Clearwater Beach, Florida...Premier Vacation Destination

Florida is an ever increasing tourist destination. With Daytona Beach, Miami Beach, the Florida Keys and the Orlando area featuring Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios why wouldn't it be. However, there is one place separated from all the hype, crowds and glitter that is the hidden jewel of Florida known as Clearwater Beach. There is so much to see and do in Clearwater Beach plus ample time for relaxation, working on the sun tan and reducing stress and tension.

I can remember as a child, taking the family vacation every year to the Orlando area to pay a visit to Mickey Mouse and Shamu. For the second part of our trip though we would head southwest to the Gulf Coast of Florida to the quaint city of Clearwater Beach. We enjoyed it so much that eventually Clearwater Beach became our primary vacation destination because of the beauty and plethora of things for us to do. It became a second home to us, so much so that even the local Blue Herons would welcome us and wait for our return each year.

Clearwater Beach is situated in Pinellas County on the Gulf Coast with Dunedin and Tarpon Spring to the north, St. Petersburg to the south and Tampa to the east. Access to the Clearwater area is easy and convenient since the Tampa and Orlando areas are within a half hour to an hour of Clearwater Beach and as simple as taking Gulf to Bay Boulevard to route 275 and then interstate 4 east or west depending on whether you are heading into or leaving the Clearwater area.

As is the case with other tourist destinations, Clearwater is not any different. Offering fine dining mixed in with a fine compliment of casual style eateries, Clearwater Beach has a nice array of alternative to afford you a different ethnic food daily. Jimmy's Fish House and Iguana Bar, Jimmy Guana's, Salt Rock Grill and Frenchy's Saltwater Cafe are just a few of the fine dining associated with the Clearwater Beach area. Numerous hotels and motels are available to suit every ones needs based on price, service, amenities and proximity to the beaches. The list includes Hyatt Regency, Marriot, Holiday Inn Harbourside, Gulf Beach Inn and Hilton, Cleawater Beach.

Now, whether you want to experience life in the Gulf or keep your feet on the ground, Clearwater Beach has a diverse array of entertainment to make your vacation enjoyable and memorable. To those who opt for water recreation, numerous marinas offer boat rentals or charters equipped with a professional crew to provide a safe and enjoyable cruise. Pirate Cruise and Sea Screamer where you are guaranteed to see Dolphins or your next ride is free, are yet another alternative for those destined for the gulf sun and water. Which ever way you choose, you will be excited at the fact that you just might catch a record fish and fresh fish dinner as well.

Down at the Clearwater Beach Marina, you can set sail with one of the public Deep Sea Charter fleets such as the Queen Fleet of catamaran style boats offering 1/2, 3/4 or full day fishing for the big ones. Grouper, Red Snapper, Black Sea Bass, Shark and Bonita are main stay. Maybe you prefer to rent a private charter to try your luck with a personal captain in his special fishing spots for Tarpon, Grouper, Mackerel, shark and tuna.

If keeping your feet on solid ground is geared more to your comfort level, that is fine as well since you won't be hard pressed to find something to do. Tennis,18hole pristine golf courses, shopping malls, gift shops, catching a beautiful sunset and festival at the huge Pier 60, catching a show at the acoustically brilliant Ruth Eckerd Hall, enjoying wildlife at the Clearwater Beach Aquarium or relaxing at one of the beautiful and tranquil beaches located in the Sand Key, Indian Rocks and Belleair Bluffs areas can all be explored and enjoyed.

A wonderful tourist destination without all the crowds, publicity and bustle associated with many other high traffic vacation destinations, Clearwater Beach offers excitement and beauty with a fine compliment of entertaining events and things to do each and every day of your vacation. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day of fishing or catching the suns rays or are a little more ambitious and energetic seeking other alternatives, Clearwater Beach in Pinellas county has what you desire and need...all you need is to see for yourself!