2022 Clearwater Beach

Enjoying a much-needed getaway, my son and I took a four-day/three-night adventure to Clearwater Beach in Florida in early November. It was a jam-packed trip from beach relaxation to exploring the pier and local shops, a sunset dolphin tour, visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium, playing miniature golf, Busch Gardens and eating a lot of delicious food, every moment was filled with joy and adventure.

We opted for simplicity, flying into St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and using Uber for transportation around the area. This decision saved us from the hassle of renting a car and paying for parking, making our trip stress-free.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Our accommodations at Winter the Dolphin's Beach Club on the south side of Clearwater Beach were perfect. The hotel's friendly staff made us feel welcome, and the room was comfortable and clean, providing a great base for our vacation.

The private beach allowed us to swim, play football in the water and admire the beautiful sunsets. Even after dark, we enjoyed swimming in the large pool.

Additionally, the hotel boasts a front-facing restaurant, along with a beachside bar and restaurant. We enjoyed lunch and dinner along with refreshing beverages on the beach, complemented by live music in the evening. However, a word of caution: the seagulls have their eye on your food, so be mindful! Austin learned this firsthand!

For the dolphin-lovers, the hotel is dolphin-themed and partners with Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The lobby features a captivating dolphin exhibit and offers Clearwater Marine Aquarium souvenirs. For those eager to explore the wonders of the aquarium, discounted tickets are conveniently available for purchase at the front desk.

DINING

On our way back from Clearwater Marine Aquarium, we decided to have lunch at Roundabout Pizza, conveniently located just off the main roundabout as you enter the island. Their wood-fired pizza was a delightful treat, boasting the freshest local ingredients and a perfect thin crust dough. We enjoyed our meal on the patio, savoring the essence of Florida's surroundings.

For dinner, the hotel staff recommended Chihuas Tacos, and it turned out to be an amazing choice! The small restaurant, run by the owner and chef, served authentic Mexican flavors using the freshest ingredients. The churros were an absolute must-have!

On another night, we ordered pizza and pasta to go from Gondolier Pizza, conveniently situated across the street from our hotel. As we were having dinner late, we decided to enjoy our meal in the comfort of our hotel room. The food was incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

Of course, no beach vacation is complete without ice cream, and Ben & Jerry's hit the spot. We even had a fun experience at the shop, getting a discount on our ice cream by telling a joke that made the cashier laugh.

ACTIVITIES

During the day, we strolled around, explored the beach stores, and basked in the warm sun on the sandy shores.

Fisherman's Pier 60 provided a captivating scene during the day, transforming into a vibrant evening market with live street performers to entertain us. For Austin's excitement, there was a fantastic kids' adventure area featuring bungee trampoline jumping.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium left us in awe with its incredible mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing dolphins, sea otters, stingrays and other marine animals. Witnessing where it all began was a surreal experience.

Right across the street from our hotel, we found a fun-filled miniature golf course at Captain Bligh's Landing. Pirate ship golfing, waterfalls, caves, bridges and exciting challenges made it one of the most enjoyable miniature golf courses I've encountered.

We enjoyed the Little Toot Dolphin Adventure sunset tour but unfortunately we didn't see any dolphins due to the weather changing. We still got lucky enough to spot dolphins along the Clearwater Memorial Causeway as we walked back from the aquarium.

To add even more excitement to our adventure, we dedicated a day to visit Busch Gardens!

Clearwater Beach has so much to offer, and we wish we had more time to explore. The northern part of the island, jet ski and bike rentals, pirate ship excursions, segway tours, outdoor concerts and a vibrant dance club scene (for an adult-only vacation) are just some of the options awaiting us.

Looking back, there's nothing we would change about this adventure. It was an incredible experience exploring a new place with Austin, and our days were filled with excitement and laughter. I highly recommend a vacation to Clearwater Beach, whether you seek relaxation on the beach or crave an active, fun-filled getaway...or a little bit of both...it truly caters to every vacation goal.

If you are interested in going to Clearwater Beach in Florida, fill out the quote form and I'd be please to guide you and your traveling group.

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2022 Clearwater Beach

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

DINING

ACTIVITIES

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