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Clearwater is one of the best beach destinations in America. The beach is known for the fine white sand, warm water, beautiful sunsets, and great atmosphere.
Introduction to Clearwater
Clearwater, which includes both the downtown area and the popular Clearwater Beach, was originally inhabited by the Tocobaga people. On April 2, 1841, the US Army established Fort Harrison, which once overlooked Clearwater Harbor. The fort was abandoned around November 1 that same year, and settlers started moving to the area in 1842. The town of Clear Water Harbor was incorporated in 1891. On May 27, 1915, it was reincorporated as a city and the name changed to Clearwater.
The tourism boom began in the 1920s, and during World War II, the city was a major training base for US troops. It remained a popular but relatively quiet beach destination until the 2000s, when major development and modernization began on Clearwater Beach.
Personally, I’ve been visiting Clearwater Beach ever since my cousins moved there permanently from New York. It’s changed dramatically over the years, from a sleepier low-key destination to a place with huge expensive hotels lining the white sand beach. Honestly, I feel it’s been ruined with all the development, but there have been a few positive changes.
Getting to Clearwater
Clearwater is served by Tampa International Airport (TPA), which can be reached from pretty much every major city in the US. It’s about a 45 minute drive to the beach from there. There’s also the much smaller St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Where to Stay in Clearwater
As far as hotels go, I really haven’t had to use any because I usually stay with my cousins. The majority of hotels lining the beach are going to be on the expensive side.
Chart House (Permanently Closed)
When we did need a hotel, we would stay at the Chart House, a three-star suite hotel. The prices have gone up as expected, but it’s still a good choice. The rooms are large and clean and the location is good, but the hotel is run down and in dire need of renovation. Staff is very friendly and there’s a small pool on the property.
Where to Eat in Clearwater
While visiting Clearwater Beach growing up, there weren’t a whole lot of options, but that has changed with the development boom.
Gondolier
My favorite place in Clearwater Beach is Gondolier. This pizza joint is a local favorite founded in Cleveland, Tennessee by Greek restaurateur Bill Sioutis in 1974.
Of course, the pizzas are often the most popular. They come in four different sizes and are made with homemade dough and fresh ingredients. You can build your own or choose from one of the specials. I like the Gondolier special, which is topped with, cheese, beef, pepperoni, sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
In addition to pizza, Gondolier has a huge menu full of Italian specialties, including pastas, chicken and seafood dishes, strombolis, and calzones. There are also lots of appetizers, salads, soups, submarine sandwiches, pita sandwiches, and burgers.
Brown Boxer (Permanently Closed)
On the next block is Brown Boxer Pub & Grille. This hole-in-the-wall has friendly service and decent food. There’s a decent selection of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. We shared an order of the nachos to start and I had the fish & chips.
Speggtacular
Next door is Speggtacular, which offers up a good selection of breakfast and lunch specialties. There’s a big selection of omelettes, pancakes, waffles, crepes, French toast, skillets, and combos. I had the Athenian omelette while Marisol had scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, and home fries.
Jimmy’s Fish House
Also on Clearwater Beach is Jimmy’s Fish House. Located inside the Holiday Inn, this Key West-themed restaurant serves seafood specialties as well as pastas, burgers, sandwiches, and more. There is often live music on the outdoor deck with views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Post Corner Pizza (Permanently Closed)
Post Corner Pizza has always been a staple for my family. We visit at least once on every trip because the owner was a family friend of my cousins. He has since passed away, and the quality has decreased, but the food is still decent. The pizza, of course, is good, and it’s worth trying any of the Greek dishes.
Maggie Mae’s
On Sand Key, you’ll find Maggie Mae’s, which has been around since 2004. It’s a great breakfast and lunch spot with friendly service. We stopped in for breakfast one morning. I had a half order of the Maggie’s Benedict Arnold, which is a biscuit topped with an over-easy egg, a sausage patty, American cheese, and sausage gravy. It was delicious!
La Pollera Colorada
A short drive outside the downtown area is La Pollera Colorada. This small and friendly restaurant serves traditional dishes from Colombia. It’s located in a strip mall.
Marisol was craving some food from her homeland, so we went for breakfast one morning. We both had calentao, which was very good. The only negative was the sliced processed cheese melted onto the arepa, which is typically served plain.
Manos Bakery Cafe
East of downtown is Manos Bakery Cafe. It’s a small eatery with a variety of sandwiches, wraps, breakfasts, salads, soups, gyros, and Greek pastries. I had a very good Greek salad.
Downtown Clearwater
Downtown Clearwater doesn’t have much to see. The Church of Scientology has its spiritual headquarters there. The church’s Flag Service Organization, established in 1975, now owns the grand majority of commercial properties downtown, with many remaining empty.
That being said, it’s pleasant to walk down the pedestrianized section of Cleveland Street. It’s lined with a handful of restaurants and cafés as well as a few shops and offices. There are also some historic buildings of note. I’ll add some photos and information about them when I have a chance.
Clearwater Beach
Since there’s not much to do downtown, Clearwater Beach is the place to go. It has changed dramatically with huge luxury hotels popping up, but the white sand beach is still as beautiful as ever. Clearwater Beach has been a favorite destination for my family for several years, especially to visit my cousins who live there.
The long stretch of beach features beach chairs and cabanas for rent in some areas. It’s perennially named as one of the best beaches in the US. The path along the southern section of the beach is also nice.
Pier 60
Pier 60 is located right at the roundabout from Causeway Boulevard. There’s a small park and a visitor center. The pier itself lined with craft vendors and sometimes street performers are outside the entrance.
At the end of the pier is a fishing area. Admission is US$1 per person while the fishing fee is US$10 per day for adults, US$8 for seniors, and US$7 for kids 15 and under (as of November 2024). No fishing license is required. You can rent a rod for US$10 and get bait for US$5 (as of November 2024).
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a major attraction in Clearwater. A marine biologist we met who once worked there told us it’s not worth it unless we’re interested in seeing rescue animals, but we disagree and enjoyed the experience. There are also boat tours available. Admission is US$41.95 for adults, US$39.95 for seniors over 65, US$32.95 for kids age 3-11, and free for kids under 3 (as of November 2024). (Note: We finally visited on our last trip, so I’ll update when I have a chance.)
Sand Key Park
South of Clearwater Beach is Sand Key. Sand Key Park features a pristine beach and short hiking trails through a natural salt marsh, it’s a great place to spend a day. There are umbrellas and cabanas for rent, picnic shelters, a bath house with changing rooms, and a food truck. Parking is US$5 (as of November 2024).
Clearwater Community Sailing Center
A great activity is to go sailing on Clearwater Bay. The Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key rents sailboats, catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and more to non-members for a US$10 per person guest fee plus the hourly rental fee (as of November 2024). We went sailing one afternoon with my cousin Bessie and had a great time.
