Where do Floridian's go for a vacation in the Sunshine State? Clearwater Beach, ranked the "Best Beach in America" by TripAdvisor in 2016.

L O C A L E

Clearwater Beach is located on a small peninsula on Florida’s west coast and is one of the cities in the Tampa Bay metro. Located between the two bigger cities St. Petersburg and Tampa, Clearwater has a great variety of things to do and places to eat and stay, but still offers a “beach town” vibe, but like any other Florida city, there is an influx of tourists during the spring.

Clearwater is best known for its beach, Clearwater Beach. Over the years, Clearwater is consistently ranked as one of “America’s Best Beaches.” In 2015, the Travel Channel ranked it fifth and TripAdvisor ranked it eighth on their “best beaches” list. It has earned this accolade for having a large white sand beach surrounded by the temperate picturesque waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Random Cool Fact: The Rolling Stones wrote “Satisfaction,” one of their top hits, while staying at the Gulf Motel on Clearwater Beach.

E A T

Must-Do: Frenchys: Known world-wide for their grouper sandwich

Brunch: Shepherd’s Beach Resort or Island Way Grille

Like a Local: Crabby Bill’s Clearwater Beach

 S T A Y

Clearwater has a large selection of hotels and B&Bs ranging from quaint and quiet, beach-inspired or high-end luxury. However, because Florida is such a hot spot in the spring time, be sure to book your accommodations before you travel as you might have a hard time finding availability or nightly rates could be way be way over your budget.  

 For spring breakers looking for the ultimate party hotel, Shepherd’s Beach Resort located on Clearwater Beach is the place to stay. From spring to summer, Shepherd’s has a large crowd of young people out for a good time. In addition to restaurants on-site, the outdoor Tiki Bar hosts a wild Sunday party and they have a nightclub that is open on the weekend.

 One option for vacationers that like to indulge is the Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach. Guests have the option of lounging at the resort’s large pool or walking out to the nationally-acclaimed white sand beach. The property boasts the city’s only four-diamond restaurant and is located within walking distance to many of Clearwater Beach’s restaurants.

D O

See the Dali Museum in St. Pete, Catch a Philly’s spring training game, go to the beach, or visit the Clearwater Aquarium.

D R I V E

Clearwater Beach is a laid-back beach town, so a Chevy Camaro would be a great rental for a couples getaway or a convertible Ford Mustang would be fun for the family.  

B R I N G

Beach towel, bathing suit, book, sunblock, hat, umbrella, beach chair

L I S T E N

List of local FM radio stations by genre.

Country: 99.5 WQYK
Rap: 94.1 WiLD
Pop: 93.3 FLZ
Rock: 97.9 98Rock
NPR: 89.7 WUSF
Easy Listening: 104.7 WRBQ