Sunny skies and Gulf Coast beaches are the big draw in Clearwater, Florida, a city in the Tampa Bay area. The barrier island extends for 3 miles (5 kilometers) of white-sand beaches and is home to popular attractions including the Florida Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Many of the things to do here are connected to the sandy shores and sea, including kayaking adventures, dolphin-watching cruises, sunset sailing tours, and Jet Ski rides, while scenic state parks provide a peaceful setting for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Home to one of the best beaches in the country, Clearwater is a must-visit destination in the summer when you can soak up the sun, shore, and surf. If you need a colorful break from the beach, St. Petersburg hosts its pride festival throughout June. Spring, meanwhile, is for sports fans. MLB teams use facilities here and nearby Dunedin for Spring Training games, while St. Petersburg of Clearwater hosts its own Grand Prix through the city.
There’s no need for a car in Clearwater Beach. Simply stroll the shoreline to find your fill of beach grub, bars, and buskers at Pier 60. The Jolly Trolley is worth the US$5 all-day pass, especially if you’re keen to explore the area. One route runs through the beach, while the coastal route stops in pedestrian-friendly places like Dunedin and Palm Harbor. A car, cab, or rideshare offers more flexibility for those interested in Tampa Bay day trips.
The beach is the main draw, so make sure you’re on the sand for sunset at least once during your trip. However, there are many activities that don’t involve beachgoing. Bike routes like the Ream Wilson Trail cut through Cliff Stephens and Alligator Kapok Parks, where you can fish and spot gators. On a rainy day, Celebration Station’s arcades and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are great places to wait out the weather with the family.
