Sunshine Cozy Cottages

The area won me over so much on my first visit that I came back after only a short time at home. The place is cozy, charming, clean, affordable, and dog-friendly, with easy beach access across the street on the Gulf of Mexico. It felt safe, and many spots are walkable. There’s plenty nearby, from local musicians and ice cream to restaurants and shopping. Crabby Bill’s, Guilty Sea, and JD’s are just a few. I highly recommend checking it out!

The cottages have everything you need for a great vacation, and the people you meet there are lovely. My one complaint is checkout. The page says 10 a.m., but on checkout day they wanted us out earlier so they could clean for the next guests. If they need everyone gone earlier, the stated time should be changed to 8 a.m. Asking people to leave ahead of the posted time is really inconvenient. Aside from that, it was an awesome stay.

The beach is just a stone’s throw away, and this is one of the most restful places we’ve ever stayed. Our cottage is quaint and thoughtfully stocked, and we’ve been coming back for years. They always treat us like family. Staying here is a true blessing!

My family has been coming to Sunshine Cozy Cottages twice a year for nearly a decade, and we can’t wait to return. My husband and I got engaged here, and on this visit we brought our baby daughter. Now three generations of us love SCC. The cottages feel like private beachside homes, with staff who are easy to find when you need help but leave you to yourself otherwise. Once our coffeemaker broke, and they brought a new one in under 20 minutes. They also quickly provide things like an extra beach towel. The 7th Ave beach access is directly across the street, about a two-minute walk, and you can hear the waves through an open window on a quiet evening. Courtyard grills are free to use for a beach barbecue. The prices are unbelievably affordable for IRB, and you get plenty for what you pay. Each cottage has a kitchenette big enough for simple meals. Nightlife, dining, and most other things are a five- to ten-minute walk away, while Publix and Walmart are around a 15-minute drive. Clearwater Beach boardwalks are about half an hour away, and Tampa, the zoo, aquarium, and Busch Gardens take 45 minutes to an hour. Traffic can be BONKERS, so leave early, though there’s no need to rush on vacation. These charming cottages are quiet and safe, with big windows and a breezy, old-fashioned beach style. They keep the character of their 1940s origins, including the fact that a few mid-century celebrities stayed here, which makes this WWII buff happy. They’re still comfortable for 2023. Most cottages suit one or two people, while several have two bedrooms for a family of four. Ask before booking. This is a peaceful place for family time, a romantic getaway, or even a solo retirement trip, rather than a loud beach party. Clearwater Beach has plenty of places for that. Sunshine Cozy Cottages is the only place my family would stay in the IRB, Clearwater, or Tampa area. I almost didn’t want to share our special spot, but it’s too wonderful to keep quiet about.