Marvelous Mouse Travels

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Disney Destinations
      • Walt Disney World
        • Resorts
        • Dining Plan
        • Stroller Rental
      • Disneyland
      • Disney Cruise Line
        • Disney Dream
        • Disney Fantasy
        • Disney Magic
        • Disney Wonder
      • Adventures by Disney
      • Aulani – Hawaii
      • Disney’s Hilton Head Resort
      • Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
    • Universal Orlando Resort
      • Destination Overview
      • Universal Orlando Resort Hotels
      • Stroller Rental
    • Sandals & Beaches Resorts
      • Sandals Resorts
      • Beaches Resorts
      • Grand Pineapple Resorts
      • Island Routes
    • FunJet Vacations
  • Services
  • Featured Offers
    • Stroller Rentals
    • Activities & Tours
    • Shore Excursions
    • Walt Disney World
    • Disneyland
    • MSC Cruises
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Top 10 Things To Do In Clearwater Beach!

March 12, 2021 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Just north and west of St Petersburg and Tampa, you’ll find the beautiful sandy beaches of
Clearwater sprawling along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. The area has a subtropical climate, so
it’s always amazing to cool off in the water – but don’t miss out on Clearwater’s inland
attractions. Hop on the Jolley Trolley to tour the town in comfort, or take a stroll on historic
Cleveland Street to enjoy a busting entertainment scene.

1. Clearwater Beach
What is it? A family-friendly white-sand beach has shallow water and an active nightlife.
What makes it unique? Follow the causeway to this barrier island for the area’s best
sandy beaches and a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60. You’ll find beach volleyball
tournaments, kids playing in gentle waves, and lovely sugary sand. Sunset festivities
include street performers and free outdoor movies.

For more information: http://attractions.timeout.com/en/11312/Orlando-
attractions/Clearwater-Beach/d663-a1136

2. Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill
A casual waterfront eatery serving fresh seafood and signature cocktails.
Locals know this is the best place in town for great food in a relaxed environment. It’s
been that way since it opened in 1926. Their grouper sandwich is a popular favorite, but
you also won’t want to miss the house burgers served on toasted brioche buns. Save
room for tasty key lime pie.
For more information: https://palmpavilion.com/

3. Big Storm Brewing Company
An award-winning craft brewery with all-day pub fare.
Big Storm Brewing Co is part of the local Craft Beer Trail, but this is the must-visit
watering hole if you only have time for one round. In addition to a huge variety of
stouts, ales, and lagers, you won’t want to miss the menu of shared plates, local
seafood, and grass-fed beef burgers. Drop in for trivia night and order a beer flight to
sample Big Storm’s most popular brews.
For more information: https://www.bigstormbrewery.com/

4. Capitol Theatre
A historic art deco-style theater now hosting musical acts and classic films.
Step back in time at the old-school Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater. The venue
opened in 1921 as a home to vaudeville performances and movies, and reopened in
2000 after extensive renovations. Take a balcony seat for a night of live jazz, touring
comedians, or a movie like ‘The Sound of Music’.
For more information: https://www.rutheckerdhall.com/bilheimer-capitol-theatre

5. Aspirations Winery
A family-owned micro-winery producing small-batch low-sulfite wines.
It may feel like a scavenger hunt as you navigate through an industrial complex to find

this hidden Clearwater gem, but your reward includes sipping free samples of award-
winning wine. The behind the scenes tour is extremely popular, providing guests a

thorough winemaking experience topped off with a flight of five wines. Be sure to try
Chocolate Grand Finale – a classic port for chocolate lovers.
For more information: https://aspirationswinery.com/

6. Clearwater Marine Aquarium
An aquarium focused on rescuing and rehabilitating local marine life.
Remember the Warner Brothers film, ‘Dolphin Tale’? It was filmed right here at
Clearwater Marine Aquarium and there are plenty more inspiring stories to take in
during a tour. Whenever a local critter is injured or ill, this team of biologists and

veterinarians work to rehab the wild sea creature so it can return to its original home.
All the while, guests are invited to visit the dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and more.
For more information:

http://attractions.timeout.com/en/11312/tours/Clearwater/Clearwater-Marine-
Aquarium-General-Admission/d22457-7327P1

7. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
A colorful beachfront dining venue with pool tables and live music.
Pull up a chair on the back patio for great views of the beach along the Gulf of Mexico.
This casual eatery focuses on local seafood and specialty salads, though the tacos pair
nicely with a rum runner from the bar. Daily live music adds to the cheerful community
vibe here, and the service is top notch.
For more information: https://frenchysonline.com/frenchys-rockaway/

