Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater Beach panorama.

Clearwater Beach was crowned “Florida’s Best Beach Town” by USA Today in 2013. While that may be true for many people, it has plenty of competition, and not everyone would agree. Of course, most people can’t agree on much of anything these days.

I’ve always considered Clearwater Beach to be a little “Disney on the Beach,” and quite honestly never cared much for it. But times have changed; Clearwater Beach got a $30 million facelift that was completed in 2008 and they really did it right.

They turned what was once a parking nightmare into a well-organized system. Beach parking isn’t cheap, of course, but you can find less expensive parking a block off the beach if you’re on a budget.

They’ve turned the main beach thoroughfare, South Gulfview Blvd., into a curvy cruising strip flanked by two wide broadwalks that are a cross between those of Ft. Lauderdale Beach and Hollywood Beach, but more laid-back than either. Very pedestrian friendly. It’s hard to resist going for a stroll, especially in the evening when this overgrown beach town lights up and the smell of seafood and live music fills the salty air.

Everything you could want (except greenery and nature) is within a short walk: food, drink, beach supplies, shopping, hotels (upscale and down), a brilliant white sand beach, top-notch lifeguards, an awesome pier, handmade crafts, live music and street buskers. Park your car and you don’t need it again all day. If you are staying at one of the beach hotels, you don’t need a car at all, unless you want to explore some of the area’s sights or explore nearby beach towns.

Florida is know for having plenty of gray hair and wrinkles, and Clearwater Beach has its share. But it also attracts a large number of young families, young singles, couples, and the local high school youth. It attracts some oddballs too. Some people make you wonder if they are for real, or if they are somehow part of the entertainment.

You will hear as many people speaking foreign languages on Clearwater Beach as you will hear speaking English. Like Dave Barry says, “Despite all the progress that has been made, some people still speak foreign languages.” (That’s a joke, if you aren’t familiar with Dave Barry).

The sand on Clearwater Beach is pure white quartz. The water is calm, shallow and clear enough to see your feet in waist-deep water, but not swimming-pool clear. Perfect for kids and grandmas. Yes, it has shells. Not a gazillion, but enough to keep most people happy.