Your Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Clearwater Beach, Florida

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Spring break in Clearwater Beach—a perfect blend of white sand beaches, fresh and delicious seafood, and vibrant nightlife. What more can you ask for in a Florida spring break destination?

Drawing on my extensive experience—having spent my initial five years in Florida working in the service industry right here in Clearwater Beach—I bring you an insider’s guide to this coastal haven. As someone who has not only worked in the heart of this iconic destination but has also reveled in the excitement of numerous Spring Breaks, I’m here to share the hidden gems, local favorites, and the ultimate Clearwater experience!

This Clearwater Beach spring break guide has you covered with everything you need to know. How to get there, where to stay, the best things to do, fun bars, and more!

Spring Break in Clearwater Beach Guide

How do you get to Clearwater Beach?

Clearwater Beach is surprisingly easy to travel to from most places; it’s within 30-45 minutes of two airports.  Tampa International Airport (TPA) is known for its easy navigation, recent renovations, and numerous airlines and flights from the major carriers.

You should not have an issue finding flights. Clearwater/St. Petersburg Airport (PIE) hosts Allegiant Airlines if you have a hub near you! This is a good budget-friendly flight option. It is a bit harder to secure flights to this airport due to its small size and limited carriers, however, it can be quite economical!

Fun daytime Clearwater Beach activities

Clearwater Beach Scavenger Hunt

I created this scavenger hunt for my 30th birthday, and we literally had the FUNNEST time! This is definitely an adults-only scavenger hunt, but the tasks and challenges are so much fun. It’s perfect for spring break, birthday parties, and even bachelorette parties!

I promise, you’re going to love this unique, memorable, and cheap way to experience Clearwater Beach!

Boat day

Hands down one of the funnest things to do in Clearwater Beach for your spring break is book a boat tour with A Boat Day! Choose anywhere from a half to a full day of island hopping and pick any one of their beautiful and fun boats. They accommodate small and large party groups.

When I went out with them we did a 6-hour boat ride on the Avalon Funship, which is a giant pontoon boat with a second-story waterslide.  We were extra comfortable with lots of space and shade on the rental boat and felt completely at ease with the professional captain.  

We hopped over to another island with the clearest green water and had a delicious charcuterie board and snacks. We then did some wading in the water with our fun ring floats, toasted on the upper-level tanning bed, and wore out the waterslide!

Beach day

One of the best things to do in Clearwater Beach is of course JUST RELAX! Pack up your cooler, grab your sunscreen, and enjoy the pristine white sand and calm waters.

Most people just lay out on the beach area closest to their hotel, but I will give you a couple of suggestions if you’re looking to venture out.

I usually prefer to layout on South Beach by Shephard’s. I find it to be a little less crazy as it’s on the intercoastal. The water is very calm here, and while it still may be crowded, it’s typically a little less crowded than the main beach by the pier. It’s also conveniently located by Makin Waves, which is where I like to get my kayak and Jet Ski rentals.

While it may be busier, Pier 60 is also a great place to relax at the beach. You’re also pretty central in this area, meaning you’ll be close to plenty of activities, bars, and restaurants.

If you enjoy beach volleyball, head down by Frenchy’s Rockaway and get your game on! Work up an appetite and then get one of the best grouper sandwiches on the beach.

Cruisin Tiki’s

Cruisin Tiki’s is your own personal floating bar. Cruise around Clearwater on a 1½- to 2-hour cruise. You bring your own booze and snacks, but the tiki provides you with cups, ice, a blender, and a fun way to explore the Gulf of Mexico.

We had such a blast on our tour! You can do it early in the morning, afternoon, or sunset. We saw so many dolphins when we went in the afternoon; it was the cherry on top! This tour is for smaller groups and can accommodate up to 6 people.

If you have a larger group Clearwater Tiki Boat holds up to 18 passengers, and is an open bar!

Clearwater Beach bar crawl

Dive into the exciting world of beach bars that serve up delicious, beach-inspired cocktails and create a fantastic atmosphere. Shephard’s stands out with its fantastic outdoor venue, featuring live music, a dance floor, and entertaining games.

Toucan’s, Jamminz, and Brown Boxer, all within walking distance from each other, guarantee a blast of fun. Brown Boxer goes the extra mile with an arcade offering numerous games for those in the mood for some friendly competition.

If rooftop bars are your vibe, don’t miss Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, Jimmy’s on the Edge, or my personal favorite Bar Tiki.

Check out my list of fun beach cocktails and the best beach bars to get them at! The best part about this Clearwater Beach activity is you can partake in this fun rain or shine!

Pier 60

Pier 60 is pretty iconic when it comes to Clearwater Beach. You can visit during the day to check out the views and maybe if you have a nice buzz you’ll take a ride down their giant inflatable water slides or hop in the human hamster wheel.

It’s also beautiful in the evening during Pier 60’s Sunset Celebration. This occurs 2 hours before until 2 hours after sunset every night. You can expect performers of all kinds, along with crafters, face painters, and musicians— not to mention the most beautiful, untainted views of the sunset.

Take a day trip

One of the best things about doing your spring break in Clearwater Beach is how accessible it is to so many of Tampa Bay’s other awesome areas! If you only have a few days I wouldn’t worry about taking a day trip. However, if you’re staying more than 4 days I would definitely try to experience another area!

