Discover
Clearwater Beach
Sugar-white sand, legendary Gulf sunsets, waterfront dining, and endless adventures — all right outside your door at 530 Mandalay Avenue.
Begin exploringThe Beach & Water
Clearwater Beach's sugar-white quartz sand and warm, calm Gulf waters are literally steps from your suite. Routinely named one of America's best beaches, it's the perfect home base for swimming, shelling, sunsets, and every water adventure you can think of.
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach Suites sits just a few doors from the public beach access on Mandalay Avenue. The beach here is famous for its fine white quartz sand that stays cool underfoot, gently sloping shallows perfect for kids, and those unforgettable Gulf sunsets. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas are available for rent right on the sand, and you can walk three uninterrupted miles south to Pier 60 and beyond.
Parasailing
Soar hundreds of feet above the Gulf for postcard views of Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and the turquoise shallows below. Operators launch right from Clearwater Beach Marina — single, tandem, and triple flights available for all ages.
Jet Ski Rentals
Guided jet ski tours and hourly rentals launch from the marina. Rip across the intracoastal, loop Clearwater Pass, and keep an eye out for dolphins surfacing alongside you. One of the most popular ways to see the coastline.
Dolphin & Sunset Cruises
Daily dolphin watching cruises, sunset sails, and the famous Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise all depart from Clearwater Beach Marina. Playful bottlenose dolphins are spotted on virtually every trip year-round.
Deep-Sea Fishing
Half-day and full-day charters head into Gulf waters known for grouper, snapper, kingfish, and tarpon. All equipment and licenses provided on licensed charter boats. Pier fishing is also available at Pier 60.
Kayak & Paddleboard
Explore the calm intracoastal waters and mangrove-lined shorelines by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Guided dolphin paddles are beginner-friendly, and rentals are available from multiple outfitters within a short walk.
Pier 60 Sunset Festival
Every night about two hours before sunset, Pier 60 — just a half-mile south — transforms into a street festival with artisans, musicians, jugglers, and street performers. A Clearwater Beach tradition you shouldn't miss.
Where to Eat
From beachfront grouper sandwiches to white-tablecloth seafood, Clearwater Beach punches well above its weight. Most of these are a short walk from your suite on Mandalay Avenue.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
The original beachside Frenchy's is literally next door to Clearwater Beach Suites on Rockaway Street. Order the legendary grouper sandwich, grab a cold drink, and put your toes in the sand — this is the Clearwater Beach experience in one bite. The Frenchy family has been serving fresh-off-the-boat grouper here since 1981, and the line out the door tells you everything you need to know.
Walking Distance on Mandalay
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
Beachfront · Live MusicA Clearwater Beach institution on the sand at the north end of the beach. Live music nightly, spectacular sunsets, and classic Florida beach fare — burgers, grouper, cold drinks. About a 5-minute walk from CBS.
Frenchy's Original Cafe
Casual · SeafoodThe very first Frenchy's, tucked a block off the beach on Baymont Street. Smaller, quirkier, and beloved by regulars. Same legendary grouper, no beachfront crowds.
Frenchy's South Beach Cafe
Casual · SeafoodThe third in the Frenchy's family, with a rooftop deck overlooking Clearwater Beach. Great for a relaxed lunch or an afternoon drink after a day on the sand.
Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
Breakfast & LunchA Mandalay Avenue favorite for big breakfasts, stacked pancakes, Bloody Marys, and a sidewalk patio. Walk here, eat well, walk home. Open early.
Surfside Tavern
Casual · Bar & GrillLaid-back neighborhood spot on Mandalay for wings, burgers, cold beer, and sports on the TVs. Unpretentious and easy on the wallet.
Sekushi on the Beach
Sushi · JapaneseCreative sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-fusion plates on Mandalay Avenue. A welcome change of pace from seafood shacks and burger joints.
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber
Classic Seafood · Since 1948Long-standing white-tablecloth seafood house on Mandalay at the south end of the beach. Famous for back-to-the-farm fried chicken, classic Gulf seafood, and a proper wine list. The special-occasion choice on the beach.
Crabby's Bar & Grill
Waterfront · CasualWaterfront bar on Clearwater Pass with a huge deck, reliable seafood, and one of the best sunset views in town. About a 3-minute drive south.
Upscale & Worth the Drive
Caretta on the Gulf
Upscale Seafood · Sandpearl ResortElevated Gulf-to-table dining inside the Sandpearl Resort, with floor-to-ceiling views of the beach. Seasonal menus, strong wine program, and the best sunset dining room on Clearwater Beach.
Columbia Restaurant Sand Key
Cuban & Spanish · Since 1905Florida's oldest restaurant, with a gorgeous waterfront location on Sand Key just across the bridge. Famous for 1905 Salad, Cuban sandwiches, paella, and tableside sangria. ~10-minute drive.
