Clearwater Beach Questions

[jphilhower]

We've decided to go to Clearwater for a beach day while at Disney. We are going mid week. I've got a few questions about the beach, we never bean there.
Which is the best beach? Can you find shells there? are threr any resturants near by? And is parking close to the beac? Any information would be helpfull
59 days to go!!!!

 

[Amity 3]

Clearwater is probably the easiest to get to from Orlando. but once you get there, you can drive up and down Gulf Blvd. to numerous great beaches. Caladesi Island is the best for finding shells, but you need your own boat or take the ferry from Honeymoon Island to it. Sand Key is just over the southern bridge of Clearwater Beach.

parking is hourly at Clearwater, max of $10.00 per day. there are restaurants within walking distance like Britt's. and everything up and down Gulf Blvd from fine dining to open air, on the sand, beer and seafood shacks.

 

[Amity 3]

pier 60 at Clearwater:

 

[Badgerfan]

Question for Amity 3: How do you get to Honeymoon Island to get to the ferry? How much does does the ferry cost? How often does it go back and forth? Sorry for all the questions, we are planning to do the same thing as the OP this summer, and I'm trying to get as much info as possible....... DD has never been to the beach and would really like to get a bunch of shells. We are also planning to go on one of those dolphin seeing boat rides. Any suggestions? One last question, it looks like the day we will be going to the beach is a Sunday, will that be a problem, or is everything up and running 7 days a week? Thanks for any help you may provide.

 

[Amity 3]

Question for Amity 3: How do you get to Honeymoon Island to get to the ferry? How much does does the ferry cost? How often does it go back and forth? Sorry for all the questions, we are planning to do the same thing as the OP this summer, and I'm trying to get as much info as possible....... DD has never been to the beach and would really like to get a bunch of shells. We are also planning to go on one of those dolphin seeing boat rides. Any suggestions? One last question, it looks like the day we will be going to the beach is a Sunday, will that be a problem, or is everything up and running 7 days a week? Thanks for any help you may provide.

you take the same way to Clearwater Beach, but turn North on US 19.

it's a state park and there's an entry fee of $5.00 per car, but that includes parking. the ferry is $9.00 per adult and around $5.00 per child. it leaves every hour from 10:00 to 5:00.

you're more likely than not to see dolphins on the ferry ride back and forth, they love to follow boat wakes. I can't guarantee it, but there are dolphin pods throughout the Gulf and Tampa Bay. we see them all of the time just crossings bridges or along waterways. I've never had to take a dolphin sightseeing tour because of it.

everything is always up 24/7 unless there's inclement weather, it's very tourism driven.

let me know if there's any more ?'s

 

[connie85]

We are also planning a visit to Clearwater Beach before heading to Disney this Summer. Do you have any recommendations on any hotels in the area? Thanks.

 

[Michele]

We are also planning a visit to Clearwater Beach before heading to Disney this Summer. Do you have any recommendations on any hotels in the area? Thanks.

I do!!! There is a hotel I love in Clearwater Beach. Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Their website
http://www.sheratonsandkey.com/Index.shtml

We have stayed here twice. Loved it. Private beach can't be beat!!

 

[Amity 3]

I do!!! There is a hotel I love in Clearwater Beach. Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Their website
http://www.sheratonsandkey.com/Index.shtml

We have stayed here twice. Loved it. Private beach can't be beat!!

it's a great resort, nice to stop in if only for dinner and drinks and the sunset.

 

[Amity 3]

something I forgot, the Shell's restaurant on Sand Key is offering free movies on Saturdays on the beach at no charge.

bring your own towels or blankets and they're showing movies like 'a Night in the Museum', 'Charlotte's Web' on the beach.

 

[loveysbydesign]

We're hoping to hit Clearwater in Nov. before we got to WDW too!! We are planning to stay 1 or 2 nights depending on what day we fly in. Any hotel recommendations that aren't too expensive but are family friendly would be great!
Is it a far drive from Tampa Bay...we're unsure yet where exactly we'll be flying into. Depends on if we go w/ SW, AT or Allegiant or USA3000. Any tips are appreciated!

 

[caribear]

We just went to Caladesi Island 2 weeks ago. I would recommend going to Honeymoon Island instead of taking the ferry to Caladesi. We took the 12:00pm ferry on over to the island and there were not many shells, but the beach was empty and quiet. The ferry was running every 1/2 hour. We did not see any dolphins on the ride over on the ferry, but the boat captain said the last group saw a few following the boat.

The beach at Honeymoon Island has softer sand on the main beach. If you go all the way to the end of the park (take your car to the furthest parking lot) and then head north on the beach you will come to an abundance of shells! Tons of shells everywhere!!! You do not want to lay out/sunbath in this area though as it is too shelly. When we went 2 weeks ago we stayed for sunset and saw the most beautiful sunset over the ocean with dolphins jumping all over the place! It was wonderful!!

 

[swilshire]

Is it a far drive from Tampa Bay...we're unsure yet where exactly we'll be flying into.

It isn't far at all, but sometimes the traffic is a bear. 30 minutes is as good an estimate as any .... more if you hit afternoon rush hour when everybody is headed back home to the beach.

Sheila

 

[lexie32]

subscribing

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Its been quite a few years, but the last time we were at Clearwater Beach we stayed at the Alden - very nice, large rooms, on the ocean and good price

 

[Badgerfan]

Thanks for all the info. Amity 3.

 

[njbob]

The drive from Orlando to Tampa is only a little scenic since it is strictly Interstate driving. But once you get to Tampa take Route 60 west. This is the northern most causeway across the Tampa Bay. This drive is very scenic. Clearwater Beach is very nice. Or, you can then take Alt 19 north to Dunedin to the causeway for Honeymoon Island. On this causeway is a nice county park where you can rent a kyak and paddle to Caladesi Island. The wildlife is spectacular. A little south of the Honeymoon Island causeway on Alt 19 is a marina place to rent seadoos. You can take these out into the Clearwater Bay. You can often see a lot of dolphins up close. A rustic but good place to eat is Crabby Bill's on the shore road south of Clearwater Beach.

 

[connie85]

Thanks for posting the pictures. I can't wait until Summer to visit the beach with my family.

I had been thinking of staying at either the Sheraton Sand Key or the Hilton. It was great getting information from everyone that had been at the Sheraton. Looks like we will be staying there.

One more question: Is it worth going on a dolphin boat cruise or can we see them from the beach? My daughter would love to see the dolphins swimming around. This will be my kids first visit to the gulf.

Thanks for all the great information. It makes planning a wonderful vacation alot of fun and easier.

 

[Amity 3]

the dolphin boat cruises 'guarantee a dolphin sighting or your next cruise is free'.
I don't know how that works out.

there's no defined spot to see them, they're wild. sometimes they'll follow your boat prop at 30 mph, and break six feet in the air. sometimes they'll organize a feeding near your pier or jetty, or play near you if you're snorkeling or diving.

no matter how many times you see them in the wild, it's always a treat. the same thing with stingrays, sharks, and manatees.

 

[swilshire]

It's very common to see dolphins playing just off shore in this area. I'd say at least 50% of the time you'll spot them while walking on the beach.

Sheila

 

[madge]

How far (drive time?) is Clearwater Beach from the Disney area?