Dunedin is right next door (just a short 10-minute drive) and is one of my all-time favorite day trips in Tampa Bay. It’s charming and has amazing restaurants and some fun nightlife options.

If you don’t mind driving a little further, there is so much to explore in Tampa and St. Pete! You can do an epic pool party at WTR in Tampa, or do one of St. Pete’s fun speakeasies.

If you’re looking for more of a nature vibe, drive an hour north to Weeki Wachee for some kayaking with a chance to see manatees!

Clearwater Beach nightlife

Bar Tiki

Bar Tiki is a craft tiki bar and an absolute MUST-STOP if you are on Clearwater Beach! It’s easily one of the best rooftop bars in Tampa Bay. The drinks here are so fun and well-crafted.

After struggling to decide, we let our bartender Savannah create us the “pick your poison” which leaves your fate in the bartender on duty’s hands. This drink was one of the most delicious heavenly drinks I’ve ever had!

We liked it so much, that we stayed for another round. If you want to choose your own fate, they have mojitos, mai tais, or even a black margarita and spiked Dole whip to choose from!

They also have games like corn hole and Connect 4, and a Hawaiian-inspired food menu if you get hungry. Peep my TikTok for more from my Bar Tiki visits!

Brown Boxer North Beach

Another fun Clearwater Beach bar is Brown Boxer on North Beach. They have numerous arcade-style games, pool, and darts! You can expect DJs and lively music and crowds on most nights.

The Wave

The Wave which is located inside Shephard’s Beach Resort is the only nightclub in Clearwater Beach. It’s currently open Friday through Sunday from 10:00 pm-2:30 am. You can expect DJs, dancing, and VIP tables if you’re down to splurge a little bit. What is really awesome about this venue, is it’s literally right on the beach. So step outside of the nightclub and get some fresh air while dipping your toes in the sand!

Shipwreck

If you enjoy hole-in-the-wall bar scenes, end your night at Clearwater Beach’s oldest bar! Shipwreck is where the locals head when everything else is shutting down. They have pool, darts, a jukebox, and even some fun cocktails (mine came with a rubber ducky and popsicle!).

Clearwater Beach brunch and breakfast restaurants

For a delicious brunch or breakfast experience in Clearwater Beach, consider checking out Jimmy’s Fish House, Island Way Grill, or Clear Sky. Island Way Grill, offering its brunch buffet exclusively on Sundays at $29.95, provides a beautiful waterfront setting, complete with one complimentary mimosa or glass of champagne!

Jimmy’s Fish House has a mouthwatering menu featuring items like strawberry cheesecake waffles, creme brulee French toast, and an oscar mignon benedict. Their renowned bloody mary, accompanied by a beer chaser and a shrimp and veggie skewer, is a definite highlight. With epic views and ample deck seating, even larger groups can expect a prompt table without a lengthy wait.

Clear Sky comes highly recommended by both locals and tourists, offering an extensive brunch menu and a tempting bloody mary bar available on weekends!

Clearwater Beach lunch and dinner restaurants

When it comes to satisfying options for lunch and dinner in Clearwater Beach, the places I mentioned for brunch continue to shine with awesome lunch and dinner menus as well. Additionally, I’d suggest checking out Frenchy’s Rockaway, Crabby’s Dockside, and Palm Pavilion for a more laid-back dining experience.

Frenchy’s, situated right on the beach, serves up fantastic seafood, and you absolutely can’t miss their Loopy Lada! At Crabby’s Dockside, the views from their third level, especially at sunset, are simply breathtaking. Plus, they’re renowned for having the best crab legs on the beach.

Meanwhile, Palm Pavilion offers delicious food in a beachfront setting, accompanied by live music for a delightful dining experience.

For nicer dinners where you don’t mind spending a little more check out SHOR American Seafood Grill (they have some of the best calamari! And several other delicious apps and mains), Caretta on the Gulf (seafood), Ocean Hai (Asian fusion), Blinkers (steakhouse), or Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber (seafood).

Where to stay in Clearwater Beach

For smaller groups who prefer to do a hotel stay check out Edge Hotel, Pier House 60, and Springhill Suites by Marriott (all three of these options even include breakfast). If you don’t mind splurging a little more, Hyatt Regency, Sandpearl, and Opal Sands are all solid resort options.

If you have a larger group and want a suite or rental home we absolutely loved our stay at this beautiful condo on Clearwater Beach that slept 7.

It felt so spacey, the location was great, and the views were lovely. We ended up doing several activities at the condo because we loved it so much we didn’t want to leave! It was equipped with everything you would need in the kitchen and bathrooms, and the decor really puts you in that beach vacay mindset.

Some other options include:

• The Avalon Club— Get their deluxe suite that has 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 10 people. It’s a 2-minute walk from the beach and has a pool and fitness center.
• Sunset Splash Holiday Home—This 5-bedroom Clearwater Beach vacation rental is STUNNING. It’s right on the intercoastal and has a private pool and pool table. It’s a minute’s walk from the beach, activities, and nightlife.
• Clearwater Beach Cabana Holiday Home— If you have an extra large group, this 7-bedroom home sleeps up to 26 people! It’s in a great location and also includes a private pool.

Ready for an epic spring break in Clearwater Beach?

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to experiencing an unforgettable Spring Break in Clearwater Beach. From vibrant beach bars to mouthwatering brunch spots and lively activities, your getaway to this Florida paradise promises endless fun in the sun!