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Clearwater Beach, the star of Pinellas County’s visitor industry, is in the midst of an extraordinary transformation.
The renaissance is part of a long-term revitalization plan for Clearwater Beach called “Beach by Design;” it represents the most significant changes in decades to Clearwater’s most important industry, tourism. The improvements are designed to enhance Clearwater Beach’s reputation as a top-tier beach destination and to ensure that it remains one of the country’s most popular vacation spots.
Beach Walk, a key component in this plan, has led the renewal.
Beach Walk, the city of Clearwater’s multi-million dollar, half-mile long winding beachside promenade with artistic, whimsical touches, landscaping, unique amenities and public areas, was completed in the summer of 2008, six months ahead of schedule. It travels along south Clearwater Beach north to Pier 60 Park, home of the famed 1,080-foot fishing pier and observation deck, and the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival.
Beach Walk has dramatically complemented the visitor experience by improving beach access and opening up Clearwater Beach even more for strolling, sunset gazing, people watching, beachfront dining and shopping.
Beach Walk is also responsible for attracting interest from private developers who have brought new hotel rooms and suites and condos to the beach.
Another important part of Clearwater Beach’s renewal is private development, a mix of accommodations including hotels, condo-hotels and residential and rental condominiums.
Quality hotel rooms on Clearwater Beach are vital to Clearwater’s visitor industry. Accommodations suit every taste and fit every budget.
Changes to Clearwater Beach’s hotel and motel inventory include properties that have been, or will be, replaced while others are undergoing, or have completed, extensive renovations. Other developments are in the planning stages. The properties that have been completed offer new amenities and experiences that complement the spectacular natural surroundings of the beach.
- The Sandpearl Resort, which opened in August 2007, is Clearwater Beach's first new beachfront resort in over 25 years. Situated along a 700-foot expanse of pristine beach, Sandpearl offers luxurious guest amenities and services, including a variety of unique guest enrichment programs. Sandpearl is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Associated Luxury Hotels International and the Florida Green Lodging Program.
- The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in December 2009, and two additional private developments are still in planning phases.
To learn more about Beach Walk, the city of Clearwater’s “Beach by Design” plan or private development on Clearwater Beach, click here.
Visitors will find new, and familiar, places to stay in a variety of price ranges throughout Clearwater Beach. In addition, the greater Clearwater area, including downtown Clearwater and other off-beach areas, boasts large numbers of mid-level and economy accommodations. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of Clearwater’s accommodations, click here.
As Clearwater Beach continues to become an even more beautiful place to visit, all of the Clearwater area’s popular events and attractions - including of course, the award-winning beach itself – remain open to welcome visitors. For a comprehensive list of the Clearwater area’s events and attractions, click here.
If you would like to receive Footprints, our quarterly tourism E-newsletter, please click here. Footprints will keep you up-to-date on what’s new and what’s fun in Clearwater, including the latest on Clearwater Beach.
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