Clearwater enjoys national recognition, not just for its fantastic beaches but for exciting year-round events, abundant activities, outstanding accommodations, unique dining and much more. Here is a collection of some of our most exciting press mentions.
The 24 Best Beaches In America
Business Insider - June 29, 2016The gulf waters of Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida, are warm and inviting, and the town is family-friendly, with an aquarium, plenty of restaurants, and beachfront activities.
8 Hotels Offering More Family Options
New York Times - June 1, 2016Beach-loving families will find Gulf of Mexico views from all of the 230 rooms at the shorefront Opal Sands Resort, each done in tones of driftwood and sea blue. Chairs are available to rent at the beach, where the shallow and often calm water attracts swimmers.
Best New U.S. Coastal Hotels
CNN - May 23, 2016At Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach, sun yourself on white sand beaches, swim with dolphins or enjoy poolside drinks after some time at the spa.
30 Best Beaches for Families
Travel Channel - May 16, 2016Pier 60 is the place to be in Clearwater Beach for spectacular sunsets and a nightly sunset festival that includes live music, magicians, stilt walkers and local artisans. The clear, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico makes this a great choice for families. Book a dolphin cruise or take to the sky for parasailing.
Why Life Is So Tough For Sea Turtles
National Geographic - May 14, 2016The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently reclassified green sea turtles in Florida from endangered to threatened in part of their range, due to increased numbers of turtles nesting in Florida and on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Celeb Sightings- Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
US Weekly - April 21, 2016Organizer Lisa Chandler greeted guests and VIPs at her annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival sponsored by Bright House Networks, which will showcase more than 1,000 tons of music-theme sand sculptures through Sunday, April 24, in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
Florida’s Clearwater Beach listed among top 25 in the world
Atlanta Journal Constitution - April 21, 2016A year-round destination, according to TripAdvisor, Clearwater was recognized for its “sugar fine white sand” and the increased likelihood of spotting dolphins along the Gulf shoreline. There are lots of shops and restaurants that line the beachfront, providing visitors plenty to do during their stay.
25 Best Family Beach Vacation Ideas in Florida
Vacation Idea - April 4, 2016Clearwater Beach was featured as one of the nation’s most beautiful beaches for family trips to Florida. 2.5 miles of fine sand beaches, picturesque boardwalks, funky beach shacks, a beach festival every single night, and ice cream shops all along the beach are just a few activities families can enjoy.
Tails of Triumph
Toronto Star - April 4, 2016Dolphin Tale stars Winter and Hope have made a profound impact on Clearwater’s tourism sector and economy. Guests from all over the world have visited the dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, whose main mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals into the wild.
Forks & The Road
National Post - April 4, 2016Clearwater Beach has silky sand beaches, shimmering blue Gulf of Mexico surf, deluxe luxury resorts and upscale dining to please guests of all ages. The National Post takes a closer look at new Clearwater developments.
Property of the Month: Opal Sands Resort
Successful Meetings - March 31, 2016The new Opal Sands Resort was listed as the property of the month on Successful Meetings. The resort features luxury suites, ocean view rooms, Sea-Guini restaurant, and a lively beach-chic atmosphere.
24 Amazing Beaches in the United States
Afar - March 29, 2016It’s not easy to find beachfront dining in the Tampa area, but you can nearly put your feet in the sand at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach. The most popular item on the menu is the grouper sandwich; made fresh from the Gulf of Mexico via Frenchy’s own fleet of fishing boats.
Clearwater Revival
Travel Industry Today - March 28, 2016Home to luxury beachfront hotels and fantastic dining options, Clearwater is a great getaway for every type of traveler. Delicious Italian seafood creations, grouper sandwiches, and wood oven pizzas are just a few choices visitors can enjoy while exploring the city’s great beach views.
Hotels Opening 2,000 New Rooms For Growing Tourism Season
Travel Week - March 2, 2016The new Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach is the newest property making headlines. The resort boosts luxury beach views and 17,000 square feet of waterfront space.
What’s New at Spring Training in Food, Fashion & Fandom at Phillies’ Bright House Field
Phillies.mlb.com - February 26, 2016The award-winning Bright House Field – the Phillies Spring Training Facility in Clearwater, Florida – just got even better with several new additions recently made to its food, fashion and fandom lineup.
The Most Affordable Spring Break Destinations
Travel + Leisure - February 24, 2016Clearwater Beach is a popular Spring Break destination, and Travel + Leisure has determined when travelers can enjoy the best deals.
Phillies making final preparations for Truck Day
Philadelphia Sun Times - February 22,2016The Phillies have packed their Spring Training truck, and will make the annual 1,058-mile trek from Citizens Bank Park to Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. The truck holds a variety of items, including sports equipment, Phillies clothing, and the famous hot dog launcher.
