How To Take The Ultimate Vacation In Clearwater Beach, Florida

Just take A Break is your ultimate information to the ideal visits to recharge, rediscover you and your relationships, and reengage with the earth. We’ll deal with procuring stops, great bars, dining establishments worthy of your funds, photo prospects, unforgettable drives and activities, and other significant information you require in advance of you guide.

Down below, we chat with Lindsay Holmes, senior wellness and vacation editor at HuffPost, about why you will want to set Clearwater Seaside, Florida, on your bucket record.

What drew you to Clearwater Beach front as a area to go to or discover?

I grew up nearby, so I used a ton of time at Clearwater Beach. In superior faculty, our courses would conclusion all-around 1 p.m. and we’d all beeline straight for the beach. It felt like a holiday in my very own yard. The sand is powdery comfortable, the Gulf of Mexico is a sight to behold, and there are tons of great dining places and activities close by ― whenever we’d go for an afternoon or on the weekends, I by no means preferred to leave.

What are the very best situations of 12 months to visit?

April and Could together with September or even early October are excellent. The heat and humidity is brutal in the summer season, primarily in July and August, so I’d advocate steering clear of that time of calendar year. You also operate the danger of encountering afternoon thunderstorms ― specially at the beach ― for the duration of the summer months months.

If you’re from a condition that essentially has seasons, I hugely advocate going when you’re around the chilly or not pretty all set to endure chillier temperatures. The winter season months can be warm, but you also operate the danger of it finding into the 50s. (I know, tragic.) If you’re certainly seeking for beach front temperature, late spring or early fall are frequently your finest bets.

What’s your most effective idea for finding there? How can you make the travel as stress-totally free as attainable?

Clearwater/St. Petersburg has a little airport, but Tampa Intercontinental Airport will likely have the most selections if you are flying. From there, you’re only about a 40-moment drive away from the main beach location. You can e book a transportation like Super Shuttle or can quickly acquire Ubers or Lyfts. Having all of your transportation established up beforehand will make every thing as seamless as possible.

If you are driving, be prepared to deal with bridges and targeted traffic ― specially in the additional popular vacation months. There is basically one street that goes into the beach and it’ll get packed promptly. There’s also a significant roundabout that quite a few motorists get flustered by, in particular when there are a good deal of cars. Patience is critical when navigating Clearwater Seashore in a auto.

The soft sand and blue water of Clearwater Beach will have you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
The comfortable sand and blue water of Clearwater Beach will have you sensation comfortable and refreshed.

Where by do you suggest remaining when you go?

There are so many accommodations suitable alongside the seashore that are worth examining out, specially if you want direct obtain to the water or a pool. Some of the most well-known kinds contain the Sandpearl Vacation resort, the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Seaside.

Also, there are sweet boutique resorts, like Lodge Cabana. Airbnbs are also an alternative, and you can normally uncover some wonderful types inside a short walk or Uber or Lyft experience.

What are your go-to dining establishments or meals to consume when you’re there?

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a ought to-pay a visit to if you are at any time in Clearwater Seaside. It is a ceremony of passage I never make the rules. It is situated proper on the drinking water, with a massive patio that empties out on to the sand. It’s the best place soon after a extended day in the sun. Buy the grouper sandwich and the crab fries and I promise you’ll in no way be the exact same. My mother also enjoys their she-crab soup.

If you’re on the lookout for some thing a small more “upscale” 1 night time, the Beachcomber and the Island Way Grill are stable choices that have been all-around for years. There’s also the Palm Pavilion or Crabby’s Bar and Grill if you’re looking for anything lower-vital with a beach front bar ambiance. And for all you rooster wing fans, the metropolis of Clearwater is also house to the first Hooters. (There’s also a site on Clearwater Seashore.)

I also have to plug a quit at the grocery retail store Publix. There is definitely absolutely nothing like consuming a Pub Sub on the beach front. It’s one particular of life’s greatest pleasures.

What bars or leisure places do you make confident to hit? What’s excellent to drink there or what else need to persons know?

