Clearwater Beach is located on a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico in west central Florida.
The white sand beach, which stretches for 2.5 miles along the Gulf, is supported by what USA Today readers deemed to be Florida's Best Beach Town 2013.
The area, which was once a convenient second destination for visiting the theme parks of Orlando, has witnessed a genuine renaissance in recent years.
The city's 'Beach by Design' improvement project has seen the sea front around Pier 60 greatly enhanced by the creation of the Beach Walk promenade.
And while the regeneration of Clearwater Beach continues, the best of the traditional and iconic beach style bars and diners remain.
But they are now complimented by the new Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort, the area's flagship hotel and one that epitomises the confidence with which this destination is moving into the 21 century tourism market.
Clearwater Beach was one of those destinations that I was a little unsure of before visiting.
Okay this is Florida so the weather is normally going to be great.
And being on the Gulf of Mexico the sand, sea and sunsets will be spectacular.
But my perception of Clearwater Beach was maybe of a place a little beyond its sell by date.
Clearwater tended to be the place sandwiched between trips to the Disney theme parks.
It didn't really matter where it was, as long as it was close to Orlando, and had a beach to crash out on.
But, of course, the theme parks in Orlando have mushroomed, and water parks like Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon meet the need for spells of rest and relaxation.
As a result Clearwater Beach tended to drop off the radar.
Making my first trip there in 2013, I was prepared to be disappointed.
But not a bit of it.
On the up and up
While Clearwater Beach, by all accounts, did suffer a bit a dip, It is coming back stronger than ever - and on its own terms.
The beach area has been greatly enhanced by the new Beach Walk promenade.
As for dining options, the city's beach bars offer lively, colourful places to eat and drink.
That's colourful in the ramshackle decor and in the characters you are sure to get to know.
When to get to Crabby's (my quickly established local) is the easy bit - happy hour - it's having the strength to drag oneself away that's the challenge.
Talking 'sport' provides a passport with American football, baseball, basketball, golf and ice hockey Ok, European football less so.
And rugby, a real no go. Well no place is perfect.
In contrast to eating on a bar stool, there are also a range of fine dining options including Shor, at the Hyatt, where we had a tremendous dinner.
Touring the area
Clearwater Beach is also a great place for touring what is a fascinating part of Florida.
While we did not get there, you should visit the 'Scottish' town of Dunedan and 'Greek' Tarpon Springs, the sponge capital.
Cycle and walking trails start at the city limits and there are fishing, dolphin watch and sunset cruises from the marina.
And finally we come back, as one invariably does, to Florida's glorious sub-tropical climate.
Except for the height of summer, when it can be on the very hot side, the sunshine state is a year-round location.
Jillenne LandryI confess I came to Clearwater Beach with a certain sense of trepidation.
I left vowing to return in order chart its next hey-day.
Clearwater Beach no longer has to 'feed off the scraps' of the Disney tourist trade.
It is, very much, a deserving destination in its own right.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
By Ann Mealor
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Clearwater Beach, and had visions of it being a rather tired and worn-out seaside town.
However, despite the drizzling rain and dull skies on our arrival, I couldn't have been more wrong!
Clearwater Beach is wide, clean and inviting.
The paved promenade winds along the perimeter and is lined with an excellent array of traditional and casual American diners and quality hotels.
Pride of place
Standing tall and taking pride of place amongst them is the grand, three year old, Hyatt Regency.
We were swiftly and courteously checked in – all Hyatt staff are expertly trained – and shown to our room, which was stunning.
A two bedroom suite, beautifully furnished in a West Indies-inspired style, with a kitchen, dining and lounge area with large, comfy sofas.
Recycling bins are in all rooms and unwanted soap and shampoo are sent to third world countries through Clean the World.
The kingsize beds were extremely comfortable and bathrooms spacious with quality toiletries and bathrobes – always a welcome touch.
But best of all was the balcony, with tables, chairs and a great view across the Gulf of Mexico. A fine dining restaurant
And our dinner at SHOR American Seafood Grill was a real highlight of the stay.
First was the taste tingling hot pretzel bread with mustard and butter.
We then had the award winning crabcakes which were delicious – not too big and very nicely presented, and the calamari steak, cut into strips, soaked in buttermilk and fried in a light, tempura batter – delicious.
It was then the specialities of house, which were lobster ravioli with a vermouth cream and, for Ashley, the chili lime mahi mahi with coconut jasmine rice and a tropical fruit salsa.
Both lived up to expectations.
The meal was complemented by a delicious sauvignon blanc from the Napa valley and rounded off with selection of light, but delightful desserts, the favourite being the coconut flan.
With its relaxing spa, fine dining restaurant, cocktail bar, bustling coffee shop (I had the best coffee here), elegant pool deck, local restaurants and Clearwater Beach itself, there is no reason to travel far from the Hyatt Regency.
The Clearwater's Dolphin Trail
Clearwater's Dolphins Trail is an artistic initiative featuring a growing pod of more than 101 6-foot tall fiberglass dolphins, each individually designed by a local artist and sponsored by an area business.
www.visitclearwaterflorida.com/dolphintrail
Caladesi Island
Caladesi Island State Park, just north of Clearwater Beach, is one of the last remaining un-touched natural islands in Florida, looking just as it did a hundred years ago.
The park is accessible on foot during low tide and by boat at other times.
Caladesi is home to a three mile long trail in the shade of tangling mangroves and provides a glimpse into Florida's natural rustic beauty.
There's also kayaking through the mangroves.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is nationally recognised for its work in marine rescue, rehabilitation and release, as well as education and animal assisted therapy research.
More than an aquarium, the CMA is also a non-profit organization working to conserve aquatic environments and animals.
Their most famous resident, Winter the Dolphin, was caught in a crab trap and nursed back to health after she lost her tail.
She was fitted with a prosthetic tail to allow her to swim once again, and Winter's story of survival and perseverance has been inspiring children, especially those with disabilities, around the world.
Winter's life has been the focus ofthe 3D Warner Brothers' film Dolphin Tale, filmed entirely on location in Clearwater.
Pinellas Trail
The Pinellas Trail is a linear park and recreation trail that is open to active people of all ages and skill levels.
It has recently been remapped and improved to provide an easily accessible place for people to enjoy.
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise is a child-friendly, the two hour cruise features treasure hunts, face-painting, water games, and lots of dancing to reggae island tunes and steel drums.
Adults are invited to enjoy a beverage while their children are safely entertained by the crew.