Clearwater Beach is the destination of choice if you're on the lookout for clear and warm Gulf of Mexico waters that shimmer like emeralds in the sea.

And 2.5 miles of white sandy beaches that are pristine and clean. You can stay at one of the numerous beach resorts that dot the surroundings as you take time to enjoy the thrill of the festivals at Pier 60.

This beautiful beach has won several awards including being one of America's premier family beaches and the prestigious Best City Beach award.

This in itself makes the beach a popular travel destination for beach buffs and families alike. It is the most popular of all the Tampa Bay beaches.

As a visitor you have the option of taking time to experience the wildlife sanctuaries that focus on rehabilitating rescued birds and mammals and then releasing them to the wild.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is a sanctuary that caters to marine life, you can actually get very close to dolphins and actually touch one of the Atlantic bottlenose mammals.

You can watch the dolphins perform in an open air show or even join the trainers and learn about their work in one of the interactive sessions. The famous dolphin, Winter, is wearing a prosthetic tail and you can watch her in action at the aquarium.

Sunsets at Pier 60

The heart of this famous beach comes alive every evening at Pier 60, a stretch of concrete that cuts across the beach and into the Gulf of Mexico.

A total of four hours at sunset, two before and two after, are dedicated to a multitude of musicians and street performers who keep you enthralled with their talent and abilities.

You can watch the sun go down over the horizon as your family browses the artisan stalls to locate individually crafted items that you can buy as a unique reminder of your visit to Clearwater Beach.

Beach Walk

The southern area of the beach is characterized by dozens of restaurants and bars. You can take a stroll on the Beach Walk that's beautified the area and sample any of the numerous eateries or have a drink at your favorite bar.

Beachcombers can rinse off the sand and salt water at shower nozzles all along the Walk and you can even park your bicycle at one of the many racks available.

Shops in the pedestrian zone cater to tourists and locals alike so you're bound to find something you can take away as a souvenir of your trip.

Handy Beach Travel Tips

As the beach is almost always crowded on a holiday or weekend, it's a good idea to start your trip to the beach before 10.00am on these days. That way, you'll miss most of the crowd.

And you're likely to get a good spot on the beach where you can lay claim to your very own spot of sand by laying down a towel.

Going early also ensures that you manage to park your car at the parking lot which tends to get pretty packed as the day wears on. Check the meter for any information about any price changes or enforcement hours. You can also pay for space at private parking lots with flat rate fees by credit card.

Make sure you take a large golf umbrella to shade yourself from the sun which can sizzle in the afternoon. If you don't have one, you can rent a beach umbrella for about $20. You'll have to be quick as these get snapped up fast.

Ask the locals if you want to get an idea about which restaurants serve the best grub or which bar is the type you like. You can not take any alcohol to the beach though so don't pack any with your stuff.

There are beach police that comb the area and check out coolers to see if anyone's flaunting the regulations. If you do, then you're very likely going to get a ticket for that infringement.

All said, Clearwater Beach has something for everyone – whether you're out for a romantic getaway or taking a young family for a weekend holiday.

From Tampa jet ski rentals to volleyball, Clearwater Beach has got you covered. Leave your worries behind and be prepared for a lovely time on the white, powdery sands of this tantalizing beach.