Vacation Rentals at Clearwater Beach

Being by the coast means that you won't have to look far in Clearwater Beach to find fresh seafood. Check out Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, a friendly beachfront restaurant serving Cuban sandwiches, crab soup, baked oysters and staples such as fresh salads and French fries.

For fine dining, Cafeé Ponte can't be beat, offering an excellent selection of expertly-crafted dishes alongside an impressive wine list. Get a babysitter for the evening and head here for a delicious meal. A stand-out brunch spot is Wildflower Café, where you can indulge in brunch favourites amidst a light and airy setting.

Some of the must-try foods:

1. Grouper Sandwich - fresh grouper fillet fried or grilled and served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce.
2. Seafood Boil - a boil with shrimps, crab, clams, and other shellfish, seasoned with spices and served with corn and potatoes.
3. Mango Salsa - a refreshing salsa made with ripe mango, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and lime juice, perfect for topping grilled fish or seafood.
4. Beachside Cocktails. It is always a great idea to relax with a tropical cocktail like a Pina Colada, Mojito, or Rum Runner with a view of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Being by the coast means there is a lot of water-themed fun to be had in Clearwater Beach. A highlight has got to be taking a boat ride. Share an unforgettable experience with your family aboard the Mega Bite boat tour, as you explore the coast on a 40-foot boat designed to look like a giant shark. You'll be able to get up close and personal with dolphins and other marine life, as well as check out the homes of local celebrities and important sights. Be sure to bring a waterproof camera to capture the memories.

Alternatively, take a deep-sea fishing trip with Queen Fleet. Led by expert captains and crews, the trips are fun for all ages and experience levels. Private charters are also an option, so you can grapple with the fish of Clearwater Beach on your own terms.

Dive into the area's history at the Armed Forces History Museum, where amongst other things, you can learn about the stories behind Pearl Harbor. You can even ride virtual military vehicles based on those used during previous wars, and see collections of interesting artifacts. A visit here promises to be fun and educational for all ages.

1. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

If your kids are passionate about marine life and have a compassionate nature, then look no further. This aquarium's ethos is based on rehabilitation and conservation, and is home to dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and more. It additionally offers a fun sea-safari around the local area.

2. Sand Key Park

A beautiful white-sand beach which is popular with swimmers, families and surfers, Sand Key Park has everything you need for a blissful day on Florida's Gulf Coast. Bring a picnic and relax under the warm sunshine.

3. Spectrum Field

Formerly known as Bright House Networks Field, this baseball stadium is home to the Clearwater Threshers team. Catch a game during the season for a taste of an iconic American sport that the whole family is bound to enjoy.

4. Pier 60

Featuring a fishing pier, recreational park, snack bar and great views, Pier 60 is a Clearwater institution. It is also the location of the daily sunset festival, which features street performers, food and craft stalls.

5. Clearwater Beach

The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico beckon at this pristine beach which is a haven for sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports fans. Be sure to bring the sunscreen to keep you and your family protected.

Finding evening activities to satisfy the whole family can often be tricky, but not so in Clearwater Beach.

• Head to Sunsets at Pier 60 to hear local musicians, be wowed by street performers, and to lounge on the beach as you take in the mesmerizing sunset.
• You'll also find a number of stalls selling locally-produced crafts, and the outdoor Sunset Cinema showing family-friendly films. Best of all, the event takes place every single day of the year, from 2 hours before sunset to 2 hours after.
• Take a sunset cruise aboard a boat or catamaran, offering breathtaking views of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
• Choose the club which suits your evening plan: dance, comedy, casino or live music - you can definitely find the club you'll like in Clearwater Beach.

A vacation rental in Clearwater Beach is ideal if you have animal lovers in the family. With a huddle of different boat tours and dolphin-watching companies operating around Causeway Boulevard, you'll easily find the right kind of boat and tour to suit your family. Best of all, it'll be within easy walking distance of your Clearwater Beach accommodation!

Take a Dolphin Encounter Cruise around the bay, which lets you get up close and personal with wild, playful dolphins jumping around the boat's wake, as well as give you beautiful views of the harbor and some of the eye-catching mansions along the seafront. Encounters With Dolphins let you get a bit closer, including a swim and snorkeling trip around an island in Clearwater Bay with a guide.

With Paddle Out Adventures, you can spot dolphins and manatees from a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. If you have toddlers and pre-schoolers who are a bit scared of the smaller boats, the larger vessel of Little Toot Dolphin Adventure is a great option, while Kai Lani Catamaran tours offer a gentle sailing experience, and Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise is a themed Clearwater Bay cruise that's a lot of fun for the whole family.

1. Walt Disney World, Orlando. This iconic attraction consists of seven theme parks including Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios – all less than 3 hours' drive from Clearwater Beach.

2. Just a 2-hour drive outside Clearwater Beach is some of Florida's best wine country. Lakeridge Winery, Clermont, offers complimentary tours and tastings and holds a number of events throughout the year.

3. Fishing in the Tampa Flats. A number of charters go out all year round for both inshore and offshore fishing. Try your luck catching snook, snapper and even tarpon during the summer migration among other species.