Mandalay Avenue runs north-south through the northern half of Clearwater Beach, starting just north of Pier 60 and heading up toward the residential end of the island. It's the beach's main commercial artery — shops, restaurants, hotels, and services that visitors need during their stay.
What's On Mandalay Avenue
Shopping
- Surf Style Clearwater Beach (571 Mandalay) — the three-story beach superstore. Swimsuits, rash guards, boogie boards, t-shirts, beach toys, sunglasses, souvenirs, everything.
- Ron Jon Surf Shop — beach gear and apparel
- Beach-themed boutiques — multiple locations with beach décor, jewelry, and gifts
- Salty Popcorn & Candy Co. — snacks and candy
Restaurants
- Frenchy's Original Café (41 Baymont just off Mandalay) — the grouper sandwich legend
- Palm Pavilion Beachside (18 Bay Esplanade) — beach-access dining
- Coopers Hawk — wine-focused, upscale casual
- Frenchy's Stone Crab (off Mandalay) — Frenchy's second location
- Bob Heilman's Beachcomber (447 Mandalay) — old-school fine dining since 1948
- Clear Sky Beachside Café — breakfast and casual meals
- Multiple casual restaurants, ice cream shops, smoothie bars
Services
- Publix (on Island Estates, short drive from Mandalay) — groceries, beach snacks, pharmacy
- CVS / Walgreens — various locations
- Bank ATMs at hotels and shops
- Bike rental shops — see our bike rental guide
- Urgent care clinics — Clearwater Beach Medical Center walk-in
Hotels Directly on Mandalay Avenue
- Quality Inn Clearwater Beach
- Holiday Inn Express Clearwater Beach North
- Days Inn Clearwater Beach
- Various smaller inns, Airbnb rentals
Beachfront luxury hotels (Sandpearl, Opal Sands, Hilton) sit one block west on S. Gulfview — not directly on Mandalay.
Walking & Biking
Mandalay Avenue is walkable and bike-friendly. Sidewalks on both sides, reasonable lighting at night. Most visitors staying near Pier 60 walk or bike up Mandalay for meals and shopping rather than drive. The beach trolley / Jolley Trolley also runs the length of Mandalay.
Parking on Mandalay
On-street metered parking is available along Mandalay but fills fast. North Beach Parking Plaza (490 Poinsettia, just off Mandalay) has 400+ spaces and is the primary option. Expect pay-to-park meters on Mandalay side streets.
Mandalay vs South Gulfview
Two parallel streets run down the beach island:
- S. Gulfview Boulevard: runs along the beach, has the major beachfront hotels + restaurants (Shephard's, Hyatt, Hilton, etc.)
- Mandalay Avenue: runs one block east (inland), has the shops, groceries, and mid-range hotels
Most visitors end up on both — beach by day, Mandalay for shopping and non-beach restaurants.
Local Tip
If you want to avoid the beachfront Sunset Festival crowds but still eat well, walk a block inland on Mandalay. Bob Heilman's Beachcomber, Frenchy's Café, or Clear Sky Beachside are all quieter dinners than Crabby's or Palm Pavilion — and often better food.Back to Beach