Island Way Grill
Seafood · Sushi · SteakOn Island Estates between Clearwater Beach and the mainland. Beautiful waterfront dining, a great sushi bar, wood-grilled seafood, and a popular Sunday brunch. ~5-minute drive.
Marina Cantina
Mexican · RooftopRooftop Mexican restaurant overlooking the marina with 200+ tequilas, inventive tacos, and fantastic sunset views. An easy walk from CBS.
Backwaters on Sand Key
Casual Waterfront · SeafoodA locals' favorite tucked into the Sheraton Sand Key. Live music, a long dock, reliably good seafood, and a relaxed crowd. Short drive south over the Clearwater Pass bridge.
Publix
Grocery · DeliThe closest full Publix is on the mainland, about 10 minutes away. Stock the kitchen, grab a Pub Sub, and come home to the beach. There's also a smaller Island Market on Mandalay for essentials.
Clearwater Beach Marina & Activities
A short walk from your suite, Clearwater Beach Marina is the launching pad for just about every water adventure on the Gulf — pirate cruises, dolphin tours, parasailing, jet skis, fishing charters, and the Clearwater Ferry to Tampa and beyond.
Clearwater Beach Marina
Tucked on the intracoastal side of the barrier island, Clearwater Beach Marina is the beating heart of on-water life. You'll find charter boats, excursion operators, rental shacks, and fresh-catch seafood restaurants all clustered together. Grab a coffee, watch the boats come and go, or hop aboard for the trip of your vacation.
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
Clearwater Beach's most famous cruise — a full pirate ship with cannons, costumes, treasure hunts, face painting for the kids, and unlimited drinks for the grown-ups. Two-hour family cruises by day, adults-only sunset champagne cruises by night.
Dolphin Watching Cruises
Several operators run daily dolphin tours — the Little Toot tugboat is a classic choice. Sightings are practically guaranteed in the intracoastal waters around Clearwater Pass.
Deep-Sea Charters
Half-day, full-day, and overnight offshore trips depart from the marina. Target grouper, snapper, kingfish, cobia, and tarpon. Rods, bait, licenses, and ice all included on licensed boats.
Parasailing
Several operators offer single, tandem, and triple parasail flights directly from the marina or beachfront. Soar up to 600 feet above the Gulf for views all the way from Clearwater Pass to the Sand Key lighthouse.
Clearwater Ferry
A scenic way to explore without a car — the Clearwater Ferry runs from the marina to downtown Clearwater, Island Estates, and on select routes all the way to Tampa's Rocky Point. Great for a day trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Sunset Sails & Champagne Cruises
Catamaran sunset sails, adults-only champagne cruises, and private charters all depart in the golden hour. Pour a glass, drop sail, and watch the Gulf light up pink and orange.
Nearby Towns
Some of the Tampa Bay area's most charming destinations are a short drive from Clearwater Beach Suites. Each has its own personality, dining scene, and attractions worth exploring.
Sand Key
Just across the Clearwater Pass bridge, Sand Key Park is a big, beautiful, and much quieter stretch of Gulf beach with a shaded picnic area, playground, and plenty of parking. A great escape when Clearwater Beach itself gets busy.
Dunedin
A walkable, Scottish-heritage town with an outstanding craft-beer scene. Don't miss Dunedin Brewery (Florida's oldest), the independent shops and cafes on Main Street, and the Pinellas Trail that runs right through downtown. Honeymoon Island is just past town.
Honeymoon Island
A pristine barrier-island state park at the end of the Dunedin Causeway. Four miles of uncrowded beach, nature trails, dog beach, and the ferry to Caladesi Island. Bring binoculars for ospreys and bald eagles.
Caladesi Island
Consistently ranked one of America's best beaches — and you can only reach it by boat. Take the ferry from Honeymoon Island or your own kayak. Completely undeveloped, world-class shelling, and the quietest beach day you'll have in Florida.
Tarpon Springs
The largest Greek-American community in the U.S. — a historic sponge-diving town with working docks, Greek bakeries, family-run tavernas, and sponge-diving boat tours. Eat at Hellas, bring home baklava, and watch the boats unload sponges just like they did a hundred years ago.
Safety Harbor
A quirky little waterfront town on Old Tampa Bay. Visit the historic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, stroll Main Street's independent shops, and grab a meal at one of the neighborhood bistros. A perfect slow afternoon.
St. Petersburg
Tampa Bay's cultural gem — home to The Dali Museum, the stunning St. Pete Pier, the vibrant murals district, and a world-class food and craft beer scene. Spend a day on the waterfront, then dinner on Beach Drive.
Tampa
The bay area's biggest city offers Armature Works (trendy food hall), the historic Ybor City district, world-class dining at Bern's Steak House, and pro sports — Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium and Lightning at Amalie Arena.
