72 Hours in Clearwater Florida! Itinerary and Guide
- Dustin Matthew Spicer
- May 22, 2024
- 4 min read
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This is our drive over the Skyway Bridge.
Clearwater is a beautiful destination, we traveled to Clearwater from Orlando FL, and this drive is an interesting one, to say the least! Taking I4 on the way over is no joke; this interstate is one of the Deadliest highways in the nation. It earns its name very clearly. This interstate was nothing but accident after accident, bumper to bumper the entire 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Road Trip Itinerary:
While I lived in Florida for 3 years, Dustin has never lived here and did not know the roadway as well as I did. However, he quickly learned that this roadway was no joke! So taking this route proceed with caution! This blog is based on Dustins and my personal experiences!
Where to start & end this journey:
This itinerary is being complied from a car drive only, this does not include any camping spots or places to sleep. This is a morning drive from downtown Orlando to Clearwater FL.
We did not stop on this trip due to the next destination being so close and we had plans with family once we arrived! However, this did not stop us from making note of things on the way for the next time we are in town!
Tips on Driving I4:
With this interstate, there are many things that you can do to safely get to your destination.
We made sure to keep at least 2 car lengths between each car, this does get harder when you hit rush hour traffic. Florida does have wonderful weather almost year-round! There couldn't be a more perfect climate! If the weather gets too bad do pull and take an exit and wait for the downpour to slow or stop.
However, during the summer do expect a daily rain, and this isn't just a sprinkle. Expect a downpour it may only last an hour at most someday, but this does make a big impact on plans and outside temperature. The best time to visit is from March to May. Springtime allows warmer days yet not unbearable and cooler nights that allow for nightly activities that are enjoyable!
Where to stay in Clearwater and surrounding areas:
We have stayed in Clearwater and the surrounding area a few times and we have LOVED each place we have stayed! We have stayed in an Airbnb each time this stay is listed below with a review.
For this trip we stayed in an Airbnb-this is shown as a townhouse it is a duplex not far from the water. This stay was amazing. After our stay, we wished we would have stayed at this home longer! We had absolutely nothing wrong in this townhouse, this is not for more than I would say 3-4 people if you are traveling in a group. There is a small patio but there is not much room outside. Also with this booking keep in mind there is not much parking also the car and plates that will be staying will need to be shared with the owners so that the cars will not be towed. This includes any visitors you may have while staying and for how long they will be there.
In addition to the parking situation also keep in mind that the owners do have certain listing requirements that must be followed. Now keep in mind if you travel with pets our later posts will apply more than just these first two airbnbs with no pets. This was our first trip together and we did it without our fur babies so if you do have fur babies stay tuned!! Rules are listed below.
We have zero tolerance for guests who refuse to follow our few simple rules:
-No smoking in the Airbnb
-No pets
-Quiet time starts from 10 pm
-No parties or events
-Must be 21 to book
Clearwater Itinerary:
We only had 72 hours in Clearwater and we spent time with family this trip therefore there was not much exploring however my favorite spots were hit!
Downtown Clearwater- We stopped at Clearwater Beach first. This is a beautiful location however it is very busy. If you are looking for a relaxing sun time beach this is not it! Clearwater Beach has a younger crowd as well, there is a mixture of ages however, during our stay, it was teenage kids that were out of school. They do offer beach volleyball and other on-beach activities.
Dolphin Statue on Pier 60.
During our time at Clearwater, we did manage to walk Pier 60. This is one of the main attractions in the Clearwater area. There are food shacks and blow-up slides near the Pier. If you are looking to fish off the Pier there is a Charge to go farther than this point. They only let so many out on the very end of the Pier if you are not fishing I wouldn't pay for the entrance fee for the end of the Pier. We did not and do not regret not doing it.
After leaving Pier 60 we ventured down the coast to Candy Kitchen. If you have ever been to the Madeira Beach area this little shop is a MUST!! They may have a small-sized store but this does not compare to the jam-packed goodies they have inside! Address- 3711 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach, Florida 33708
We then went to St. Peterburg Beach, this is my family's go-to stop for any vacation it holds a very special place in our hearts. If you are able and willing to get wet, sandy, and maybe a little scaped up for sea shells and big ones at that this is the place you want to be. St Pete offers a small strip of Heaven that washes up to the shore, we have seen anything from starfish, seaweed, horse-u-crab and so much more! They also offer a strip of shops and restaurants that are special to this beach The ice cream, shop on the corner can't be beaten!!
Once done at St. Pete Beach, we headed to the last stop of the day. Bradenton Beach is by far my favorite location on the Gulf side of Florida. We spent the remainder of the day here, the beach is more family-friendly than Clearwater as well as not nearly as crowded. If you have to prioritize beach days this would be at the top of my list.
Bradenton Beach about a hour before sunset
As we finished off the day there is one more stop you MUST make before making the hour drive back to Clearwater. The Beach House this delightful restaurant is something you don't want to miss with top-class service and top-grade food with this view there is not a better seat in the house than on their open beachfront dining area. Beach House Address 200 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
We both had the Grilled Chicken Sandwiches and fries which were to die for!!
<-------- Beach House Info and Coaster
DELISH CHICKEN ---------------->
There are some other locations we would recommend in this area but did not get to visit this trip as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Honeymoon Island, and Tarpon Springs Sponge docks for the Greek Life that is based in this area!
This completes our 72 hours in and around Clearwater Florida If you want to see more about this area stay tuned there is another Clearwater trip we have taken with all new locations!
Thank you for reading, let us know some of your favorite places in Clearwater in the comments below!!
See you on the next adventure,
Dustin and JoAnna
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