Phillies Spring Training: Five Things to do in Clearwater
Fansided - February 22, 2016The start of Phillies Spring Training is here, and Clearwater Beach serves up a variety of activities and places to see.
Travelers’ Choice: World’s best beaches
CNN - February 18, 2016TripAdvisor’s rankings of the world’s best beaches are in, and Florida’s Clearwater Beach topped the U.S. rankings.
Phillies Equipment Truck Arrives In Clearwater
Philadelphia CBS Local - February 18, 2016The Phillies equipment truck completed the long trip from Philadelphia to Clearwater, FL ahead of 2016 Spring Training. The truck arrived on Valentine’s Day and for fans who love America’s Pastime, spring training marks the beginning of a long and beautiful year.
Clearwater Vacation
417 Magazine - April 28, 2016Take advantage of the direct flights from Springfield to Clearwater and plan an effortless trip to Florida. Step 1: Find a House Step 2: Book your flight Step 3: Plan your meals Step 4: Find some fun Step 5: Just relax
Opal Sands Resort Debuts in Clearwater Beach, Florida
Luxury Travel Magazine - February 17, 2016Opal Sands Resort, the newest property under Ocean Properties, Ltd. & Affiliates, is opening in February in Clearwater Beach, setting the bar for luxury beachfront accommodations in Florida’s #1 Best Beach Town, as named by USA Today.
10 most popular spring break destinations
USA Today - February 17, 2016Clearwater Beach is ranked on USA Today’s 10 most popular spring break destinations for 2016. With miles of stunning white sugar sands, sunny skies, and a variety of activities, Clearwater is a great spot for families and couples to explore.
Clearwater Beach Named Best In U.S.
Successful Meetings - February 17, 2016Clearwater Beach was named the #1 beach in the U.S. by the top ranked travel site TripAdvisor for the 2016 Traveler’s Choice Awards.
There’s so much to soak in at Florida’s Clearwater Beach
Boston Herald - February 11, 2016From the quick car ride out to the Clearwater Beach area that takes you on a bridge over breathtaking Tampa Bay and to the Gulf of Mexico, to the many things to do (for the active and the not so), Clearwater Beach is ready for guests.
Operation Cold Stun: Inside the Fight to Save Clearwater’s Sea Turtles
Afar - February 2016Sea turtles stunned by the cold weather have been arriving by the dozens at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, stretching the aquarium’s turtle team thin. The Tampa Bay area reached frigid temperatures, causing an influx of sea turtle intakes. Sea turtles are reptiles and assume the temperatures of the environment around them. When the temperatures drop, it puts sea turtles at risk of being cold-stunned.
Update: Florida’s 2016 Hotel Forecast
Recommend - January 28, 2016Nestled along Florida’s glittering Gulf Coast, the 450-guestroom Wyndham Grand Resort Clearwater Beach on South Gulfview Boulevard at the north end of the prominent Beach Walk, is scheduled to open in early 2017. The $175 million mega-resort will span 700,000 sq. ft, featuring a large outdoor pool complex, a spa, and several restaurants accessible from Beach Walk. For more information, visit wyndhamworldwide.com.
Florida fun for visitors during Toronto Blue Jays spring training
Toronto Sun - January 27, 2016DUNEDIN, FLA. – You haven’t memorized Josh Donaldson’s career batting average. Your screen saver doesn’t show Jose Bautista’s bat flip. Still, you’re happy to be headed to see the Toronto Blue Jays play some spring training games in the St. Petersburg-Clearwater-Dunedin region of Florida and, lucky for you, it is a diverse, relaxed family destination even for those who are not Jays fans. Here’s a list of great things to do from a guy who covered the Jays for six years and makes regular visits to the area.
11 Beautiful Florida Beach Towns You Need To Visit
Buzzfeed - January 17, 2016If you’re looking for more than just a beach, then you must visit Clearwater Beach. Yes, it’s an enormous stretch of pearly white sand on the Gulf Coast, but it also boasts plenty of nightlife and restaurants to keep you busy off the beach too.
World’s Best Family Beach Hotels
Travel + Leisure - January 8, 2016With horseback riding trails, wholesome lawn sports, and a pristinely restored antique motor yacht plucked straight from the early 20th century, you won’t waste a moment of your family vacation fretting over how to keep everyone in the group occupied. It’s no wonder it received a perfect score at the top of our Best Family Beach Hotels list.
Clearwater in NY Resident Magazine
NY Resident magazine - December 2015Clearwater and the new Opal Sands Resort is being highlighted in this months issue of one of NYC leading lifestyle magazines. Editor-in-Chief Pamela Jacobs picks her favorite ways to expand your horizons this year, both in NYC and in South Florida.
