No matter if you are set on beach-bumming, culture-buffing, nature hiking, spa pampering or all-you-can-eat and drink buffet cruising downing frosty umbrella drinks to your heart’s content, Clearwater Beach is the perfect setting for an unforgettable girls’ getaway!
We’ve carefully curated an itinerary with not-to-be-missed activities, all you need to do is to select the ones that fit your girl gang.
Breakfast at Caretta’s at the Sandpearl (9:00 – 10:30am)
Ahhh… Ease into Gulf-vacay mode with a warm tropical breeze on your face over at the upscale Caretta’s. Here you’ll be in an ideal location right on the beach. Grab one of the outdoor tables on the terrace and tuck into steel cut oatmeal, Applewood Smoked Bacon and blueberry buttermilk pancakes coupled with gorgeous views.
Beach time (10:30am – 1pm)
After breakfast, saunter onto to the white sandy beach. See those rows of yellow chaise loungers? That is the target. They are usually reserved for hotel guests, but if it’s slower season you may just be in luck. Ask one of the attendants if you can sit at one of the yellow chaise lounges, and mention that you will tip well. If so, they will serve you food and drinks here all day long, including alcohol, which is a HUGE bonus as no alcohol is allowed elsewhere on the beach. You have a 50/50 chance at landing these, so ask nicely. It is totally worth it. 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 (12pm – 1:30pm)
If you happen to luck out in securing a coveted yellow chaise lounge, then by all means stick around for lunch. Tate’s have a totally decent lunch menu comparable to any of the best restaurants on the beach. Enjoy a beachside pick-me-up while the kids continue to play. Don’t forget to order a Miami Vice cocktail. And if you are feeling jiggy, ask for a rum floater.
Alternatively, head over to Frenchy’s Rockaway.
No visit to CWB is complete without frequenting one of our beloved Frenchy’s – a staple for semi-affordable, fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood and a relaxed beach vibe (with no less than five restaurants in the area). Enjoy lunch on their open-air beachfront patio, sampling their tasty super grouper sandwich and she-crab soup.
Afternoon chill (2:30 – 4:30pm)
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.
Then it’s time to shake the sand out of your beach gear and head back to your accommodation to freshen up. Maybe you all reconvene on your balcony for some pre-drinks before heading out to dinner?
Sunset Dinner at Sea-Guini (7 – 9pm)
The award-winning Sea-Guini at the Opal Hotel serves Mediterranean and Italian flavors, focusing on Neapolitan pizzas, hand-made pastas and fresh local seafood. Choose anything on the menu and wash it all down with hand-crafted artisanal cocktails while admiring the sunset. Speaking of cocktails…
Roof-top drinks at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest (9 – 11pm)
Head back onto Gulfview Blvd walking towards Pier 60 and make a pit-stop at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest rooftop bar for more scenic views (it’s just a 10-minute walk). Here you’ll be on the 10th floor of Pier House 60 with spectacular panorama-views of the Gulf and marina. Order mule’s from around the world, a cruzan punch bucket or any of Jimmy’s creative signature drinks. Stick around until closing time, or continue your bar-hop (literally a hop away) to Coco’s Crush Bar next.
Coco’s Crush Bar (11 – end)
Coco’s Crush offers a fun, upbeat hangout place with live music with a long list of reasonably priced, dangerously thirst-quenching drinks (especially the frozen ones), exotic signature cocktails and beers. Cool off with a classic Piña colada, or try a Skinny Grapefruit Botanical Crush, and raise your glasses in a ceremonious ‘cheers’ as your first night draws to a close.
