Breakfast at Clear Sky Cafe (9am – 10:30am) 

Ahhh.. Nothing eases you into Gulf-vacay mode like a salty breezy while sipping on a prickly Bloody Mary. (Or, you can opt for a mimosa if you’re feeling fruity.) At Clear Sky you can choose from either, along with a huge selection of scrumptious breakfast fare. The place is unilaterally voted as one of the best breakfast joints in the area, and for good reason. Pick anything on the menu, and you are off to a great start to the day!

Beach time (10:30am – 1pm)

After breakfast, stroll over to the white sandy beach. Sunblock at the ready, it’s time to tan and snap some hot-dog pics for the gram! 

Just past noon, you may feel the need for a caffeine pick-me-up. Never fear, some of the best specialty brews are just a stone’s throw away, across from Mandalay Ave at Blessed Cup! Grab a takeaway coffee and head back to the beach invigorated with a pep in your step.

Lunch at Tate’s (1 – 2:30pm)

If you’re feeling incapacitated from the sun and too lazy to hunt for grub, then just saunter over to the iconic Tate’s right on the beach. They have a totally decent lunch menu and a legendary Miami Vice cocktail with rum floater (secret menu item). Here you’ll be in an upscale yet laid-back setting without ever losing sight of the gentle turquoise waves. 

Alternatively, head over to Frenchy’s Rockaway and have lunch on their open-air beachfront patio. They are especially known for their tasty super grouper sandwich and she-crab soup.

Afternoon Beach Chill (2:30pm – 3:30pm) (*optional water sports)

Catch-up on a good read, or even a mini-snooze whilst digesting your lunch on the beach. (Now is also a good time to flip around and do the backside if you haven’t up until this point.) If you are more of a thrill-seeker, perhaps you want to get involved with some jet-skiing or parasailing. There are several great rentals up and down the beach, although Clearwater Jet Ski and Fun Boat are our faves. 

Return to hotel (3:30pm – 4:30pm)

Head back to your hotel and freshen up for the evening. Next up, you’re gonna find out what all the sunset-talk is all about from the front row – that is, with an evening sunset cruise!

Sunset Cruise with Dolphin Spotting (5 – 7pm) 

There are many great sunset cruises to choose from totally depending on your mood, from the beloved family-friendly ones, to more adult-only affairs with a flowing bar and upbeat music. (Sea Screamer and Kai Lani are both something of classics.)

Regardless which one you choose, it is a relaxing way to unwind, and it will leave you gobsmacked as the sky turns wonderfully sherbet and the sun dips into the horizon. This is also almost a sure fire way to spot some dolphins, who love to come out and play alongside your vessel of choice.

Dinner at Badfins (7 – 9pm)

After your excursion, it is time for dinner, and one of the best casual places to eat on Clearwater Beach (especially on the weekend) is Badfins Food + Brew. It is located within easy walking distance from the marina. They’ve got a tasty seafood and Mexican menu that will satisfy anyone’s taste buds, coupled with an impressive variety of local beers (so you can get in on some craft brew action). Expect a great ambience and some of the best live music in the area. 

Nightcap at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest (9pm – end)

Walk along the boardwalk over to Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest rooftop bar, located on the 10th floor of Pier House 60. It is THE perfect place for a nightcap (or two) paired with spectacular panorama-views of the marina.

(Hot tip: If you left your sea-legs at home and don’t really feel the sunset cruise, then this is an awesome joint to catch the sunset if you don’t mind a bit of a crowd.)