Getaway to Clearwater, Florida!

My stay in Clearwater, Florida was hosted as a part of the Travel Media Showcase Family Travel Conference. All opinions are my own.

When my shuttle driver stopped at my hotel and said, “Whoa you’re staying at the Wyndham? Wow. I could handle a stay here. This is a great choice!” I knew I was in for a treat.

The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is fabulous! Recently opened and sparkling, Wyndham Grand offers 343 guest rooms each with great views of either the water or marina. Relax at the pool, treat yourself at the spa, or get your game on in the fitness center.

Dine on site at Ocean Hai over Asian-fusion cuisine featuring local seafood and farm raised fare. I was served a sampling of some of their delicious appetizers, my favorite being the Fried Brussel Sprouts! I probably would never have chosen this one, but after trying it, I’m in love!

The filet is spectacularly presented over Forbidden Rice, Maitake mushrooms, and Broccolini. Your fine dining awaits!

Just outside the Wyndham Grand is Pier 60 also adding the to draw for an outstanding Family vacation. With two huge covered playscapes in the sand and free bounce houses, there is so much for kids to do in and out of the water.

There are nightly celebrations beginning two hours before and lasting two hours after sunset including artisans, craters, and musicians. Fridays and Saturdays watch free movies under the stars! All of this on Clearwater’s gorgeous white sugar sand!

Pier 60 is also home of the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Next year’s festival will be held April 13-22, 2018. Mark your calendars. This is a great time to visit Clearwater with your family. With a 21,000 square foot art exhibit filled with awe inspiring sand sculptures crafted by world class sculptors! It is a sight to behold!

I experienced a little taste of sand sculpting on Clearwater Beach which is very different from the Sand Castle Lessons I received on South Padre Island. Sand sculpting begins with a mound of packed sand and then the sculpture takes shape from there, cutting away unwanted portions. During the festival receive free sand sculpting lessons on the beach!

While in Clearwater you must visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium! What a treat to see CEO David Yates speak and show off one of Winter’s prosthetic tails! If you don’t know Winter, then you’re really missing out! Be inspired by her story in the movie Dolphin Tale.

At Clearwater Marine Aquarium, watch Winter play and splash in the water. It was amazing to see her in person.

If you’ve seen Dolphin Tale 2 then you also know the story of Hope who is cared for at Clearwater Aquarium too. These are the stars, but they are just the beginning. Rescue is what Clearwater Aquarium does, and there are so many inspiring stories to learn of here. In a two hour tour I just glimpsed the aquarium. I want to go back and take my family and spend the whole day!

Who doesn’t love a great sunset! They are spectacular on Clearwater Beach! This shot was captured on the balcony of the Hyatt Clearwater Beach, another great location to consider on your next family vacation to Clearwater!

Looking for more ideas for your next Clearwater family vacation? Check out the City of Clearwater site!