White Sand, Warm Ocean Water

What The Myth of Florida Vacations Is All About

Sand Key Beachl

Growing up in Clearwater – we visited Sand Key loads. It sits in between the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Harbor. Specifically on the corner of the Gulf and Clearwater Pass.

Sand Key Park is 95 acres of beach and park. It is delightful to find it still in its natural glory. White powder beaches, slight waves (waves are rare in Clearwater) and nice shells abound in this serene beach. It is still pristine – has escaped commercialization for the most part. It is surrounded by big hotels but has its own flavor that is distinct and separate.

There is the Park area itself which has pavilions, grills, playgrounds and the requisite viewing areas. It has boardwalks and you will see all kinds of sea birds ranging from heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga, to the common moorhen. These birds all nest and feed throughout the park.

The beach has sea turtle nesting areas (managed and cared for by the folks at Clearwater Marine Aquarium) and squeaky white powder sand. There are public restrooms and water fountains, parking is $5 for the day or you can pay hourly. You can also rent umbrellas/shades for the day and there is a snack bar. This is truly a throw-back beach where pails and shovels, riding the waves and walks along the shoreline are all part of the fun.

If, at the end of the day, you want to get into the more touristy side of things, a short drive across the bridge over Clearwater Pass will drop you right into Clearwater Beach where you will find lots of restaurant options, shops with towels, pails, shovels and tchotchkes. You will even find a shop where you can pay to surf for 30 minutes at a time – a sure sign that surfing is not an option out on the shores on the West Coast of Florida.

Click Here To Check Out the Pinellas County Parks & Preserves Website

Article by:
Shannon Zolar
Z Family Adventures

Clearwater Beach, Florida

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