8. The Florida Botanical Gardens
A dog-friendly county park with nature trails and wildlife across more than 25 different
gardens.
This free-admission 120-acre park is open year-round and it’s perfect for leisurely strolls
with the family. In addition to aromatic rose gardens and butterfly habitats, the park is
home to hundreds of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Catch a glimpse of an alligator,
explore the tropical fruit garden, or follow the Art in the Gardens trail.
For more information: https://www.flbgfoundation.org/

9. Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar
A popular beachfront bar and grill with live music and dancing.
Shephard’s is the go-to spot for live reggae and rock on a waterfront stage. Join the
party on the dancefloor or kick back on the patio to watch the sunset with a margarita in
hand. No need to dress up. Resort-casual is the norm, with beach bums and vacationers
mingling with locals. Curb late-night hunger with fish tacos, chicken wings, and Angus
beef burgers.
For more information: https://www.shephards.com/venues

10. Clearwater Beach Uncorked – Returning November 6 & 7, 2021
An annual food, wine, and microbrew festival celebrating local chefs and restaurateurs.
For two days each year (dates vary between November and December), thousands
descend on Clearwater Beach to nibble, sip, and celebrate regional culinary excellence.
Local chefs compete and provide cooking demonstrations while Clearwater residents
take part in unlimited wine tastings. Insider tip: don’t miss the dessert tent!
For more information: http://savortheburg.com/

Filed Under: General Travel Tagged With: beaches, clearwater, family travel, Florida, travel

Travel with me to Longboat Key Florida!

May 6, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Thank you Brittney Lapicki for this fantastic overview of Longboat Key!

Looking for an upscale vacation destination that includes white sandy beaches, beautiful golf courses, incredible restaurants and shops, and luxury resorts? Well I have the place for you! Longboat Key, Florida is located on the West Coast between the Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful island includes 12 miles of private sandy beaches, the perfect secluded destination!

Stay at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, where you can enjoy majestic views and fine dining! Need to relax? Enjoy time at their spa or out on the water using their Yacht Services! Other resort options include the Zota Beach Resort and Hyatt Regency Sarasota!

If you are looking for something to do away from the beach or pool, enjoy time golfing on the Harborside or Island side courses at the Resorts at Longboat Key Club. Enjoy wildlife and nature by visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium and the Quick Point Nature Reserve. Rent Paddle Boats and Kayaks for the day or enjoy a fishing charter out in the Gulf. Sarasota Bay Explorers can also be perfect for those who love nature tours and cruises.

Restaurants on the Island include: Euphemia Haye, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Lazy Lobster, Maison Blanche, Blue Dolphin Café, and my personal favorite for a great burger or fish, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.

Looking to get off the island and enjoy some shopping or time in Sarasota? Then take a quick 10 minute ride and you can enjoy shopping, night life, and a number of other fun adventures. St. Armands Circle, located on Lido Key, on island in route to Sarasota is great for outdoor shopping and dining. Enjoy European cuisine at Cafe L’Europe, snow crabs at Crab & Fin, Cuban sandwiches at Columbia, or Coconut Shrimp at Tommy Bahama, followed by ice cream at Kilwin’s.

Continue to Sarasota where you can find the Van Wezel Performing Arts and John Ringling Museum. Baseball fan? Enjoy watching the Orioles during spring training at the Ed Smith Stadium. Other beautiful sites include the Marie Selby Botanical gardens or the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Stay active by engaging in the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Ecotour, Snorkeling & Dolphin Excursion, Paradise Adventures, Sarasota Paddle Board Co., Bike rentals and City sightseeing tours. This is a destination that will give you everything you are looking for! 

Filed Under: Food, General Travel Tagged With: beach resort, domestic travel, family resort, family travel, family trip, fishing, Florida, kids, marine life, nature, tours, vacation

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

Univeral Preferred Travel Agency

Sandals Star Awards Winner 2019
Sandals Preferred Agency

FTAF Selected Travel Advisor
CLIA
American Society of Travel Advisors
Mark Travel
Travel Leaders Network
Presidents Circle
Universal Guide

A Marvelous Guide to Universal Orlando

or on Amazon. This e-book was written with you in mind! Yes, YOU! Marvelous Mouse Travels was the 2019 Top Travel Agency for Universal Parks and Resorts! As a designated Preferred Partner, all of our agents are extensively trained on-site and are Universal Specialists. Our team of travel advisors and planners at Marvelous Mouse Travels decided we wanted to share with you all of the useful information we have learned over years of planning Universal vacations. This (2021 Edition) guide is … [Read More or Purchase]

Search the Site

Connect With Us

Marvelous Mouse Travels
2153 Grist Mill Drive
Concord, NC 28025

Phone: 704-746-1924

Join Our Team

Want to join the Marvelous Mouse Travels team? Visit this page to learn more.

Copyright 2014-2021 Marvelous Mouse Travels · Florida Seller of Travel #ST 39831

Some images copyright their respective owners.