Experience Clearwater like a local.

The beaches, landmarks, restaurants, things to do, and getting around — curated by the team that lives and plays on Clearwater Beach.

The island

Clearwater Beach

Sugar-white sand, Pier 60 sunsets, and the heart of the island — a two-minute walk from our campus.

Must-see

Pier 60

The iconic pier with a nightly sunset festival, street performers, crafts, and fishing.

Family favorite

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Home to a Hollywood-famous dolphin, focused on rescue, rehabilitation & release.

Dining

Restaurants

From Frenchy's grouper sandwich to oceanfront sushi — the best-reviewed dining on the beach.

For families

Family Activities

Dolphin tours, the aquarium, sandcastle sunsets, and kid-safe calm-water paddling.

Transit

Getting Around

Walkable, bikeable, and connected by the Jolly Trolley to St. Pete Beach — no car needed.

Dining

Top 5 restaurants on Clearwater Beach.

Based on Google reviews — all a short bike ride from every Stay & Play rental.

1

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

★ 4.6 (7,200+ reviews)

Beachfront staple since 1981 — iconic grouper sandwich & sunset views.

2

Clear Sky Beachside Cafe

★ 4.5 (5,600+ reviews)

Diverse menu, vibrant beachside vibe, and the beloved crab eggs benedict.

3

The Salty Crab North Beach

★ 4.5 (4,800+ reviews)

Family-friendly with a lively outdoor bar rail on Mandalay Avenue.

4

Crabby's Dockside

★ 4.4 (6,500+ reviews)

Three floors of waterfront dining with panoramic sunset views.

5

Ocean Hai

★ 4.4 (2,300+ reviews)

Upscale Asian-fusion inside the Wyndham Grand with elegant ocean views.

Read the full restaurant guide

Staff Favorites

Where the Stay & Play team eats.

Our local team's personal picks — the spots we send our friends and family.

M

Matt's pick

Ferg's St. Pete

A St. Pete institution — massive outdoor sports bar with great vibes, cold drinks, and classic ballpark food near Tropicana Field.

L

Luke's pick

The Bait House CWB

Fresh-off-the-boat seafood on Clearwater Beach — laid-back, local, and the grouper is as good as it gets.

A

Aly's pick

Crabby's Beachside Pavilion

Right on the sand with a breezy open-air pavilion — the perfect spot for sunset grouper sandwiches and a cocktail.

E

Eric's pick

Hogg Daddy's Bar and Grill

A local hidden gem on the island — great burgers, cold beer, and a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

A

Andrew's pick

VIP Mexican Food

The team's go-to for authentic Mexican — generous portions, bold flavors, and the best tacos on the beach.

J

Jason's pick

Clear Sky Restaurants

Jason picks both the Cleveland St. and Beachside locations — diverse menu, vibrant atmosphere, and the famous crab eggs benedict.

C

Crystal's pick

The Columbia Sand Key

A historic Spanish restaurant on Sand Key — legendary Cuban bread, 1905 Salad, and elegant waterfront dining.

Getting Around

Clearwater Beach without a car.

As our owner Andrew Beltz told Travel + Leisure: "Everything on the island is walkable and so accessible." Here's how to get around:

• Walk & bike: The island is compact and our complimentary beach cruisers cover it all.
• Jolly Trolley: Connects Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach with stops at multiple beaches.
• Golf carts: Rent a 4- or 6-seater for effortless family beach-hopping.

Stay in the middle of it all.

Our waterfront campus puts you two minutes from the sand and at the center of everything Clearwater.