Explore Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Family time activated! This resort is jam-packed with activities, food and one of the best beaches in the world. Courtesy of visit St. Pete Clearwater

When it comes to travel, sometimes it’s the journey, not the destination. But in the case of getting to Clearwater Beach—as you battle traffic along the I-4 corridor—it is most definitely the destination. Living in Orlando puts you within a 2- to 2½-hour drive of one of the best beaches in the country. And once you put the journey in your rearview mirror, you can focus on the bliss of Clearwater Beach, recently named the No. 1 Beach in the South by USA Today.

Stretching for 2.5 miles, Clearwater Beach sits on a barrier island, luring travelers from around the world in search of its sugar-white sand, emerald-clear waters, family-friendly activities and natural beauty. Often lumped in with beautiful St. Pete Beach, just 19 miles south, Clearwater holds its own as a top draw for both locals and visitors alike. 

To be in the heart of it all, stay at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, which opened in 2017. 

This ocean-front resort provides gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway, putting you within steps of beaches and water activities on either side, as well as many restaurants and shops. Plus, the pedestrian-friendly beachside promenade winds its way through the area—perfect for biking, rollerblading, dog-walking or people-watching. 

The Winter & Friends Room Bunks are a great option for guests with small children. Courtesy of Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Coastal-Inspired Accommodations

With 343 guestrooms, ranging from standard rooms to presidential suites, Wyndham Grand rates vary by season, starting at just $392 (or 30,000 Wyndham Rewards points) per night. The coastal-inspired décor throughout feels fresh, calming and barefoot casual—reminding you that you’re here to relax. Rooms offer either waterfront or marina views, with most rooms offering a balcony or terrace—perfect for soaking in that spectacular scenery with a morning coffee or evening cocktail. 

If you’re visiting with little ones, consider booking one of the Winter & Friends Room Bunks—a nod to the popular Dolphin Tale movies. Winter the dolphin—the movie’s star and inspiration—resided less than one mile away at Clearwater Marine Aquarium until she passed away in 2021. Tapping into colorful, underwater dolphin imagery, the themed rooms immerse guests in the world of marine life rescue, with a portion of the proceeds donated back to the aquarium to support all rescued marine animals currently in their care.

If you’re visiting with a large group (think family reunion or wedding party), consider splurging  on one of the resort’s 12 available suites. Size and amenities vary depending on the suite, with features such as king bedrooms, spa-like bathrooms, comfy living rooms, full kitchens, dining areas, floor-to-ceiling water views and spacious, furnished outdoor spaces.

Bonus! The resort overlooks Clearwater’s Pier 60, the 1,080-foot fishing pier that juts out into the Gulf Coast. Beach-goers flock to the pier during the day for casual dining, cold drinks, fishing off the pier and a shaded respite for families thanks to one of the biggest beach playgrounds on the Gulf Coast. At night, the area buzzes with activity, thanks to the daily sunset celebration that starts two hours before sunset and ends two hours afterwards. Local artisans line the pier hawking everything from hand-made soaps to jewelry to glow-in-the-dark pinwheels. And talented street performers wow crowds with interactive, energetic shows, such as dancing, singing, acrobatics and fire-eating.

Ocean Hai offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Courtesy of Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Mouthwatering Dining Options

No matter your appetite (or dietary restrictions), Wyndham Grand dishes up a variety of culinary options. 

For upscale waterfront dining, indulge your senses at Ocean Hai, the resort’s signature restaurant. This AAA Four Diamond restaurant focuses on Asian-fusion cuisine, courtesy of Chef Nana Darkwah. Born and raised in Ghana, Chef Darkwah developed a passion for cooking while helping his mother and grandmother use simple, local ingredients to prepare delicious family meals. These childhood memories influence his innovative menu choices as Chef Darkwah aims to share his heritage with diners. At Ocean Hai, he balances creativity with food trends to provide diverse dining experiences and inclusive culinary options that cater to meat-eaters, vegans and vegetarians. With dishes inspired by locally sourced ingredients—including fresh-caught seafood—Chef Darkwah masterfully crafts seasonal fare, from burrata ensalada and Wagyu beef pho to seabass and yucca fries. 

When you’re poolside, leave those flip-flops on and grab lunch, snacks and ice-cold libations from DocK’s Pool Bar & Grille. The expansive menu includes small plates, salads, burgers, flatbreads, sandwiches and desserts, as well as frozen cocktails, signature drinks, and craft beer, such as the popular Beach Blond Ale. 

