Lessee, where was I in the Sun Seeker saga? We had just checked into our luxurious villa, experienced a day of rain and were ready to set off on an adventure.
One of the staff who could be heard through the chaos recommended Clearwater Beach as the loveliest of beaches an hour and a half away. We decided to go there on a fishing expedition – no not real fishing for real fish – just an exploratory run to see if we wanted to go back for more sunning or more of anything. Clearwater is on the west coast of Florida. I was born and raised on the east coast, so this was relatively uncharted territory.
And off we went for a delightful trip until encountering Tampa traffic, but eventually we came upon the loveliest of wide white sand beaches with a grand walkway and lots of things to look at and admire. We walked and walked, stopped for lunch at a loud, crowded diner, and visited a tourist center.
“Yep, we said, we can come back here tomorrow and
change into our swim suits and bring a picnic, etc. This is the life!”
“You have come at the absolute worst time of year to Clearwater,” said the volunteer at the tourist center, “Because it’s spring break!” Uh oh! We never thought of that. No wonder everything is so crowded and the traffic is so bad. “I would advise you to get out of town before 3:30,” he also said, or you will be in horrendous rush hour traffic going back through Tampa.” Uh oh! Never thought of that either.
“When is the best time to come to Clearwater Beach?” I asked.
“April,” he said.
So my advice to you dear blog-us-fear friends is to consider Clearwater Beach, Florida as an ultimate destination, but only in April!
Stay tuned…..
Oh, rats! You were a month too early!
LikeLike
I was near Clearwater Beach for business a long time ago. All I remember was the insane traffic (and I lived in NJ!) and the big crowds. Oh, it was December when I was there. The islands, like Sanibel are better. Although during spring break…..
LikeLike
It’s called “learning the hard way!” 🙂
LikeLike
Hmmmm! Methinks I should have consulted you pre-trip for traffic report at Clearwater! 🙂 I used to love Sanibel when I was a kid – lotsa shells there.
LikeLike
I’ve only been to Clearwater once–it was in the middle of the summer. I don’t remember any particular issues with the traffic. 🙂
LikeLike
Uh oh! Still I am sure there is a happy ending?????
LikeLike
You grew up on the east coast of FL? I graduated from high school in Brevard County…Cocoa Beach. When I wrote “Dolphins on Thanksgiving Day” it was about when we lived on a canal there. Like you, though, I never made it to the west coast of FL. I remember references Floridianas made to the west coast always threw me as it always made me think of the West Coast of CA, OR, WA. So, you’ll have to go back soon? April is just around the corner.
LikeLike
So, Georgette, we both grew up with sand in our toes! Ironic that Bill and I were just at Cocoa. I hail from Miami and we did visit Naples occasionally, when there was almost nothing there but shells. We went by way of the Tamiami Trail through the Everglades. Lotsa memories. Never got much further north than that on the “west coast” though and it’s all still like going to another country to me. 🙂
LikeLike
I still believe in silver linings! 🙂
LikeLike
Summer used to be off season in Florida… maybe still is. And that always meant quieter roads when the “snow birds” stayed home.
LikeLike
It is a beautiful beach, but not so much when it’s packed with Spring Breakers. I agree with Kate, Sanibel is nice, so is Jupiter Island on the East Coast. At least you got away from the cold. 🙂
LikeLike
Right you are – we got warm. We are home now and looking at 3 inches of snow!
LikeLike
Ay! Sorry to hear that, Dor.
LikeLike
I wondered how much in the throes of ‘spring break’ you’d be. Guess this was the answer!
LikeLike
We are somewhat naive when it comes to travel so never even thought about spring break. Now we consider ourselves savvy veterans. 🙂
LikeLike
Spring break! I don’t keep up with the times on that, either.
LikeLike
Oh my, Spring Break – who knew?!
LikeLike
Yes, – a lesson well learned. Be sure to head to Fla, but wait until April! 🙂
LikeLike
Love this beach from November till August 🙂 Getting away is simply the best even it just for a day but having lived close to the west coast of FL and trucked all over it I would never choose the east coast as my brother in FT Lauderdale/West Palm has 🙂 too cold lol
LikeLike
I do love Clearwater too – the beach is beautiful.
LikeLike
My bathroom her in NH has 3 shots I took just before I moved back home
LikeLike