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MyTripBits City Snapshot: Clearwater, Florida

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We have been back to Clearwater Beach and the surrounding areas several times; it is our “go to” weekend vacation destination spot. See our article: The Call of Clearwater, Florida

Time of Vacation:

May 2012 and June 2013

Vacationers:

Chris and I

Where We Stayed:

We stay at the Hilton Clearwater Beach hotel It is a great hotel right on the beach. We were able to upgrade to an ocean view and definitely took advantage of the amazing views while sitting on the balcony enjoying our morning coffee. The hotel also has an outdoor pool near the beach and it is within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and Pier 60 . They also offer several different types of beach rentals such as wave runners and boogie boards for the more adventurous type and massage sessions for those who like to be a bit more pampered while on vacation. To see what type of traveler you are, check out our quiz: Traveler Quiz.

Where We Ate:

There are plenty of places to choose from to eat in Clearwater Beach; however, we always seem to gravitate back to our personal favorites: Frenchy’s South Beach Café: Frenchy’s South Beach Café is located on the Beach walk, which is a great place for people watching, relaxing, grabbing a cold beer or cocktail, and watching the waves and beach goers just across the street. Crabby Bill’s Just a short trip across the street from the Hilton Hotel is Crabby Bill’s, a casual dining restaurant near the beach and marina. When we are in Clearwater we head on over and order the Steamer Bucket, an actual bucket filled with crab legs, clams, mussels, and shrimp. We have also enjoyed their oysters on the half shell, sea scallops, and delicious cocktails.

How We Enjoyed the Outdoors:

We have taken advantage of the many boating opportunities while in Clearwater. We have taken the Little Toot Dolphin Tour Boat as well as the 2 hour Catamaran tour on the Kai Lani The Little Toot Dolphin Tour is one we have taken twice, once with my parents, and once with Chris’s daughter, niece, and granddaughter. Each time was a great experience for all. We rode into Clearwater Harbor and then on into the Gulf of Mexico searching for dolphins, which is a guaranteed sighting. We were allowed to move about the little “tug boat” style boat and take pictures, all while the captain and crew spoke about the waters and the dolphins we would be seeing. The Kai Lani Catamaran boat ride was a completely different experience than the Little Toot tug boat. The boat is a 50 foot Catamaran navigated by a husband and wife team. There were very few other passengers on the boat; therefore, we were able to spread out and sunbathe and simply relax with the warm ocean sprays of the waves and the sun beating down on us.

Where We Grabbed a Drink:

One of our favorite places to grab a drink was right outside our hotel’s door at Tommy’s Tiki Hut, a beachside bar serving delicious Pina Coladas. We grabbed a Pina Colada and a chair and watched the sun sink into the sea.

What We Ate:

Seafood, seafood, seafood!

Where We Found the Best Souvenirs:

Souvenir shops abound in this small beach city. Walking up and down the streets or simply strolling up Pier 60, you’ll have a plethora of souvenir buying opportunities.

What About the Kids?:

We took the kids to Clearwater Beach. Here they were able to watch street performers, Brooklyn played in the play area, and we all enjoyed walking up and down Pier 60 looking at all the different items for sale at the multitude of vendors. Brooklyn also received a balloon animal in the shape of a lady bug which she wore for approximately 10 minutes before she popped it and her world ended.

What We Did To Escape the Crowds:

Every morning Chris and I would head down to the Starbucks in the lobby for a coffee, then head to the beach for an early morning walk. There are very few people out early in the morning, so it’s a great time to search for shells, explore, and discover. On one of these early morning adventures we walked for what seemed like miles only to discover a tree covered with seashells in the middle of nowhere. On each one was written someone’s name and the date they added their shell to the tree. Chris and I each added a shell to that tree and it is now one of my favorite memories from my many trips to Clearwater.

Here’s The Hidden Gem We Found:

Again, I have to mention that our hidden gem in Clearwater was the seashell tree. It is not something that is mentioned in any guidebook or local attraction pamphlet. It is simply an idea someone had and it continued. Markers are hung from the tree so that anyone passing by can add a shell. There are no condos around, no high rise hotels, just sand and surf and a tree covered with seashell memories.