Clearwater Beach is a fun destination with activities around Pier 60, surfside restaurants, boat tours and a playground for kids.
The only problem can be getting there.
Traffic can be miserable on the Memorial Causeway, especially during tourist season. And the addition of a roundabout just before the beach has created confusion and often, chaos.
|
|
Fred Fox/Tribune file photo
|
Even storm clouds don't deter visitors.
|
Come early to ensure a parking spot during the winter months and spring break and don't
forget quarters. There are several lots, but parking is mostly at meters.
Clearwater Beach is hopping with activity. Take a stroll along Mandalay Avenue, where you
can hear live music at Big Kahuna's Hot Dog Hut or get a tattoo or belly-button ring at Key
West Express.
Definitely plan at meal one of three Frenchy's cafes - Saltwater, Rockaway Grill or the
Original. The fish spread is a must and even on a hot day, it's hard to resist the seafood
gumbo.
Beach volleyball is a popular pastime here. Clearwater is host to several professional and amateur beach volleyball
tournaments. Visitors can also rent parasails and jetskis.
The beach bristles with activity near sunset. Families and couples crowd into
Pier 60 for the Sunset Celebration (Thursdays through Mondays), which includes live music under the pavilion. Next door, children have fun at the playground.
Along the pier, artisans sell handmade beach jewelry, blown-glass figures and souvenirs. Go
back to work with more than a tan. Temporary tattoos, henna body paint and hair braids are
other options.
All bets are off during spring break. If you're planning to visit during this time, pack
patience in your beach bag. College and high school students head here in droves.
One drawback of the beach can be garbage. At the end of the day, the waste baskets are full and
beachgoers heave their trash in piles in the sand. Not a pretty site during a sunset walk.
If you bring a lot of stuff, it may be a good idea to pack your own garbage
bag. Fellow beachgoers will appreciate it.
){kind=link}