Grand Hotel Clearwater

Clearwater Memorial Causeway

by ATXtraveler

When you are travelling to and from Clearwater, you will likely be using the Clearwater Memorial Causeway to route yourself to/from the mainland. This causeway creates a bridge between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach and has been in use since 1920. It is now a four lane highway, but used to be two lanes.

The bridge was expanded in 2005, and to the grief of residents, the bridge took a lot longer than expected, being delayed over a year. The bridge is also known as Florida State Highway 60.

Enjoy your trip when visiting!

Stroll thru the streets of this charming old town

by hepbec

Safety Harbor is a charming tranquil little town, established 1917, whose downtown area is 8 blocks long and 2 blocks wide. There are no traffic lights, but cars yield to visitors walking around visiting the quaint shops and lovely places to eat and viewing art everywhere. We found this town by accident driving north on McMullen-Booth from Hwy 60, Clearwater.

By good fortune we stopped first at Safety Harbor Antiques and Collectibles where the delightful whitehaired owner, Ms. Lois Spencer, shared with us her "5 cent Tour" of Safety Harbor, a map which she had handdrawn. She marked on her map the "must see" places. There was the massive live oak at the corner of 2nd Street and 2nd Ave, said to be the oldest oak in Pinellas County. There we also found a beautiful mosiac /bronze scupture honoring children throught the years, done by a local artist. There was also the Firehouse on Main, where there was a mural of a horse drawn fire wagon painted on the tower by another local artist. Several other buildings on Main Street sported eye catching murals painted by locals.

At the eastern end of town was the fabulous new Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, built at the site of the original seven mineral springs. Beside the spa was the beautiful Safety Harbor Marina and Phillipe Park with its bronze sculptured fountain and beautiful view of the harbor.
For a bite to eat, Ms. Lois recommended the Tech Cafe across the street for sandwiches, coffee and internet access. There was also a Starbucks, sidewalk pizza place, Stone Creamery for homeade ice cream and fresh baked waffle cones. Several other local restaurants, both homey and upscale looked very inviting.

Our last "must see" was the best. The "Bowling Ball House" on 12th. If you like visual arts, you must see this remarkable home of two artists. Check out www.kiaralinda.com for pictures and more info. This was one of the most pleasurable things we did on our Tampa vacation.

Favorite 'touristy' little...

by MelindaW

Favorite 'touristy' little town: Dunedin, just north of Clearwater. Lots of little shops and restaurants.
For an afternoon away from the water, or if it's cloudy, there are some nice 'arty' shops here. Some good restaurants also. This is along a big walking and biking path too.

One of the best spots in the Tampa Bay area

by HotelMan

"Clearwater Beach"

Clearwater Beach is a truly outstanding vacation spot. Whether you're looking for a family-oriented, party or relaxing, quiet getaway destination, it has it all. The water & sand are clean, but most Florida beaches are! Here, the atmosphere is casual, friendly & relaxed.