Clearwater Beach Hotels

Travel Guide

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Your Complete Guide to Clearwater Beach Hotels and Activities

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Known for its soft white sand, crystal clear waters, and outdoor adventures, Clearwater Beach is one of the best beach towns in Florida and in the country. There’s so much to do in this city just 45 minutes from Tampa. Rent a jet ski or go paddleboarding, or you can even hop on a boat to see if you spot dolphins at sunset on the stunning Gulf Coast. Clearwater Beach is a haven for both sun-seekers and those craving relaxation, who just need a weekend reset by the ocean.

 

In this guide, we’ll share our favorite activities, restaurants, and nearby attractions for a memorable visit any time of year. Keep reading for tips on where to stay, eat, drink, and play. And don’t forget your sunscreen! The Clearwater Beach area holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive days of sunshine at 768.

 

IHG’s Clearwater Beach Hotels

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in the area, but if you want to stay right on the sand, Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach is the perfect choice for your beach-cation. The hotel features an oceanside pool and Rum Runner's Tiki Bar where you can slow-sip your cocktail or mocktail of choice, a family arcade and game room, a fitness center, and stunning sunsets and ocean views. Some suites here have private balconies overlooking the Gulf Coast, there is parking available, and kids always eat free. On-site restaurants include the Key West-inspired Jimmy's Fish House & Iguana Bar and Holy Crepe, a French cafe with over 30 sweet and savory crepes to choose from.

 

Just 15 minutes from Clearwater Beach, you’ll find Indian Rocks Beach, where the Holiday Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach S-Harbourside is located. With a garden pool and hot tub, three bars, a game room, and an 18-hole mini golf course, you’ll never get bored here. Dine on property at Jimmy Guana's Waterfront Bar & Grill, a Key West-themed restaurant and bar, which has live entertainment and tropical drink specials every night.

 

Things to Do in Clearwater Beach

Hit the beach. It’s the city’s main attraction, after all, with 2.5 miles of beautiful coastline and a full marina on the Intracoastal Waterway side. Spend your days soaking up the sun, building sandcastles, or taking leisurely strolls along the shore. Get your steps in at Clearwater Beach Walk, a beachside promenade dotted with shops and restaurants. This is the perfect place to bike, rollerblade, or run when the weather is nice. 

 

Indulge in water sports. If laying on the sand isn’t quite your thing and you seek a bit more adventure, enjoy a variety of water sports, including parasailing, jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Several rental shops along the beach offer equipment and guided tours.

 

Experience the local culture. Don't miss the daily Sunset Celebration at Pier 60, where local artisans, street performers, and musicians gather to entertain visitors every evening as the sun dips below the horizon. You can also embark on a thrilling dolphin-watching cruise to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Many tour operators offer guided excursions departing from Clearwater Marina.

 

See marine life. If you don’t mind a pricier outing, buy tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to get up close and personal with rescued marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and otters. Learn about local conservation efforts and the rehabilitation process, fun for the whole family. A more affordable excursion is a boat, ferry, or kayak trip to Caladesi Island State Park, a pristine barrier island known for its untouched beaches, nature trails, and abundant wildlife.

 

Catch a game. If you don’t mind making the short trip to Tampa (you’ll need a car for this) and are into sports, catch a game at Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or cheer on the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena during hockey season. Home to the Tampa Bay Rays since 1998, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is another fun stadium in the area. You can also book tickets to Busch Gardens, a zoo and theme park that’s featured roller coasters, animal encounters, and live entertainment for over 70 years.

 

Where to Eat and Drink in Clearwater Beach

In the mood for Floribbean (Floridian-Caribbean) food? You’ve come to the right place. Frenchy's Rockaway Grill offers open-air beachfront dining with incredible sunset views and live music daily. Order a fresh seafood dish and a rum runner and enjoy. If you have a competitive spirit, you’ll want to visit at least four Frenchy’s locations to complete the Frenchy's Passport to Paradise cocktail challenge. What does this mean exactly? Order the signature drink at Frenchy's Original Cafe, Frenchy's Saltwater Cafe, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, and Frenchy's South Beach Cafe (and get your “passport” stamped at each spot). After your fourth stamp, you can grab a free Cocktail Challenge tee or tank top from Frenchy’s Off-The-Hook Gift Shop.

 

Close to Clearwater Beach, Columbia Restaurant - Sand Key has offered refined indoor and outdoor waterfront dining since 1989. Big windows overlooking the bay make for a really special dining experience here. Serving authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine, Columbia’s original location in Tampa (Ybor City) has been open for over a century and is the oldest restaurant in Florida.

 

A casual atmosphere, live music, and stunning sunsets complement delicious cuisine at Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, a true beachfront gem since 1926. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this is another great place to watch the sunset. Arrive early as the restaurant doesn’t take reservations and tables are available on a first come first serve basis.

 

Open all day every day (8:30 am to 11 pm, to be precise), the Salty Crab Bar & Grill North Beach is a laid-back waterfront dining establishment with creative cocktails and seafood specialties in addition to pizza, burgers, and live music. The restaurant features all-day happy hour specials and late night specials, too, so when the hunger hits you know you can count on the Salty Crab to satisfy your cravings. 

 

For rooftop drinks with a view, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Jimmy's on the Edge.

 

How to Get Around Town

Getting around Clearwater Beach is relatively easy, with several transportation options available. Rent a car to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Clearwater, too.

 

Clearwater is bicycle-friendly, with bike lanes and paths along many roads and scenic routes. You can rent bicycles from various shops or bring your own and discover the city on two wheels. Or stroll along the beach, explore downtown, and visit nearby attractions on foot. Clearwater’s Jolley Trolley offers a fun and convenient way to explore Clearwater Beach and nearby areas, too. The trolley operates along designated routes, providing access to popular attractions, shopping areas, and cafes. A regular cash fare is $2.25 and children eight and under ride free.

 

If  you don’t mind public transportation, PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) operates a network of buses that serve Clearwater and the wider Pinellas County area. Bus routes cover major thoroughfares and popular destinations, providing an affordable option for getting around.

 

Nearby Cities and Day Trips

Explore the diverse city of Tampa, located just a short drive from Clearwater Beach. Visit attractions such as Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and the historic Ybor City district. Or discover the cultural hub of St. Petersburg, known for its world-class museums, art galleries, and waterfront parks. Don't miss the Salvador Dali Museum and the Chihuly Collection. You may also choose to experience the charm of Dunedin, a quaint waterfront town known for its Scottish heritage, craft breweries, and art festivals. Take a stroll along Main Street to pop in and out of the local shops and eateries.

 

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