Clearwater

 

 

Clearwater is a sun-kissed coastal city located to the northwest of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico in the west to Old Tampa Bay in the east. Clearwater has an urban ambiance with diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment. Clearwater Beach, which is located on a barrier island in the Gulf to the city’s west, has been named America’s #1 beach and voted among the top 10 beaches in the world.

 

Clearwater’s diverse housing options include lavish gated resort-style estates, spacious single-family homes, and high-rise condominiums with breathtaking views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clearwater is a prime Florida beach destination with a wonderful climate and mesmerizing waterfront scenery. The local population spans all demographics. Great schools and relaxed neighborhoods make Clearwater popular among young families, while Niche.com also ranks this blissful city as the second-best place to retire in the entire country. The lifestyle Clearwater offers is equally diverse, from its outstanding beaches to boating trips that take in marine life such as dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Shopping, dining, and entertainment options are also among the best in Florida.

 

 

 

Clearwater Beach Island is dotted with high-end resorts and diverse restaurants with spectacular Gulf views. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a laid-back beachfront spot serving signature She Crab soup, sandwiches, and “Floribbean” fusion-style fresh seafood. This energetic spot offers daily live music and stunning sunsets.

 

At the AAA Four-Diamond Sandpearl Resort, expert sommeliers at Caretta on the Gulf guide guests toward the best pairings of chef-driven seasonal dishes and organic wines. At the southern tip of the barrier island, Sandbar at the Opal Sands Resort combines fresh Florida-style cuisine with tiki bar cocktails, while the nearby Clearwater Oyster Company has Gulf-fresh seafood and other locally sourced dishes.

 

Island Way Grill on the adjacent island of Pasadees Key specializes in sushi and other Asian-inspired seafood delicacies, most of which are prepared over an oak and citrus fired open pit.

 

Mainland Clearwater’s Downtown area is concentrated on Cleveland Street, which runs to the Cleveland Street Retail and Entertainment District atop a 30-foot bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor to the city’s west. Here, you can watch live music from top touring acts at the 1920s Art Deco Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, shop for haute couture fashion imported directly from Milan at GIOFFRÈ Boutique, dine on Puerto Rican cuisine at upscale La Fondita de Leo, or sample outstanding wines at cozy Pour Yours.

 

 

 

Clearwater Harbor Marina is a beautiful spot for recreational boating, featuring cutting-edge concrete floating docks, 126 boat slips, and side-tie mooring areas covering 600 feet for daytime visits and over 1,000 feet for overnight stays.

 

The white sands of Clearwater Beach stretch for 2.5 miles on a barrier island in the Gulf. Clearwater Beach has repeatedly been voted the best beach in the United States by TripAdvisor. Its calm Gulf waters make it an idyllic destination for parasailing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Pier 60 extends over 1,000 feet from Clearwater Beach into the Gulf of Mexico. Pier 60 is a popular place for fishing during the day, sunset watching in the evening, and crafts and entertainment at night. The beachfront green space of Pier 60 Park features picnic pavilions, palm trees, and a children’s playground, while the beautifully landscaped Beach Walk promenade follows Clearwater Beach with a safe area for cycling, rollerblading, and scenic walks.

 

On the barrier island to Clearwater Beach’s south, Sand Key Park has another beautiful white sand beach, along with a dog park, children’s playground, picnic shelters, and barbecue grills.

 

On the east side of Clearwater, Spectrum Field (formerly Bright House Field) is a baseball stadium used for spring training by the MLB’s Philadelphia Phillies. Events at Ruth Eckerd Hall include classical music and dance performances, Broadway musicals, and pop concerts

 

 

 

Public schools within Clearwater are operated by the Pinellas School District. Highlights include: