Now this is a drive that provides you, as a visitor, an excellent recap of what is available in the Clearwater Beach area. It passes by many of Clearwater Beach landmark locations; accommodation sites, restaurants, and attractions like Clearwater Beach itself plus boating facilities that use the Intercoastal Waterway or the Gulf of Mexico.
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![South Gulfview Drive - Clearwater Beach, Florida]()
The Story behind the pictures
This drive, to me, is a very good example of why so many tourists or snowbirds visit the area. For those that do not go to the beach on a regular schedule, their plans change when they have visitors as this is always high on the list for others. Myself, I always feel comfortable here.
Stops along South Gulfview
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Jimmy Iquana`s Restaurant - 30 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Shephard`s Beach Bar - 30 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Beach Restaurants & Inns - 1 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Hyatt Clearwater Resort - 31 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Pier House Hotel - 36 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Beach Activities - 43 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Sunset Pier on the Beach - 3.6 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Crabby bill`s Seafood - 43 sec
John`s Comments
Driving north from the bridge that links Sand Key to South Gulfview Blvd and then towards the Mandalay Circle turnabout. This
would be considered the prime business portion of Clearwater Beach, although there is a still a northern section after the circle
that has many business venues also.
John`s Recollections
A drive taken many times, and many times just to view the scenery. Views of the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach
and many of the beach activities are always available from the side windows of your cruise mobiles. Be careful though,
as there are many that almost stop traffic to take that extra look.
Click for Video Clip highlights of Driving North on Mandalay Avenue - 2 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Hilton Resort Hotel - 30 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Sand Pearl Resort - 1.2 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Frenchy`s Rockaway Grille - 33 sec
------Click for Video Clip highlights of Palm Pavilion Beach Bar & Restaurant - 43 sec
Click for Video Clip highlights of Driving East to Clearwater - 4 min
------Click for Video Clip highlights Clearwater Aquarium & Winter- 4 min
Click for Video Clip highlights of Clearwater to Dunedin - 5.8 min
Will always be a favorite, as it has so many "cool" things to do. Walk the narrow streets, visit the fort, shop in exquisite stores, see the lighthouse. When we visit ( actually quite often ) some of our favorites are the artisan village, a unique cat shop ( wife`s preference ) and of course eating lunch or dinner at one of many fine restaurants. The fort and small width streets provide a real perspective in how life was lived 500 years ago. Plan on spending a day or two.
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![St Augustine - Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
Really believe that for me, this location was instrumental in my enjoying our historical past. How could people live where streets are so narrow that you would almost have to bump into your neighbor? Well for us, we have bumped into many others over the many times we have visited the area. History is part of our life and we now do not hesitate in viewing the past, as this picture so aptly portrays.
John`s Comments
Does not require more than a day or two to visit (including a tour of Castillo de San Marcos) and the narrow streets (no motorized vehicles allowed)
make you feel you are walking on a wide sidewalk. More unique shops compared to many tourist locations make for a slow leisurely stroll with many
opportunities to stop for lunch or dinner. Would recommend spending an evening in the area if at all possible.
John`s Recollections
Another one of those places that we continue to return and return and return to. Can`t wait for that next visit as there is always something new that
we have not seen before. The video clip has been updated to provide better quality picture.
John`s Personal Views
I like historic St. Augustine and consider it to be one of my favorite places to visit. The shopping experience is unique as you can
literally walk across the street in a few steps and many stores never seem to wider than 20-30 feet. I definitely know that Kathy loves it,
as we have always brought something back that is different than most tourism locations. Also when your feet begin to ache, there is always
a pub where you can sit back, relax and listen to some great music.
On the Atlantic coastline in northern Florida, this beach is a bit more laid back and retains some historic charm. We really are beach people and love to see the waters and waves as they come in. Here there is not a multitude of people, yet the beach is one of the area`s finest. As we await to see where the next hurricane will land, it is still quite possible to see an area where population has not taken over the scenery.
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![Flagler Beach - Florida]()
The Story behind the picture
Could not resist taking a break while driving to St. Augustine from wintering in Clearwater, Florida. The beach
(happens to be our favorite item) beckoned us in to have a look see.
John`s Comments
The drive towards St. Augustine along the Atlantic coastline is quite scenic. Stopping at Flagler beach, to walk in the sand by the ocean is one of the
reasons why there are so many tourists visiting Florida. The waves and the sand here are above average and the hour walk made for a very enjoyable pit
stop along the way
John`s Recollections
The coast road (Hwy 1) on our way to Saint Augustine is alongside the Atlantac in this area. The beach and the waves beckoned us to the point
where dipping our toes in the water and taking a walk on the beach were more important than another hour in a favorite location (Savannah).
John`s Personal Views
Just had to stop as the highway goes right along the beach. The sand is deep and the water was warm. Made for a very enjoyable two hours and if we had
of had the time, likely would of spent an hour or two having lunch at one of the roadside restaraunts that overlooked the beach.
Actually we have returned several times and have had that lunch.
A southern playground. An entertainment district like no other, with a beautiful beach on one side. People watching is a prime activity together with some great restaurants. Also don`t forget the cars, as there are many from past years, either driving by or parked on the side. Night life is an important feature as the area opens up with restaurants being a prime activity along with many live entertainment groups.
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The Story behind the picture
This drive is exceptional, yet it can be quite dangerous, as one is constantly looking from one side to the other. Be careful, as it can be quite easy for accidents to occur.
John`s Comments
For the visitor, this is the place in Miami to come to, for the locals it is just "THE" in
place in Florida. Spending an afternoon or even the evening on this street, one just never
knows what will show up. From seeing the most current automotive products, to people watching, is
worth the visit, but the nightlife and the restaurants are a touch above most other locations.
John`s Recollections
Another one of those places that we continue to return and return and return to. Can`t wait for
that next visit as there is always something new that we have not seen before. First visit (1968),
last visit (2016) with many in between.
A very established city in the suburbs of Miami. It has it`s own unique City Hall, a Venetian pool and tree lined boulevards to provide the shade
for the affluent citizenry.
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The Story behind the picture
The Venetian Pool has two waterfalls that provide a scenic backdrop as well as the cave-like grottos which provide a fun experience for swimmers. It is one of the city`s main attractions.
John`s Comments
Miami has the name, but Coral Gables has always had the history.
John`s Recollections
The drive around this area brought forth many new sights that are very pleasant to one`s eyes.
With stops at many locations you can spend a whole day in the area just examining the many historic sights.