Frenchy’s and the Palm Pavilion are great places if you want to seize a drink on the beach front. They have excellent, very affordable frozen cocktails (if you are from a important city, your mouth will drop at the price ranges). My favourite are the piña coladas, which I know is particularly fundamental. But immediately after a incredibly hot day of swimming and sunbathing, it definitely hits the place. They also have rum runners, important lime coladas (another beloved), coconut margaritas and much more.

Quite a few dining places, like Frenchy’s and Palm Pavilion, normally have are living audio. I advise going through sunset if you can get a desk. Amusement, a refreshing drink and pristine scenery. What extra could you inquire for?

What are your favored outlets and what do you look for when you’re there?

There are tons of nearby souvenir outlets alongside the beach front, which are wonderful for window browsing or acquiring a trinket to commemorate your excursion.

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 Seaside. The ideal treat just after a sunny seaside working day.

What is your solitary beloved location to go for shots and why?

The full seaside is ripe for shots! If you wander north along the seashore ― beyond all of the accommodations ― you will undoubtedly get superior photographs without the need of a bunch of folks in the qualifications or pushing together with you. Pier 60 is also a great site for pics if you want sweeping views of the Gulf (you may also get a glimpse of some dolphins if you are blessed).

What tourist attraction really should individuals skip and what should they do as an alternative?

I’d individually say skip the pirate-themed boats that go out in the drinking water and decide for a dolphin sightseeing boat, or even go parasailing. Some persons delight in the pirate cruises, but most locals say they’re not truly truly worth the rate. If you are a h2o sport lover, a lot of people today seriously rave about the jet ski rentals as perfectly.

In which do you come to feel the most relaxed, tranquil or happy?

I truly feel so at relieve when I’m on a stroll or sitting on the north element of the beach. We’d normally park there for the working day when we were being in significant school. I have fond recollections of lounging in the sunlight with my close friends, gossiping about what occurred in class or who was courting who at the time.

Each and every time I go again, I make guaranteed to walk up that way, which ends up getting about a mile or so absent from Pier 60. It instantaneously would make me really feel like a teenager once more. It is also pleasant since it’s additional away from the touristy parts, so you get a level of silent that you are not seriously afforded in the additional crowded pieces.

What scenic places do you suggest examining out?

For some great folks seeing, I certainly recommend walking along the pier or in some of the far more populated spots. There are also other stunning shorelines nearby if you want to switch it up for the day. Check out checking out Sand Vital Beach front or Caladesi Island Condition Park, which supply yet another very little 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 popular time but the wait is truly worth it.

What are some unique scheduling guidelines to know right before you go so you are not stressed?

There are a handful of: Initially, assume to be uncovered to UV rays and system accordingly. The sun will get you if you are not careful. Use sunscreen ― even if it looks cloudy throughout the summer time.

You must also assume afternoon thunderstorms if you are going in the warmer months. (I individually adore them, but they can be frustrating on a getaway.) Storms normally roll in about 3 p.m. and can very last anywhere from 20 minutes to around an hour, dependent on the forecast. It’s practical to prepare any seashore times or excursions all-around it ― you’ll very likely get much better weather the before 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 ft in the drinking water so they know you are coming. (For what it is worthy of, I’ve hardly ever experienced a dilemma with them in my lifetime of going to Clearwater Seashore. Just be conscious, really don’t stress!)

What is 1 factor you make confident to pack if you are likely and why?

To condition the noticeable, a bathing go well with and sunscreen. Some people today want bringing h2o footwear for stingray time and beach shirts because, as outlined, the sunshine can be incredibly sturdy.

Anything at all else visitors ought to know?

Do. Not. Feed. The. Seagulls. They are in all places, and they want your foods. Feeding them just makes them additional needy (and it could be unsafe for them) ― not to point out you’ll annoy all the other beachgoers all-around you. Maintain your snacks, subs and anything at all else to by yourself. Believe in me.

This article originally appeared on Huffington Write-up Journey News