As an avid beach lover, I gotta say there’s nothing better than soaking up the sun and getting my tan on.
Being from the sunshine state of Florida, I know a thing or two about beautiful beaches.
Let me tell you about two of my faves: Anna Maria Island and Clearwater Beach.
If you haven’t had the chance to hit up these spots yet, then buckle up ’cause I’m about to take you on a ride.
First off, let me share a story with you.
I remember the first time I ever visited Anna Maria Island.
I was with my girl, and we were on a mission to find the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
And boy, did we find it!
The sky was painted with shades of pink, purple, and orange, and the ocean was like glass.
We sat there in awe, with the sand between our toes, and just took it all in.
It was one of those moments that just takes your breath away.
Now, let’s talk about Clearwater Beach.
This place is a total vibe, and I always feel like I’m on vacation even when I’m just there for the day.
The soft white sand and crystal clear water are top-notch, and the atmosphere is so lively.
Plus, they have some bomb-ass seafood restaurants that I can never resist.
So, which one is better?
That’s a tough one, my friend.
It really depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a more laid-back, chill vibe, then Anna Maria Island is your jam.
But if you’re down for a party and some fun in the sun, then Clearwater Beach is the place to be.
Clearwater Beach
Let me tell you ’bout this hidden gem in Florida – Clearwater Beach.
This place is located in the resort region on the Gulf of Mexico, and let me tell you, the sand is so pure white that it’ll make your eyes water!
But that’s not all, the blue water is so mesmerizing that it’ll have you staring out into the horizon for hours on end.
And the best part?
The water is calm as a sleeping baby, making it perfect for swimming without getting your hair messed up.
But wait, there’s more!
Clearwater Beach town has a ton of beaches, all with clean waters that’ll have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
TripAdvisor even named it the number one beach in 2018.
And let me tell you, they weren’t wrong!
Back in the day, I used to go to Clearwater Beach with my buddies every summer.
We’d hit up the beach in the day, playing volleyball and swimming in the water.
And at night, we’d hit up the local bars and have a blast.
But one time, we decided to take a boat out to Caladesi Island, and man was that a trip!
It was like we had stumbled upon a secret island paradise.
We spent the day exploring the island, hiking through the lush green forests and lounging on the secluded beaches.
And get this, in 2017, Dr.
Beach even rated Caladesi Island as the best island in the nation!
So, what are you waiting for?
Pack your bags and head on down to Clearwater Beach, you won’t regret it!
Things to See in Clearwater Beach
You will have the feel of a small-town atmosphere around Clearwater Beach.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is an institution dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitating, and releasing sick and injured marine animals.
It is also an institution for public education, conservation, and research.
The attractions on Clearwater Beach include fine restaurants, family-friendly lodgings, and exciting beach activities.
All these features put smiles on the faces of visitors to this beach.
Clearwater Beach is a place you see a lot of creativity.
The beach is always crowded.
You must see artwork that suits your taste.
The next place you will see the highest number of Dalí artworks outside Spain is the Salvador Dalí Museum.
You will see beautiful buildings in the next neighborhood of Hip, a walking distance.
You can pay a visit to the studios of renowned artists and sculptors that have earned international recognition.
At the waterfront park, there is a live theatre for your entertainment.
I visited here twice when I was a student.
Clearwater Attractions
In the grass field near St.
Pete Pier, I saw a group of friends sitting on the grass.
They were watching the sunset behind the buildings.
There are many green spaces and things to do at St.
Pete Pier.
It is a wonderful place to spend a day.
I know that the beauty of the beaches is irresistible and unequaled.
I believe it is the reason you came here.
Many of our shorelines are sparkling.
You will get all you desire every day you visit any of our breaches.
TripAdvisor ranked St. Pete Beach the American best beach in 2022.
Your entire family will enjoy the sun on this beach like never before.
There are lots of spirited vibes at Clearwater Beach.
At Tranquil Redington Shores, I had a lot of space to move about.
There are abundant natural places of attraction at Fort DeSoto Park.
It is ideal for surfing too.
Seeing a place like this in this modern time is a surprise.
I am delighted about it.
The beach town is a low-rise beach town.
It has few quaint cottages within the mainly residential community.
Anna Maria Island
You do things on Anna Maria Island: walking the beach, watching wading birds, and watching dolphins at the seashore.
Anna Maria Island is a low-key island.
The island is connected to other beach towns that reflect historic past generations.
It is similar to the features we saw at Casey Key, 35 miles south, and Pass-A-Grille, which is almost the same distance north.
You will not see tall buildings there.
All you will see are some chain restaurants and no sign of past riches.
Anna Maria Island: The essentials
Three communities make up Anna Maria Island, and the island is seven miles long.
The communities that make up the island are Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, and the municipality of Anna Maria Island at the northern tip.
The three islands are all beautiful, but the upper section, which is the municipality, is more beautiful.
Two bridges connect Anna Maria Island with Bradenton, on the mainland.
You will see a bridge in the south that will take you to Longboat key.
If you follow the bridge to about 11 miles south, you will get to Sarasota.
The island has three public beaches and they all have free parking spaces.
On weekends, the Anna Maria island parking space gets filled up early.
Sometimes, traffic will line up on the waterfront Gulf Drive.
There are some parking spaces in the street, but they are not always enough on such busy days.
You will only get a parking space on Anna Maria Island by getting there early.
Clearwater Vs. Anna Maria – My Opinion
I prefer Clearwater Beach.
Lovers of watersports, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing love to come to this beach because of its crystal-clear waters.
From Downtown Orlando to the beach is about 2 hours drive.
Clearwater Beach has a mild, and warm climate every time of the year.
Lining the beach are beautiful tropical plants and Palm trees.
Clearwater Beach always makes it to the list of top beaches in America.
Lovers of the sun, sea, and sand cannot resist the charm of this beach.
Many events and activities are hosted on this beach, such as fishing tournaments and music festivals.
The host town is not far from the beach.
Along the pretty Beach Walk, a street in the city you will see restaurants, and bars.
One of the things Anna Maria Island lack is parking space.
This may be one factor that shaped its people’s character.
If you are visiting the island, I will advise you to park your car and join the free trolley from 6 a.
m.
to 10:30 p.
m.
The trolley takes off every 20 minutes from the Anna Maria City Pier which is on the north to Coquina Beach which is on the south.
You can take a look at the map and schedule of operations of the Manatee Trolley on Anna Maria Island.
FAQs
Which beach is better Clearwater or Anna Maria Island?
AMI is the beach that will give you peace and tranquility.
It can give you boredom too.
CWB is a beach as beautiful as AMI, but full of activities.
I do not know your interests, but Clearwater Beach is top on our list of the best breaches.
We hate boredom when we are on a beach vacation that is why Clearwater Beach made it top on our list.
How clear is the water on Anna Maria Island?
The waters of Anna Maria Island are not always clear, but they become clear and clean during the months of spring which are the months May, and June.
Does Anna Maria beach have Clearwater?
Yes.
Anna Maria Beach has clear water.
Anna Maria Island is located north of Siesta Key and West of Bradenton.
It is a beautiful beach with clear water and tropical vegetation.
Anna Maria Island is quieter than Siesta Key.
Bradenton is another small town that is close to it.
Where is the clearest water on Anna Maria Island?
Anna Maria Island has clearest water.
Holmes Beach, located on Anna Maria Island is a beach that will give you perfect, and peaceful swimming conditions.
The beach is ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
Holmes Beach abounds with soft white sand and crystal clear waters.
