Pier 60 -Clearwater

[Rhonda922]

DH and I are leaving for Florida on Sunday. We'd like to go down to Clearwater Beach. It looks so pretty and we've never visited there. Pier 60 looks interesting. Has anyone been there yet? I'm looking for a beach area that has something else of interest besides just a beach. Something similar to how Daytona has the arcades and little shops on the beach.

 

[Jpgirl]

I veacation every Feb in Clearwater Beach. It's a beautiful beach. Pier 60 is neat-it's a fishing pier and every night around sunset there are entertainers and vendors. I think it's like the one in Key West-not as rowdy. Just bit up the beach (going North) there's a cool beachside restaurant called Frenchy's. It opens at 11:00AM-get there early for a beach side table. If you get lost ask where the Sand Pearl Resort is (it's under construction) and it's right next to it on the north side. Post corner pizza is also really good-it's right accross the street from the public beach. I just love Clearwater-it's clean and uncrowded. In the morning and late afternoon you can watch the dolphins feed-they get pretty close in. Have a great time.

 

[themepark]

Ditto what jpgirl said. Clearwater Beach is a wide, beautiful beach. Yes, alot of people go there but the beach is so large that it doesn't feel crowded. There are several restaurants within walking distance of the public beach parking area plus there is a marina if you are interested in sightseeing, fishing, or even a pirate cruise. The sunset festival is alot of fun in the evening. Lots of vendors and a variety of street performers...musicians, break dancers, animal tricks, etc..

 

[Rhonda922]

Oooh, this sounds really nice! What do you think is a good time to get there for sunset to get a good spot? I think we are going to go to Clearwater on our first day. Can't wait!!

 

[TEENEE]

Good luck, it's spring break.

 

[shellbelle]

Sounds nice. Is there a good hotel to stay the night at there?

 

[Jpgirl]

We stay in a condo. On the beach there's the Hilton (I think it's still the Hilton), Sheppherd's resort, Radisson (I think it's still the Radisson), Holiday Inn. The island is changing so quickly it's hard to keep up with it. The Hilton is probably the closest to Pier 60. We like to stay in a condo on the nrthern part of the beach-less crowded. I say "crowded", but it's such a huge long beach it is never really crowded. The public parts of the beach do get a lot of people but it's not jammed packed. As far as timing for sunset-get there about 4 to take it all in. I've never been on the pirate cruise but always wanted to-it looks like a blast. My favorite time at the beach is from sunrise to sunset. In the mornings the are a lot of walkers and shellers. We got some really cool shells this Feb after a really big storm. Clearwater Beach is my slice of paradise-wish I could live there year round. Have fun.

 

[shellbelle]

Thanks for the hotel suggestions. We might stay 1 or 2 nights or maybe just the day. Are the day use areas easily found?

 

[Sylvester McBean]

check this site out:

http://www.floridasbeach.com/

 

[shellbelle]

Thanks for the link. I've been searching for a good site.

 

[Jpgirl]

Yes the public beach is very easy. Just take the causeway over and when you hit the traffic circle be in the right hand lane. About halfway around the 2 right lanes will veer off to the right and you'll see the public beach parking on the right. The beach is right next to the parking lot. I'm not sure but I think there are showers and changing rooms too. Have fun