Outback Bowl in national travel magazine AFAR
AFAR - November 2015Along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast rests the sunny town of Clearwater. Sugar sand beaches, year round sunshine, and a variety of activities ensure everyone who visits Clearwater will leave with lasting memories. Clearwater invites travelers to celebrate the 30th Anniversary Outback Bowl college football championship game with a day of fun and sun on its world-renowned Gulf beaches.
World’s Best Beach Hotels
Travel + Leisure - January 2016Feeling an ocean breeze is lovely. Enjoying it while also listening to live music and nibbling on a bowl of warm chips – that might be paradise.
New Year, New EVERYTHING: 16 Simple Ways to Start Anew in 2016
NY Resident Magazine - January 2016Clearwater and the new Opal Sands Resort is being highlighted in this months issue of one of NYC leading lifestyle magazines. Editor-in-Chief Pamela Jacobs picks her favorite ways to expand your horizons this year, both in NYC and in South Florida.
Animal Attractions that Will Blow Your Mind
October 2015Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida houses the stars of the hit movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2, Winter and Hope. These two dolphins have a permanent home in the Winter Zone exhibit, which was used as a filming location for Dolphin Tale 2. Winter was found stranded off the coast of Florida and lost her tail. Today, she swims with a prosthetic tail and guests will learn all about her story as well as Hope’s. Other exhibits include Otter Oasis, Turtle Cave, Stingray Beach, and Shipwreck Alley, an underwater viewing tunnel.
Beach Hopping in Florida
Passported - August 2015Clearwater Beach is a quintessential beach town: boardwalks, beach shacks, nightly sunset festivals and ample ice cream shops on over three miles of white powder sand.
Captain Blight’s Landing Miniature Golf Course
USA Today - August 2015Our fabulous Captain Blight’s Landing Miniature Golf Course was featured in USA Today as one of the nations best.
Best American Beaches
Travel Channel - July 2015Clearwater was stated as having one of America’s best shorelines in Travel Channel’s list of “Best American Beaches.”
Fourth Fireworks: America’s Birthday at the Beach
USA Today - June 2015Clearwater Celebrates America was featured in USA Today’s article, “Fourth Fireworks: America’s Birthday at the Beach.” The annual fireworks show was highlighted.
The 23 Best Beaches in America
Business Insider - June 2015Clearwater was included in Business Insider’s article, “The 23 Best Beaches in America.” Clearwater was highlighted as a family-friendly beach town.
9 Beaches that are Perfect for Families
FOX News - May 2015Clearwater was included in Fox News’ “9 Beaches that are Perfect for Families.” Clearwater was featured as a beach destination perfect for all ages.
Best Florida Beach Winners 2015
USA Today - April 2015USA Today and 10Best readers named Clearwater Beach the second best beach in Florida, highlighting its nightly sunset celebration.
TripAdvisor’s Picks: Best Beaches in the World and the US
CNN - March 2015Clearwater Beach was included in a CNN article, “TripAdvisor’s Picks: Best Beaches in the World and the US,” which states it is one of the top 10 best beaches in the US.
Florida’s 15 Most Popular Beaches, Ranked
Thrillist - February 2015Clearwater was highlighted as one of Florida’s 15 most popular beaches on Thrillist.com. Clearwater’s Sandpearl Resort was also featured as a “laid-back summer bungalow.”
15 Most Memorable Restaurant Meals of 2014
Forbes - December 2014Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill’s famous Grouper sandwich was included in Forbes’ article,“15 Most Memorable Restaurant Meals of 2014.”
The 25 Best Beaches in America
Thrillist - August 2014Clearwater was highlighted as one of the “The 25 Best Beaches in America” on Thrillist.com.
Fun, Naturally
AFAR - June 2014Susan Barnes, a local expert from Tampa, describes Clearwater as “Fun, Naturally.”
11 Stunning Florida Towns You Need To Visit
BuzzFeed - May 2014Clearwater Beach was included in a BuzzFeed article which states it is the place to go for the “best grouper sandwich of your life.” The Sandpearl Resort, Frenchy’s and Captain Memo’s are all included as recommendations.
TODAY’S TOP SPOT
NBC TODAY Show - April 2014Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival was featured on NBC’s Today Show on Saturday, April 5th. The festival was highlighted as “Today’s Top Spot” on this nationally aired morning show.
Travel’s Best Beach Awards 2014
Travel Channel - March 2014Clearwater Beach was included as “Best Family Beach” in the Travel Channel’s “Travel’s Best Beach Awards 2014.”
11 Romantic Vacation Proposals
Condé Nast - February 2014Alexis Clark from Condé Nast was looking for romantic vacation proposals and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa’s marine “mission” proposal made the cut!
Travel at the Speed of Clearwater
Dapper Magazine - Spring 2014Henry Billings was hosted in Clearwater for the Bright House 2013 Clearwater Super Boat National Championship & Festival, and this piece follows his time at the event, in preparation for this year’s event.
