Curator’s statement
Clearwater’s opal sands are abundant with marine life and flourishing with activities for tourists. Not only are wildlife sightings guaranteed, boat tours will bring you even closer. The city blossoms with the life of Winter, a rescue dolphin found tail-less in a fishnet and recovered by biologists to thrive with a new prosthetic tail. Winter’s life is promoted with her own hotel destination (and private beach), commemorative statue, and merchandise in shops around the area. The prestigious white sand is only steps away from nearly every hotel on the island, and each one is in commuting distance to pier 60, the center of celebration. Every aspect of this location is beaming with activity and its luxurious spa resorts are even cheaper than the rest of the state. Clearwater is one of the most affordable beach destinations and a great bang for your buck.
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Things to do in Clearwater
I recommend the Clearwater Beach to downtown water taxi for just a few bucks. It’s a great way to catch the Phillies’ spring training game, or enjoy the salty breeze while watching jetskiers fly by and pelicans grab at the fish.
I also recommend booking a sunset dolphin cruise that boats through the bay’s canal right to the Gulf as the sun is setting. If this happens to be during Africa’s dust storm, the views are even more breathtaking.
For my baseball fans out there, I would check out Baycare Ballpark—a great place to watch the Phillies take on other Grapefruit teams. Watching a game from the grass burn is unmatched!
And for my adventure folks, I would dare to go parasailing out over the Gulf of Mexico, as the views are staggering and the chance of flying is so surreal.
For my fishermen who jump at the chance to throw a line, the Gulf is an amazing spot to catch blacktip sharks, bullsharks, and tiger sharks. Hooking into one of these bad boys would be quite the thrill! Clearwater Aquarium is truly unmatched with its location and conservation efforts. Take the elevator to floor three and catch the dolphins chowing on fish as they perform tricks for their trainers.
I also recommend taking the Jolley Trolley to Sand Key Park, a hidden spot with a trail leading to the gulf. Freshwater ponds and vegetation hide alligators you can spot if you look close enough.
Places to eat & drink in Clearwater
Crabby’s has a small chain along the island, but the one right on the beach is the most notable. Recently remodeled, diners can gaze at the beach activity from the patio, with an incredible sunset if timed just right.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill sells a cheeseburger sirloin where they mix steak and ground beef, grilled to perfection. And the price with quality is hard to beat, at $13 with fries. Similarly to Crabbys, they have a few locations around town as well and the beach location is awesome!
Cocos Crush Bar was steps away from my recent stay at AC Hotel, a perfect location for late-night patio serving surrounded by colorful palm trees, great service, and live music! The ahi-tuna bowl is refreshing and the burger combo is packed with flavor. Even better, they’re very considerate of common allergies.
My favorite go-to spot for any meal of the day is Gondolier Pizza, located on the south side of the island. They’re an old-fashioned Italian diner that serves a true breakfast of champions and incredible pizza.
The Boxer is the night-owl bar, with an environment so alive it attracts the other bartenders working around the area. Their unique outside counter wraps around the bar into the main dining area, surrounding guests with sports, music, and community. The highly recommended nachos are served on a large pizza pan for the price of a regular meal, and a whole crew is encouraged if you want to finish them.
Last but not least, Marina Cantina is part of a restaurant group that sources their seafood out of the gulf every day. Their blackened shrimp tacos have crunchy cilantro-lime cabbage slaw, soft queso fresco, sweet cilantro crema, tangy pickled onions, and sliced avocado that’s messy in the most perfect way.
Need to know
If this is your first time traveling to the Gulf Coast, take the sun seriously. Learn the stingray shuffle if you’re planning to go into the ocean. And if you want to find big seashells, remember that low tide is a great time to do so. Check out one of the many Surf Style locations around town if you forgot to bring an item. But I must warn you, their advertisement song will be stuck in your head for months following the visit.
Lastly, if you’re used to traveling by car and have everything planned out, try to make the time to walk around and look at nature. By being in spots nobody else was, I have seen whales jump from shore, dolphins swim right up to the docks, birds grab at fish right next to walking paths, schools of stingrays swim next to oblivious walkers, manatees swim in small ponds attached to the open water, and bugs the size of my head jump in front of my feet. Take advantage of the trips to your small destinations, because the scenery is everything here. This vacation will be the best way to reattach yourself to the nature of life.
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Andrew Herrera
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