Local Attractions
Between beach days, there's plenty to fill an afternoon — from the world-famous Marine Aquarium to nightly Pier 60 sunsets and spring training baseball.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Famous worldwide as the home of Winter the dolphin from the Dolphin Tale movies. More than an aquarium, it's an active rescue and rehab center — sea turtles, dolphins, otters, rays, and an entire coral-reef conservation program. Interactive touch tanks and behind-the-scenes tours make this a can't-miss.
Pier 60 Sunset Celebration
A half-mile walk down the beach from CBS, Pier 60 comes alive every evening about two hours before sunset. Artisans, musicians, jugglers, and street performers turn the pier into an open-air festival. Grab dinner, stroll the pier, and stay for the sun drop.
Sand Key Park
A 95-acre Gulf-front park just across the Clearwater Pass bridge. Big, quiet beach, shaded picnic pavilions, a playground, and a dog park. The perfect alternative when the main beach is busy.
Caladesi Island State Park
Accessible only by ferry (from Honeymoon Island) or your own boat. Consistently ranked one of America's best beaches. Undeveloped, shaded nature trails, excellent shelling, and virtually no crowds.
The Dali Museum
Houses the largest collection of Salvador Dali's work outside Spain, in a stunning modern building on the St. Petersburg waterfront. The avant-garde architecture alone is worth the trip. ~35 min drive.
Spring Training Baseball
The Tampa Bay area is spring training country. The Phillies train at BayCare Ballpark right in Clearwater (~10 min), the Blue Jays are next door in Dunedin, and the Yankees are in Tampa. Intimate stadiums, affordable tickets, February through March.
Day Trips
Florida's biggest theme parks and most unique natural attractions are all within driving distance. Plan a day trip and come home to the beach.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
World-class roller coasters, an African-themed zoo with exotic wildlife, and spectacular live shows. One of Florida's best theme parks — closer than you'd think from Clearwater Beach.
The Florida Aquarium
Marine life exhibits, touch tanks, and a living coral reef in Tampa's Channel District. Interactive experiences for all ages, including wild dolphin cruises departing from the aquarium dock.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park
A top-rated family-friendly zoo featuring exotic animals, interactive exhibits, and fun rides. Known for conservation efforts and a wide range of animal encounters from manatees to African elephants.
Disney World Orlando
The ultimate family destination with four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. An easy day trip or overnight from Clearwater Beach.
Universal Studios Florida
Movie-themed rides, immersive worlds including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and thrilling attractions for all ages. Easily combinable with Islands of Adventure for a full day.
SeaWorld Orlando
Marine animal shows, roller coasters, and interactive exhibits focused on ocean conservation and education. A family favourite combining thrills with marine life encounters.
Weeki Wachee Springs
One of Florida's most magical natural attractions — famous for live mermaid shows performed underwater in crystal-clear spring waters since 1947. Kayaking, swimming, and a water park in this unique state park.
Interactive Map
Explore all the places in this guide. Click any pin for details and approximate drive times from Clearwater Beach Suites.
Local Tips
Insider notes to help you make the most of your Clearwater Beach vacation.
Getting Around
Mandalay Avenue is the main road up our end of the beach. The Jolley Trolley stops right outside CBS and covers the entire beach, downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, and Tarpon Springs for under $5/day unlimited. Uber and Lyft run everywhere. A car is useful for St. Pete or Tampa day trips.
Best Time to Visit
Clearwater Beach enjoys sunshine year-round. Peak season (December–April) brings the best weather and biggest crowds. Summer is hot with predictable afternoon thunderstorms but fewer tourists and lower rates. Fall is the local favorite — warm water, empty beaches.
Beach Tips
The beach is free and public. Bring reef-safe sunscreen. The fine white quartz sand stays cool underfoot compared to other beaches. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent right on the sand just outside the resort.
Sunset Spots
Pier 60's sunset festival is the main event — head down about an hour before sunset. For a drink with a view, try Palm Pavilion, Frenchy's Rockaway, or the rooftop at Marina Cantina. Your suite balcony is also hard to beat.
Airports
Tampa International (TPA) is ~30 minutes and the most convenient. St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) is 20–25 minutes and serves budget airlines like Allegiant. Orlando (MCO) is about 1.5 hours.
Dining Tips
Frenchy's Rockaway is right next door — skip the hostess line and grab a seat at the bar. Book Bob Heilman's Beachcomber and Caretta on the Gulf ahead on weekends. For groceries, the full Publix is on the mainland (~10 min); the Island Market on Mandalay handles quick runs.
Fishing
Deep-sea charters depart daily from Clearwater Beach Marina — half-day trips are great for families and include rods, bait, and license. Pier 60 is excellent for pier fishing (bait shop and rod rentals on site).
Dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted right from the beach, especially early morning and late afternoon. For the best encounters, take a dolphin cruise or jet-ski tour from the marina — the intracoastal near Clearwater Pass is a reliable dolphin feeding ground.