14 Travel Adventures for Families – Featuring Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise
Los Angeles Times - January 2014Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise in Clearwater was included in a round-up of the 14 Travel Adventures for Families in 2014, and ran in the print issue of the Los Angeles Times, as well as online and in their e-newsletter.
10 best attractions in Florida: Readers’ Choice winners
USA Today - December 2013USA Today readers vote the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as “Best Florida Attraction!”
Filming of Movie Won’t Close Clearwater Aquarium
New York Times - November 2013New York Times helps inform the public that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be open on weekends during the filming of highly anticipated “Dolphin Tale 2.”
Florida’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Atlanta Journal Constitution - September 2013Jon Waterhouse recently provided readers with a list of places to visit in the State of Florida with a rich cultural heritage, with Clearwater being Number One!
Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival, Clearwater Beach
TravelSquire.com - August 2013Travel writer Pamela Jacobs visited Clearwater during the Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival.
Dossier Tampa Bay
United Hemispheres - July 2013The Dossier issue of United Hemispheres featured Tampa Bay as the perfect place to do business, and included a segment on tourism.
The beach is extra sweet in Clearwater, Florida
Calgary Herald/Canada.comKelley Scarsbrook recently visited Clearwater for the first Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival and loved the destination.
Andrew’s Make-A-Wish trip
Living with Burkitts blog - June 2013The Laypath family traveled to Florida for their son, Andrew’s Make-a-Wish trip – he was diagnosed with cancer, but is currently in remission. In addition to visiting Disneyland, they also traveled to Clearwater to meet Winter!
Fun father-daughter trips for Father’s Day
SheKnows.com - Travel - June 2012Jessica Padykula created a round-up of fun Father’s Day trips for daughters to consider, including Clearwater.
Clearwater Beach, el paraiso a orillas del Golfo de Mexico
El Nuevo Herald - May 2013We hosted a group of media during the Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival, and this article by Giuliana Nanetti covered the entire area beautifully!
5 Fantastic Florida Aquariums
SheKnows.Com - Parenting - May 2013The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is included in this roundup of 5 top Florida aquariums.
New Festival Celebrates Clearwater’s “Sugar Sands”
Travel Agent Magazine - April 2013Travel Agent Magazine promoted the brand new Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival to travel agents with this article about the event.
Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival in Clearwater Beach
VisitFlorida.com - March 2013Visit Florida’s Entertainment & Luxury Insider, Kara Franker, promoted the Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival with this blog posting.
And the Best Beach Town in Florida is… CLEARWATER!
USA Today - February 2013The readers of USA Today voted Clearwater the best beach town in Florida, and travel editor Laura Bly visited the destination to find out what it’s all about!
The Frugal Traveler – Foodie Vacations offer Frugal Travel Options
VacationStarter.com - December 2012Foodie travel is getting more and more popular by the day. The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa hosted Clearwater Beach Uncorked, and Myschia was their guest.
Six Mother Daughter Getaways
Familytravel.com - November 2012Familytravel.com’s Six Mother Daughter Getaways by Lynn O’Rourke Hays.
The Sea as a Race Course: Super Boats off Clearwater Beach
Perceptive Travel - October 2012Perceptive Travel’s The Sea as a Race Course: Super Boats off Clearwater Beach.
VIP Access to the Clearwater Super Boat Championship and Seafood Festival
Visit Florida - September 2012Visit Florida’s Entertainment & Luxury article about VIP Access to the Clearwater Super Boat Championship and Seafood Festival.
Clearwater Beach, Florida with Kids: Top 25 Things to Do on Your Family Beach Vacation
Mommy Poppins - September 2012Mommy Poppins’ article about 25 things to do in Clearwater.
Hilton Clearwater Beach: A Family Friendly Beach Resort in Clearwater, Florida
Mommy Poppins - September 2012Mommy Poppins joined us on a press trip, and was very impressed with the Hilton, who hosted them.
Captivating Clearwater Beach, Florida
Montreal Gazette - September 2012Montreal Gazette’s urban expressions article on Clearwater, Florida.
Clearwater, Florida
Delaware Bride - September 2012Delaware Bride’s article on Clearwater, Florida as a wedding destination.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun at These Mother-Daughter Getaways
Dallas Morning News - September 2012Dallas Morning News article about activities for mothers and daughters.
All That Jazz
Baypop Magazine - Fall 2012Baypop magazine featured an article about the upcoming 33rd annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday taking place in October 2012, with Bonnie Raitt as headline artist.
Surf’s Up
Dallas Child - August 2012Dallas Child’s kids culture writer Jessica Bower writes about the destination after a visit.
Go Escape
USA Today - Summer 2012USA Today’s Go Escape about America’s secret beaches.
Escape from Orlando’s Epicentre
Calgary Herald - March 2012Calgary Herald’s Escape from Orlando’s Epicentre by Jody Robbins.