Clear Water & Clear Skies on the Florida Gulf Shores

The Gulf Coast offers plenty of quick-getaway spots, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. For our recent trip, we chose Clearwater Beach as our “home base” because it checked all the boxes:

• Close to Tampa International Airport

• Stunning, crystal-clear water and blue skies

• Easy access to other coastal gems like Anna Maria Island

Where we stayed: Clearwater Marriott Sand Key

We rented a car at Tampa International Airport and drove less than an hour to the Clearwater Marriott Sand Key, just before the Clearwater Pass Bridge. Recently renovated, all rooms are suites with a separate living area, king-sized bedroom, bright bathroom, and balcony overlooking the pool or marina. Marina activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.

Minibar area with sink, microwave, and refrigerator

Balcony faces the marina and pool area

The resort fee includes two beach chairs and an umbrella at Sand Key Beach, shuttle service, city tram rides, buffet breakfast, and two hours on the hotel’s bikes. The gym is basic but effective. It has several treadmills, a few stair masters and bikes, free weights, and other apparatus to get a workout before your day starts. Stop by the coffee shop after your workout for Starbucks products.

Ample desk space next to television and storage unit

Light, airy bathroom with glass shower

Large and comfortable king-sized bed

Must-try dining: The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Watercolors, is known for its steaks and seafood—especially the scallops and risotto dish for dinner.

When we weren’t enjoying the waterfall-style pool—which was nice but crowded—we explored Clearwater and tried local favorites like Columbia for excellent Spanish food and Snapper’s Sea Grill in St. Pete Beach (no full bar, only wine and beer, but fantastic seafood).

Waterfall designed pool with cabanas

Living room area with sofa bed

Day trip: Anna Maria Island

An easy one-hour-and-20-minute drive south takes you to Anna Maria Island. Manatee Beach is the most popular, with shops, a bar, and $40 beach chair/umbrella rentals. For a quieter vibe, head to Coquina Beach. Parking is free but fills up early—church parking next door is available for a donation.

Favorite memory

On our last morning, I took a sunrise (okay, more like 8 am) bike ride over Clearwater Pier Bridge to Gulfview Boulevard and Pier 66. It’s my favorite way to explore—fresh air, stunning views, and a few fun selfies to remember it by.

Travel tips

• Families: Clearwater is ideal.

• Quiet & relaxed: Siesta Key or Longboat Key.

• Lively nightlife: St. Pete Beach.

Wherever you land, you can’t go wrong with Florida’s Gulf Coast sunshine and a dose of Vitamin “Sea.”

Beautiful Pier 66 at sunset

Parking in Clearwater Beach is hard to find and expensive. If a car is not a must, don't rent one to save money; however, you may want to fly to PIE Airport instead of Tampa International to be closer to Clearwater should you take a taxi.

Clearwater Beach is very family-oriented and the beach is always crowded, so if you want a quieter vibe, you may want to choose the Sarasota area.

If you stay near Sand Key, it is much quieter than the central area of Clearwater Beach. It's the same beach, but Sand Key is its own inlet. It's a great place to escape from the crowds.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Florida page.