South Clearwater Beach Florida: The Ultimate Travel Guide

If you were hoping for something like South Beach Miami or for it to be like a scene out of Miami Vice... well your not too far off with South Clearwater Beach. But let me help you out with a guide so you can understand the differences... Maybe today is the first day you realized there is a North and South Clearwater Beach. That is okay, this guide is for you to learn about all things South Clearwater Beach.

Table of Contents

1. The Real South Beach Scene

2. Pier 60 to Sand Key

3. Food & Drink Heaven

4. Where to Actually Stay

5. Local Secrets & Tips

   
   

South Clearwater Beach Florida: What They Don't Tell You

Let's start with what everyone knows: yes, we have the whitest sand and the clearest water. And from Pier 60 all the way to Sand Key Bridge, you will fall in love with the restaurant vibe, music scene, and rooftop & tiki bar scattered throughout South Beach.

Pier 60: The True Story

• Sunset celebration every night (some performers are Broadway-worthy!)

• Offers a convenient place for bait and to fish

• Perfect people-watching perch

• Friday Movie Nights (Check for seasonal availability)

Bartender's Tip: Watch the sunset from the Opal Sands SandBar... Its the Best Tiki Bar in Florida.

Best Activities in South Clearwater Beach Florida

Beach Life Done Right

• Try parasailing (it's less scary than it looks)

• Rent jet skis - (Sheppard's offers rentals out back)

• Putt Putt Golf- (for the husbands who can't stay away from the greens)

• Do nothing... read a book... listen to music... enjoy a Pub Sub... that is the real point of a beach vacation...

• (If you haven't heard of a Pub Sub- please reach out)

Party Scene Insights

• Frenchy's - (there are many Frenchy's on the beach, you can start on South Beach, ask for a 'passport', and if you get the signature drink at each Frenchy's you get a free tee-shirt)... fun way to explore the beach and try delicious drinks

• Live music spots (Live music at almost every bar & restaurant)

• Sheppards has a Nightclub called Wave, and its open past midnight 7 days a week.

  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  

South Clearwater Beach Florida's Food Scene

Where Locals Actually Eat

• Frenchy's South Beach (Quieter Frenchy's with the same great taste...get the grouper, duh)

• Pan Filo's (if your sick of seafood and want a taco)

• Badfins Food + Brew - (good spot for causal eats)

• Jimmy's on the Edge (late-night menu is legendary)

Where to Stay in South Clearwater Beach

Honest Hotel Guide

• Opal Sands (fancy but worth it)

• Pier House 60 (perfect location)

• The Edge Hotel (personally in my opinion, best bang for the buck )

• Shephard's (if you're here to party)

Pro Tip: Book hotels directly and mention you found them through a local guide - sometimes they'll throw in upgrades!

Local Secrets & Tips

Parking Hacks

• There is none on South Beach... Get there early.. find street parking or park at a resort for the day... parking is limited.. there are a few garages and lots, but they fill fast.

  
  

Best Times for Everything

• Beach time: Before 11am or after 3pm (trust the locals)

• Happy hours: 3-6pm everywhere

• Dinner: Early or late, never at peak tourist times

  
  

The Real Bottom Line

South Clearwater Beach Florida isn't just another tourist trap - it's a legitimate paradise where you can have whatever kind of day you want. Whether you're here to party, relax, or both (my recommendation), just remember:

• Sunscreen is cheaper than aloe

• It's 5 o'clock somewhere

• Live music is a 'thing' in Clearwater

• Parking Sucks

🌴 Want more insider tips about South Clearwater Beach? Need recommendations for the best happy hours or secret parking spots? Hit us up at 727-422-3908 or traveltoclearwaterbeach@gmail.com - We've got stories and suggestions for days!