🏖️ A Perfect Day Trip or Beach Stay After Your Orlando Vacation

Plan a visit to Clearwater Beach, Florida – known for white sand beaches, calm waters, dolphin cruises, and family-friendly fun just 2 hours from Orlando.

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🌴 Why Clearwater Beach Should Be on Your Florida Itinerary

If you’re staying in a vacation villa near Orlando, you may want a beach break — and few places compare to the award-winning beauty of Clearwater Beach.

Consistently ranked among “America’s Best Beaches” by TripAdvisor and USA Today, Clearwater Beach offers soft white sand, calm Gulf waters, and a perfect blend of family attractions, relaxation, and sunset celebrations.

Located about 2 hours west of Orlando, this Gulf Coast hotspot is a great option for:

• A full-day beach trip

• An overnight getaway

• A relaxing finale after your Disney adventure

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📍 Where Is Clearwater Beach?

• 🛣️ Distance from Orlando: ~110 miles (approx. 2 hours)

• 🚗 Best Route: I-4 W to Tampa, then US-60 W over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway

• 🚙 Parking: Multiple paid lots near the beach + parking garages

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🏝️ What to Do in Clearwater Beach

1. Relax on Award-Winning Sand

The beach is clean, wide, and powdery-soft — perfect for families with young kids. Lifeguards are on duty daily, and waters are typically calm and shallow.

2. Visit Pier 60

A central hub with:

• Free sunset festivals with street performers

• Family-friendly craft vendors and live music

• A long pier for fishing and dolphin spotting

3. Go on a Dolphin Cruise

Hop aboard the Little Toot or Encounters with Dolphins — both offer narrated cruises with nearly guaranteed dolphin sightings.

4. Explore Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Meet rescued dolphins (including Winter, star of Dolphin Tale), sea turtles, and otters at this non-profit marine rescue center just 5 minutes from the beach.

5. Rent Jet Skis, Paddleboards & Bikes

Adventure awaits with water sports, parasailing, or a relaxing beach cruiser rental.

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🍽️ Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Clearwater Beach

Clearwater is known for its casual seafood spots and beach bars with a view:

• 🐟 Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – iconic beachfront seafood & live music

• 🍔 Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill – laid-back with kids’ menu & Gulf views

• 🍕 Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza – away from the beach crowds, great Italian

• 🍦 Ice & Cream Creamery – must-stop for gourmet cones & milkshakes

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👨‍👩‍👧 Why Clearwater Is Ideal for Villa Guests

If you’re staying at a villa in Kissimmee or Davenport, Clearwater Beach offers a very different pace and scenery — perfect for:

• Families needing a beach day after the parks

• Couples seeking sunset dinners and calm vibes

• Grandparents who prefer flat, walkable beachfronts

• Anyone needing a final few days of pure relaxation

Many guests extend their stay by 1–2 nights in Clearwater before flying out of Tampa International Airport — just 40 minutes away.

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🏨 Can I Stay in a Villa Near Clearwater?

While FloridaVillaForRent.com specializes in luxury villas near Disney, we can help you:

• Find nearby hotels or condos for a beach extension

• Plan a day trip from your villa (leave early, return after sunset)

• Combine your Orlando villa stay with a Gulf Coast mini-getaway

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🧳 Tips for Visiting Clearwater Beach

• 🧴 Bring sunscreen, hats, and beach towels

• 🚿 Public showers and changing rooms are available near Pier 60

• 🕶️ Arrive early on weekends — parking fills fast

• 🪣 Beach rentals for umbrellas and chairs are available

• 📸 Don’t miss the sunset photo from Pier 60

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📅 Ready to Pair Theme Parks with Beach Bliss?

Clearwater Beach is a must-see side trip that transforms your Florida vacation from fun-filled to unforgettable. A day here can be just what you need to unwind after the parks — and remind you why Florida is such a beloved destination for families from around the world.

👉 Check villa availability near Orlando today and ask us about day trips or beach add-ons!