Skip to content

Clearwater Beach, told by locals

Travel guides, restaurant recommendations, family itineraries, and local tips — designed to help you plan and book the perfect Clearwater vacation.

Travel Journal

Stories from the sand

Real guides and tips from the Stay & Play team to help you experience Clearwater like a local.

24-Hour Clearwater Beach Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

Aug 8, 2026

24-Hour Clearwater Beach Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide

Discover the perfect one-day Clearwater Beach itinerary with breakfast, jet ski tours, dining, Pier 60, dolphin cruises, and sunset drinks.

Why Treasure Island Is Florida's Best Beach Town

Aug 8, 2026

Why Treasure Island Is Florida's Best Beach Town

Discover why Treasure Island stands out with exceptionally wide white-sand beaches, vibrant sunsets, John's Pass Village, and a laid-back Gulf Coast atmosphere near Clearwater.

Best Boat Tours in Clearwater: 6 Ways to Explore

Aug 8, 2026

Best Boat Tours in Clearwater: 6 Ways to Explore

Discover the best boat tours in Clearwater, from dolphin cruises and sunset sails to pirate ships and private charters exploring Florida's Gulf Coast.

10 Best Free Things to Do on Clearwater Beach in 2026

Aug 8, 2026

10 Best Free Things to Do on Clearwater Beach in 2026

Discover the top free activities on Clearwater Beach, from Pier 60 sunsets and dolphin spotting to Beach Walk strolls and Sand Key Park exploration.

Top 3 Live Music Venues Near Clearwater Beach (2026 Guide)

Aug 8, 2026

Top 3 Live Music Venues Near Clearwater Beach (2026 Guide)

Discover the best live music venues near Clearwater Beach, from The BayCare Sound to Jannus Live in St. Petersburg and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Best Rainy Day Activities in Clearwater Beach (2026)

Aug 8, 2026

Best Rainy Day Activities in Clearwater Beach (2026)

Discover top indoor attractions in Clearwater Beach for rainy days, including the Marine Aquarium, Dalí Museum, shopping, and gaming venues.

Best Time to Visit Clearwater Beach: 4 Times to Win!

Aug 8, 2026

Best Time to Visit Clearwater Beach: 4 Times to Win!

Discover the best times to visit Clearwater Beach, from peaceful early mornings to vibrant midday swimming and stunning sunsets.

Where to Park at Clearwater Beach (2026 Guide)

Aug 8, 2026

Where to Park at Clearwater Beach (2026 Guide)

Discover Clearwater Beach parking options, rates, and tips for 2026, from municipal lots to street meters and ParkMobile app guidance.

Clearwater Beach Water Temperature: Monthly Guide

Aug 8, 2026

Clearwater Beach Water Temperature: Monthly Guide

Learn Clearwater Beach's monthly water temperatures, ranging from 62°F in January to 86°F in August, to plan your perfect Gulf getaway.

Clearwater Beach with Kids: A Family Itinerary

Aug 8, 2026

Clearwater Beach with Kids: A Family Itinerary

Explore a three-day family itinerary for Clearwater Beach featuring dolphin tours, Pier 60 sunsets, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Clearwater Beach Without a Car: How to Do It

Aug 8, 2026

Clearwater Beach Without a Car: How to Do It

Explore Clearwater Beach car-free using walkable streets, the Jolly Trolley, complimentary bikes, and golf carts for easy island access.

The Complete Clearwater Beach Travel Guide

Aug 8, 2026

The Complete Clearwater Beach Travel Guide

Plan your perfect Clearwater Beach vacation with insider tips on where to stay, what to do, dining, and experiencing the beach like a local.

Do You Need a Car in Clearwater Beach? (Travel Guide)

Aug 8, 2026

Do You Need a Car in Clearwater Beach? (Travel Guide)

Learn whether you need a car in Clearwater Beach, including walkability, Jolley Trolley options, and alternative transportation for your stay.

Florida Clouds: 5 Must-Know Types (Identify & Enjoy)

Aug 8, 2026

Florida Clouds: 5 Must-Know Types (Identify & Enjoy)

Learn to identify five common Florida cloud types—Cumulus, Cumulonimbus, Stratus, Stratocumulus, and Cirrus—and understand what they reveal about the Sunshine State's dramatic weather patterns.

FOX 13 News Tampa Bay + Stay and Play Clearwater Beach

Aug 8, 2026

FOX 13 News Tampa Bay + Stay and Play Clearwater Beach

FOX 13 News Tampa Bay highlighted 1000 Palms at Clearwater Beach's waterfront vacation rentals and watersports offerings for the ultimate beach getaway.

7 Secrets: The History of Pirates in Tampa Bay

Aug 8, 2026

7 Secrets: The History of Pirates in Tampa Bay

Explore the documented 18th-century privateers and legendary José Gaspar folklore that shaped Tampa Bay's pirate heritage and modern Gasparilla legacy.

7 Best Spots for Pickleball in Clearwater Beach (2026)

Aug 8, 2026

7 Best Spots for Pickleball in Clearwater Beach (2026)

Explore top public courts, private clubs, and indoor facilities for pickleball in Clearwater Beach with open play schedules and expert tips.

Private Jet Ski Tours Clearwater Beach: Ultimate Group Guide

Aug 8, 2026

Private Jet Ski Tours Clearwater Beach: Ultimate Group Guide

Explore exclusive private jet ski tours in Clearwater Beach with groups up to 12 people, guided by local experts through stunning Gulf Coast waters.

Can You Swim at Clearwater Beach Year-Round?

Aug 8, 2026

Can You Swim at Clearwater Beach Year-Round?

Discover whether you can swim at Clearwater Beach throughout the year, with seasonal water temperatures and tips for winter swimming.

Top 5 Restaurants in Clearwater Beach, Florida Based on Google Reviews

Aug 8, 2026

Top 5 Restaurants in Clearwater Beach, Florida Based on Google Reviews

Discover the top-rated restaurants in Clearwater Beach based on Google Reviews, from beachfront seafood to Asian fusion dining experiences.

Top 5 Restaurants in Clearwater Beach Based on Google Reviews

Aug 8, 2026

Top 5 Restaurants in Clearwater Beach Based on Google Reviews

Discover the five highest-rated restaurants on Clearwater Beach, from Frenchy's famous grouper sandwich to upscale Ocean Hai sushi.

Travel and Leisure Magazine Features Stay and Play Clearwater Beach

Aug 8, 2026

Travel and Leisure Magazine Features Stay and Play Clearwater Beach

Travel & Leisure Magazine featured Stay and Play Clearwater Beach, with owner Andrew Beltz discussing what makes Clearwater Beach a premier Florida destination.

When to Visit Clearwater Beach: A Seasonal Guide

Aug 8, 2026

When to Visit Clearwater Beach: A Seasonal Guide

Discover the best seasons to visit Clearwater Beach, from spring warmth to winter sunshine and quieter fall days.