Travel :: Clearwater Beach, Florida

The first stop on our recent trip to Florida was Clearwater Beach.  Ryan's family rented a house near the ocean and we spent five days reading, laying by the beach, drinking tropical cocktails, and eating loads of seafood.  Unfortunately the weather was not the best, alternating between sunny but chilly and very, very rainy.  But, we made the best of it and took the opportunity to plan an impromptu trip to Disney World {more on that later} and catch up with Ryan's extended family.  If you ever find yourself in clearwater, a few of my favorite things to do, see, & eat are:

THE BEACH {obviously}: I have been to quite a few beaches in my lifetime, and while most certainly not the most scenic {I'd have to say the Amalfi Coast wins the prize for that one} I have never, ever felt softer sand.  Seriously, the only way I could describe it would be like laying in fluffy baby powder.

BOB HEILMAN'S BEACHCOMBER: Out of all the restaurants we visited this was by far my favorite.  It has a decidedly upscale, old-school vibe with wool paneling, big windows, and an extensive menu of fresh seafood and steaks {the mussels and oysters were unbelievable}.  That paired with music by all the classic crooners, makes for a perfect night out on the town.  

THE BAIT HOUSE: The definition of "a hole in the wall," The Bait House is a great place to go for a super relaxed beer by the marina.  

CLEAR SKY CAFE: I wish would have discovered this breakfast joint on our first day, because I would have eaten there everyday.  The menu is huge and the food was simple but delicious.  I ordered a Lobster and Brie Benedict which was as delicious as it sounds :)

EXPLORING: I felt like Clearwater Beach had a very 1980's 'Miami Vice' vibe.  There are dozens of kitschy motels {Note: I didn't stay in any so I can't tell you if they were funky or just plain seedy on the inside} that make for some amusing exploration and photos.

PALM PAVILION: The food here was only average, but it has a great vibe and is a fun place to listen to music and grab a drink by the beach.

WATCH THE SUNSET: Thanks to Clearwater Beach's westward-facing location, if the sky is clear you will be treated to some absolutely unbelievable sunsets.  Sadly, the inclement weather meant I was only able to see one...but you bet I took advantage of it!  Watching the sky, surf, and sand change from blue to gold to red to the faintest pink was a memory I will always remember.