If you’re looking for a convenient grab-and-go spot or a relaxing bar, stop by eSKPades, which offers both. From morning through early afternoon, you can get coffee, teas, yogurt, pastries, sandwiches and ice cream to take to the pool or back to your room. Then afternoon through evening, head to this stylish lobby spot for wine, cocktails and appetizers.

Rejuvenating Spa Services

Ready to relax? Pamper yourself with an indulgent spa treatment in the tranquil Pallavi Luxury Spa. This 6,000-square-foot spa sanctuary will rejuvenate mind, body and spirit, whether you book a “me-time” solo treatment or a romantic couples experience. The spa menu entices you with manicures, pedicures, facials and massages. Looking to reconnect with your partner?  Book the couples suite or the Chromatherapy Experience Showers. Want those stress knots kneaded out of your shoulders? Get a Therapeutic Blend massage. Want a new experience? Try Earth & Sky (targeted foot reflexology and scalp massage) or the Coral Essence Wrap (dry brushing, coral firming gel, scalp massage, heated towels and body balm). Or, try the resort’s Signature Seaweed Detox that combines a gentle massage, aromatherapy and the healing power of the sea as warming mud is applied to your back. No matter the treatment, you also get access to a luxurious relaxation lounge, showers, lockers and “scentilating” eucalyptus steam rooms.

Endless Amenities 

With a beach-front pool, you can cool off at the resort in between dips in the ocean, located just across the street. But what else does the resort offer? 

Daily Activity Schedule: Daytime serves up family fun like a poolside DJ, games (think ring toss and scavenger hunts) and crafts, plus poolside yoga on the weekends and seasonal dive-in movies at night. Adults will appreciate the specials geared to the 21+ crowd, like Monday Mule, Wine Down Wednesday and Tequila Thursday. Cap off the night with The Grand Tradition—the nightly sunset celebration that often includes something special for guests, like a frozen treat.

Fitness Center: Get your workout in at the third-floor fitness center overlooking the beach and Gulf. Available 24/7, the state-of-the-art center includes Peloton bikes and weightlifting equipment.

Signature Culinary Experiences: Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy special offerings like the Horse Soldier Bourbon Dinner (five-course gastronomic journey artfully paired with the legendary bourbon brand) and the Chef’s Tasting Menu (six-course multisensory culinary experience with wine pairings).

Fitness Retreats: Whether you want to add a three-hour dose of fitness fun to your day or book a multi-day or extended fitness retreat, Wyndham Grand partners with 1Team Fitness to help infuse your stay with wellness. Activities range from beach boot camps, kayaking and HIIT classes, to beach yoga, biking and interval training.

Kids Fit Camp: Get your kids moving with this energetic blend of fitness, fun and sports, courtesy of 1Team Fitness. Parents get a few hours to themselves while kids enjoy beach soccer, volleyball, beach bowling, relay races, tug-o-war and ultimate frisbee. 

Other Must-See Spots in the Area 

When you want to venture off property, put these must-see spots on your itinerary!

Local culinary experiences: From fresh-caught seafood (like the grilled Island Mahi) at the iconic Palm Pavilion to elevated Mexican fusion cuisine (try the Al pastor tacos) at Marina Cantina, you’ll find plenty of eateries within walking distance. Cap off your meal with a craft beer tasting at 3 Daughters Brewing, open since April 2022.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium: This nonprofit focuses on rehabilitating injured dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, seabirds and other marine animals (or giving them a permanent home if they can’t survive in the wild). For a unique experience, try the sublimely relaxing dolphin yoga, held in front of the underwater dolphin viewing area.

State Parks: For a tranquil beach day, head to Caladesi Island (accessible only by ferry) and Honeymoon Island. These pristine state parks showcase Florida’s natural beauty—with no residences or commercial sites on either island. Spend the day kayaking, exploring nature trails, collecting shells or swimming in the warm, crystal-clear water.

Sight-seeing cruises: From dolphin watching to swashbuckling pirate fun to serene sunsets, you’ll find cruises offering on-the-water fun through a variety of local vendors.

Dunedin: Just a 20-minute drive puts you in the heart of downtown Dunedin, a charming town dotted with restaurants, boutiques, a history center, gift shops, craft breweries and ice cream shops.