Clearwater Beach, Boardwalk, and Pier

Clearwater Beach is an odd mix of modern highrise resorts and older crab shack restaurants. The busy street, Gulfview Blvd, that runs along the beach has a gorgeous wide boardwalk where people take long strolls. There are palm trees, white dunes with wildflowers, and always the blue sea in view. It's fun to walk the fishing pier and admire the view of the beach in both directions. The beach looks immaculate with its white sand, cleaned every morning, and blue umbrellas evenly lined up along the shore.

At the south end of the beach is a rock jetty by the inlet where people gather each night to watch the sunset. At the base of Pier 60 is a beautiful park with a huge lawn, some bungee rides, a playground of white sand with two huge shade canopies and two space nets, a statue of Theodoros Griego (the first Greek man in Florida), and palm trees galore. I love the silver palm trees.
Although the water looks clear up close, and blue from afar, it has a slight greenish hue and smells a bit. I never really want to swim in the Gulf.
Sunsets are absolutely gorgeous at this beach, with sailboats and historic boats gliding by, silhouetted against the orange sky.
In the morning it's nice to walk to the intracoastal side of town and get an egg and bacon bagel at Caffeinated Bakery, a friendly spot.
If you want to see the coastline from the water, it's super fun to spend an hour on Little Toot Dolphin Adventure. You meet at the marina, ride down the inlet, and then ride along the coastline. It's exhilarating when dolphins come to ride the waves from the boat and you can see them playing and surfing the wake. There is plenty of seating in the shade. 
There is a lot of traffic by the beach. Come early to skip some of it.
Buy a picnic at the lovely Publix Supermarket on a little island in the intracoastal at 200 Island Way. You can eat it on the balcony tables, in a lovely breeze with silver palms and pretty Caribbean-style architecture around you. 
When you've had enough sun, spend some time at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where you can see manatees and dolphins up close underwater.

Directions

There is a parking lot on the south end of the beach by the rock jetty at 420 S. Gulfview Blvd. A parking lot at the base of Pier 60 is at 40 Coronado Drive. A parking lot on the north end of the beach past the pier is at 4 Rockaway St, Clearwater. Parking fills up early. 
Caffeinated Bakery, 55 Baymont St, Clearwater Beach. Open daily 8am.
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure, around $27 per adult. Leaves each hour. Reserve online. 

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