Clearwater Beach Trip with Friends
Discovering Clearwater Beach: A Short Getaway Before School Starts
During the last days of summer break, I embarked on a delightful escape to Clearwater Beach, a sun-soaked haven of white sands and crystal-clear waters. This quick three-day trip created cherished times with friends who feel more like family. For anyone yet to experience Clearwater Beach, allow me to share some insights:
There were big crowds at Clearwater Beach that comes with its popularity. My visit, showed me the reality of a bustling shoreline. At times, the ocean waves would nudge us near strangers together as we stood in the ocean chatting – a testament to the number of people this coastal gem attracts.
Seizing the Best Spot in the Sun: We developed an early morning ritual of securing a prime spot by the beachfront especially since many hotels include beach chairs in their accommodations. My stay at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach came with a delightful perk – two chairs and an umbrella per room. This amenity granted me the pleasure of lounging by the beach, shielded from the sun's direct rays.
Valet Parking was Worth Every Penny Navigating: Parking on Clearwater Beach can pose a challenge, particularly during peak seasons. Upon arrival, I was met with a fully occupied garage. The valet parking option became a lifesaver. Opting for this service through my hotel not only spared me the parking problems but also included an unexpected bonus – the super helpful valet ensured my luggage safely made it to our room.
During the day we mostly relaxed and enjoyed the beach. We ate at nearby places what were better than I initially expected and reasonably priced. The first night we went to Coco's Crush Bar which was within walking distance of the Hyatt Regency. I enjoyed the Cauliflower appetizer and I really liked the Coconut Lime Crush. If you drink liquor try it! I linked the menu here. My friends at the burger and said it was delish. It was also huge so they split it. The service was also good even though there were a lot of people there. I would highly recommend it and left them a 5 star review.
During the day we ate lunch at nearby quick lunch spots "We the Pizza" and "Good Stuff Eatery". I typically like to have quick lunches and both of these were good. Their proximity to the beach allowed us to conveniently leave behind our belongings (non-valuables) while enjoying our meals. The prices were reasonable and I would recommend both of them.
On the second evening of our trip, we dined at a true gem of Clearwater Beach: the iconic Frenchy's Rockaway Grill. Amongst the various Frenchy's restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, this particular one stands as my unequivocal favorite, courtesy of its unparalleled beachside location. What truly sets Frenchy's Rockaway Grill apart from other places, aside from its yummy offerings, is the vibrant and lively atmosphere that infuses the moments we spent there.
The pretzel pictured on the left was a true treat; it was shaped like a fish and great-tasting! The taco salad was really good. I would recommend Frenchy's Rockaway Grill to anyone.
On our last night, we wanted to do something a little out of the ordinary so we booked the Yacht Starship Sunset Dinner Cruise. The food was buffet style and the drinks were included. I would have liked this to be a bit more upscale. The views of the sunset and Clearwater Beach were beautiful. The ship goes through the intercoastal and they stop before going into the ocean. We spent some time on the top deck where there was live music and we danced a little.
Overall, this getaway was nothing short of amazing, we were able to unwind and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Clearwater Beach. From the beautiful shoreline to the beach time that dotted our days, it was a well-deserved escape.
