You’re in for beaches, baseball and delectable bites with an island vibe.
Clearwater, Florida, is best known as home to America's best beaches, often beating out Hawaii for top accolades. Accordingly, there are a ton of activities centered around the water, from lounging on the beach to up-close encounters with dolphins at the aquarium. But there are plenty of land-based things to do as well, with a small (but happening!) downtown filled with shops and dining. Sports fans can catch professional baseball spring training games at BayCare Ballpark. Plus, this city sees 240 days of sunshine on average, so there’s never a bad time to visit.
Explore Clearwater
- Downtown
- Island Estates
- Sand Key
Downtown
Overview
Although the beaches are the main draw, Clearwater's revitalized downtown has world-class shopping, dining and live entertainment. The buzzy neighborhood overlooks the picturesque Clearwater Harbor Marina, so you've still got stunning water views.
Known For
Entertainment, Shopping, Dining
Island Estates
Overview
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals, is the highlight of Island Estates and draws tons of visitors each year. The neighborhood is also an excellent spot for water sports and boat tours of the Clearwater Bay.
Known For
Aquarium, Water Sports
Sand Key
Overview
Sand Key is the perfect spot to set up a blanket on the white sand, take a dip in the so-blue-it-can’t-be-real water and check out the famous nesting site for endangered sea turtles. There's plenty off the sand, as well, from kayak and bike rentals to stellar seafood restaurants with bay views.
Known For
Seafood, Beaches, Wildlife
Stay in The Center of it All
Immerse yourself in your destination at these centrally located hotels.
Explore Clearwater, Florida's Beaches (and Beyond)
Explore Downtown
The first day is all about exploring the revitalized downtown. Pop into shops, enjoy the city's best dining establishments and take in a show with the stunning bay as your backdrop. It's a day filled with land-based activities set against water views.
Relax on the Beach
Learn firsthand why Clearwater is consistently named one of America's best beaches. Today, enjoy authentic coastal living with opportunities to parasail or paddleboard in the calm waters. Then, pop over to Sand Key to see the endangered sea turtle habitat before heading to Pier 60 for sunset.
Meet the Wildlife
Get ready for a wild time. That's because today is centered around a visit to the famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium. There you can get up close to wildlife like dolphins and stingrays before heading out on a boat to the untouched Caladesi Island State Park.