Weekend in Clearwater Beach, Florida

Becs
Jan 1, 2020
4 min read

Updated: Jan 4, 2023

Looking for a weekend trip to a beach this Summer? Consider taking a trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida!

Clearwater was named the #1 beach in the US by TripAdvisor and everybody that has visited this area knows exactly why.

The soft, white sand and dazzling blue waters will make you want to immediately extend your vacation!

Have Fun at Clearwater Beach

Tan, relax, get a quick snooze in, swim...you name it! A beach day is ALWAYS needed. Afraid that relaxing on the beach might get boring after a while (is that even possible..)? There are plenty of activities for everyone. Jet skiing, paddle-boarding, rollerblading, sand volleyball, dolphin watching, and seashell collecting are only some of the fun things you can do there! There are even beach games right next to Pier 60.

Visit Pier 60

Pier 60 is located directly on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. This Pier is a popular spot for sight-seeing, fishing, and taking pictures (of course). There is a gift shop on the pier as well as one right before you enter the pier. Grab a bite to eat, take a relaxing walk on the pier, or grab your fishing pole and give fishing a shot!

Enjoy an Evening or Daytime Casual Tropical Buffet/Cruise on Calypso Queen

All aboard the Calypso Queen (or Breeze) in Clearwater, Florida! This boat ride includes a delicious buffet with drinks included. The cruise takes you along the shore of Clearwater Beach and passes by some of the most elaborate and decked out houses. You will be amazed! This cruise is perfect for small families, large families, and/or couples.

Link to Website

Visit Moccasin Lake State Park

If you want to a break away from the beach, Moccasin Lake State Park is a short drive away from the beach. Take a peaceful stroll through this beautiful state park while learning about the local wildlife and plants! You may even spot a peacock or two as you enter the park!

Looking forward to visiting Clearwater?? Below are some of the top food spots recommended by locals (and of course...by me)!

Brunch:

Maggie Mae’s - This cute little dinner is located in Sand Key and has the perfect patio view of the ocean. The hash-brown casserole will have you wanting to come back the next morning again!
Shorty’s - Recommended by many locals is this delicious breakfast and sandwich stop. This is another perfect spot for brunch if you are wanting to enjoy the scenery!
The Island Way - $25 all you can eat brunch buffet WITH desserts and one free mimosa! This place was dangerously delicious. I went up to refill my plate numerous times because there were SO many options. Sushi, fruits, salad, bacon, french toast, salmon, omelets, biscuits and gravy,

Wake up and enjoy a nice cup of coffee by the beach on your next vacation!

Bars:

Shepard’s - If you enjoy live bands, jamming music, and lots of people dancing at a bar by the beach, then this is the place to go! People of all ages gather here to enjoy this lively night scene with delicious drinks beach-side. Pay Shepard's a visit on your weekend trip to Clearwater!
Shipwreck - This location is known by many locals because it is the oldest bar in Clearwater. If playing pool and darts while enjoying a delicious beer and listening to music is your type of Friday night, be sure to visit Shipwreck!
Hogan's Hangout - Hogan's Hangout is located on Mandalay Ave amongst many other tasty and refreshing restaurants, grills, and food/drink stands. Hogan's Hangout has indoor seating as well as some patio seats right next to the sidewalk for your convenience. This bar is also located a quick walk away from the beach. If you make a pit stop at Hogan's Hangout: make sure to order a strawberry or pineapple mojito!

Dinner:

The Island Way - This restaurant is so yummy, that it'll have you wanting to eat here twice on your trip! Looking for a fresh shrimp and scallop dish on your Florida vacation? This place is exactly what you are looking for.
Crabby’s Dockside - With different entertainment every night, this place never gets boring! The wait can be long during dinner because of its' popularity, so be sure to get there before the crowd. Be sure to start off with the Crab and Spinach dip as a shareable item for the table!
Tate’s Island Grill - Located at the Sand Pearl Hotel is Tate's Island Grill: a highly recommended spot to grab a casual dinner and watch the sunset. Tate's has a bell ringing tradition during the sunset and you are just steps away from the beach! Grab a seat around the fire pit and enjoy the calming beach surrounding you.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill - Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is a top spot to grab a drink or a seafood dish directly on the beach in Clearwater, Florida. Drinks/dinner at a fun & vibrant grill with an ocean view & direct access to the beach...does it get better? You can't go wrong ordering the Grouper Nugget Basket as an appetizer. The nuggets are thick, full of fish, and lightly fried to perfection! The Peel & Eat Shrimp were also phenomenal.
- PS: Make sure to pick up a Frenchy's drink passport/booklet while you are here. This is one of the 5 Frenchy's you can order a beverage at to win a free t-shirt!
Palm Pavilion - Palm Pavilion was rated the best spot to watch the sunset and the third best beach bar. If that doesn't convince you to eat here, then maybe the affordable prices and plump scallops will!

Everyone NEEDS a relaxing getaway to relieve stress from their everyday lives. Vacations to a tropical area allows you to decide whether you will sleep on the beach, read a book in a hammock, or paddle-board until your arms get sore! Maybe you will even want to try something different like play life size chess or jet ski!