close by ― every time we’d go for an afternoon or on the weekends, I never ever required to depart.

What are the ideal moments of yr to check out?

April and Might alongside with September or even early October are suitable. The heat and humidity is brutal in the summer, in particular in July and August, so I’d propose keeping away from that time of calendar year. You also operate the threat of encountering afternoon thunderstorms ― specially at the seashore ― in the course of the summertime months.

If you are from a condition that essentially has seasons, I very suggest heading when you are around the chilly or not rather prepared to endure chillier temperatures. The wintertime months can be warm, but you also operate the risk of it finding into the 50s. (I know, tragic.) If you are definitely wanting for seashore temperature, late spring or early tumble are frequently your finest bets.

What is your greatest suggestion for getting there? How can you make the travel as worry-free as achievable?

Clearwater/St. Petersburg has a compact airport, but Tampa Global Airport will likely have the most alternatives if you’re traveling. From there, you’re only about a 40-moment drive away from the major beach spot. You can reserve a transportation like Tremendous Shuttle or can very easily just take Ubers or Lyfts. Having all of your transportation set up beforehand will make everything as seamless as achievable.

If you’re driving, be ready to offer with bridges and traffic ― particularly in the much more popular travel months. There’s essentially one highway that goes into the beach and it’ll get packed swiftly. There’s also a significant roundabout that lots of drivers get flustered by, specifically when there are a great deal of cars and trucks. Endurance is crucial when navigating Clearwater Beach front in a auto.

The soft sand and blue water of Clearwater Beach will have you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
The tender sand and blue water of Clearwater Beach will have you emotion peaceful and refreshed.

The place do you propose being when you go?

There are so numerous resorts appropriate alongside the beach front that are worth examining out, specifically if you want immediate access to the drinking water or a pool. Some of the most preferred ones contain the Sandpearl Resort, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach front and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach front.

Moreover, there are sweet boutique accommodations, like Lodge Cabana. Airbnbs are also an solution, and you can frequently discover some excellent kinds in just a shorter walk or Uber or Lyft experience.

What are your go-to places to eat or meals to consume when you are there?

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a must-check out if you are ever in Clearwater Seashore. It is a rite of passage I never make the regulations. It is located appropriate on the drinking water, with a large patio that empties out onto the sand. It’s the ideal place immediately after a extended working day in the sun. Buy the grouper sandwich and the crab fries and I assure you’ll never ever be the similar. My mom also loves their she-crab soup.

If you’re hunting for anything a tiny much more “upscale” just one night time, the Beachcomber and the Island Way Grill are solid selections that have been around for several years. There is also the Palm Pavilion or Crabby’s Bar and Grill if you’re hunting for one thing low-important with a seashore bar atmosphere. And for all you chicken wing lovers, the town of Clearwater is also household to the initial Hooters. (There is also a area on Clearwater Beach.)

I also have to plug a prevent at the grocery retailer Publix. There is absolutely nothing like consuming a Pub Sub on the seaside. It is 1 of life’s best pleasures.

What bars or enjoyment places do you make confident to hit? What’s great to drink there or what else should really persons know?

Frenchy’s and the Palm Pavilion are superior spots if you want to grab a drink on the beach front. They have good, economical frozen cocktails (if you’re from a important metropolis, your mouth will fall at the charges). My favored are the piña coladas, which I know is exceptionally standard. But soon after a scorching working day of swimming and sunbathing, it genuinely hits the spot. They also have rum runners, crucial lime coladas (another favored), coconut margaritas and far more.

Numerous dining places, together with Frenchy’s and Palm Pavilion, usually have stay music. I advise going all through sunset if you can get a table. Enjoyment, a refreshing consume and pristine landscapes. What extra could you question for?

What are your preferred stores and what do you search for when you are there?

There are tons of local souvenir stores alongside the seashore, which are good for window buying or locating a trinket to commemorate your journey.

A piña colada from Frenchy's Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach. The perfect treat after a sunny beach day.
A piña colada from Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach front. The fantastic take care of after a sunny seashore working day.

What’s your single preferred location to go for photographs and why?

The full beach is ripe for pictures! If you walk north along the beach ― over and above all of the accommodations ― you’ll definitely get excellent shots without a bunch of individuals in the history or pushing together with you. Pier 60 is also a wonderful site for images if you want sweeping sights of the Gulf (you may possibly also get a glimpse of some dolphins if you are fortunate).

What tourist attraction need to people skip and what should really they do rather?

I’d individually say skip the pirate-themed boats that go out in the water and decide for a dolphin sightseeing boat, or even go parasailing. Some individuals get pleasure from the pirate cruises, but most locals say they are not definitely worthy of the rate. If you are a water activity supporter, numerous people today actually rave about the jet ski rentals as properly.

Where by do you sense the most calm, relaxed or delighted?

I really feel so at ease when I’m on a wander or sitting down on the north portion of the seaside. We’d generally park there for the working day when we were in substantial college. I have fond recollections of lounging in the sun with my pals, gossiping about what transpired in class or who was dating who at the time.

Each and every time I go back again, I make guaranteed to stroll up that way, which finishes up becoming about a mile or so absent from Pier 60. It quickly will make me really feel like a teen yet again. It is also wonderful because it’s further away from the touristy areas, so you get a degree of quiet that you are not seriously afforded in the more crowded parts.

What scenic places do you endorse checking out?

For some fantastic individuals looking at, I certainly advise going for walks alongside the pier or in some of the more populated parts. There are also other lovely beach locations close by if you want to swap it up for the day. Check out examining out Sand Vital Seaside or Caladesi Island Point out Park, which offer a different small slice of heaven of the Gulf.

The view from the patio at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill. Sunset is a popular time but the wait is worth it.
The look at from the patio at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Sunset is a common time but the wait around is truly worth it.

What are some certain organizing recommendations to know right before you go so you’re not pressured?

There are a handful of: First, anticipate to be exposed to UV rays and program appropriately. The sunshine will get you if you’re not watchful. Put on sunscreen ― even if it seems cloudy during the summer time.

You must also be expecting afternoon thunderstorms if you’re going in the hotter months. (I personally love them, but they can be irritating on a holiday.) Storms normally roll in about 3 p.m. and can past any place from 20 minutes to over an hour, dependent on the forecast. It’s handy to program any beach days or excursions all over it ― you are going to very likely get much better temperature the earlier you go out.

Last but not least, familiarize on your own with the stingray shuffle. If you check out at any time between April and October, that’s ordinarily stingray season. Shuffle your toes in the drinking water so they know you’re coming. (For what it is truly worth, I’ve never ever had a challenge with them in my lifetime of likely to Clearwater Beach front. Just be aware, do not tension!)

What’s just one point you make absolutely sure to pack if you are heading and why?

To point out the clear, a bathing go well with and sunscreen. Some people today desire bringing drinking water sneakers for stingray period and seashore shirts simply because, as pointed out, the solar can be pretty solid.

Something else guests should know?

Do. Not. Feed. The. Seagulls. They are everywhere, and they want your food. Feeding them just tends to make them extra needy (and it could be perilous for them) ― not to point out you’ll annoy all the other beachgoers all-around you. Retain your snacks, subs and just about anything else to your self. Have confidence in me.

This post originally appeared on Huffington Publish Journey Information