Map Of Florida With Clearwater
Introduction
Clearwater is a beautiful city located in Pinellas County, Florida, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a solo trip, Clearwater has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Clearwater has to offer.
Top Attractions
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular attractions in Clearwater, known for its crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and breathtaking sunsets. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, such as parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding. Clearwater Beach is also home to several beachfront restaurants, cafes, and bars that offer stunning views of the ocean.
Pier 60
Pier 60 is a popular fishing pier and entertainment complex located on Clearwater Beach. The pier is known for its nightly sunset celebrations, where visitors can enjoy live music, street performers, and local vendors selling food and souvenirs. Pier 60 is also a great spot for fishing, with a variety of fish species, such as snook, redfish, and tarpon.
Hidden Gems
Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park is a hidden gem located just north of Clearwater Beach. The park is accessible only by boat or ferry and offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and picnic areas. Caladesi Island is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park is another hidden gem located just north of Clearwater Beach. The park is known for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and nature center. Honeymoon Island is also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds that call the island home.
Food Scene
Frenchy’s
Frenchy’s is a local favorite known for its fresh seafood and beachy atmosphere. The restaurant has several locations in Clearwater, including Frenchy’s Original Cafe, Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe, and Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Some of the must-try dishes at Frenchy’s include the grouper sandwich, crab cakes, and conch fritters.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar is a beachfront restaurant located on Clearwater Beach. The restaurant is known for its seafood, burgers, and tropical drinks. Palm Pavilion is also a great spot to enjoy live music and watch the sunset.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Trolley Rides
Clearwater Beach offers a free trolley service that runs daily from 9:30 am to 10:00 pm. The trolley stops at several locations, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, and downtown Clearwater. The trolley is a great way to explore Clearwater without breaking the bank.
Happy Hour Specials
Many restaurants and bars in Clearwater offer happy hour specials, where visitors can enjoy discounted food and drinks. Some of the best happy hour spots in Clearwater include Crabby’s Bar & Grill, Salt Cracker Fish Camp, and Island Way Grill.
Outdoor Adventures
Dolphin Watching Tours
Clearwater is home to a large population of bottlenose dolphins, and visitors can take dolphin watching tours to see these beautiful creatures up close. Some of the most popular dolphin watching tours in Clearwater include Dolphin Encounter Tours, Little Toot Dolphin Adventures, and Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Clearwater’s calm waters and beautiful scenery make it a great spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards from several locations, including Clearwater Beach PaddleBoard and Rental Co. and Island Marine Rentals.
Family-Friendly Activities
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals. The aquarium is home to several rescued animals, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and otters. Visitors can also enjoy educational exhibits, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours.
Mini Golf
Clearwater has several mini golf courses that are perfect for families. Some of the best mini golf courses in Clearwater include Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf, Congo River Golf, and Captain Bligh’s Landing.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is a charming fishing village located just south of Clearwater. The village is known for its unique shops, seafood restaurants, and boardwalk that overlooks the marina. John’s Pass is also a great spot to book fishing charters and dolphin watching tours.
Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is a small town located just north of Clearwater that is known for its Greek heritage and sponge diving industry. Visitors can take a walking tour of the town, visit the sponge docks, and enjoy traditional Greek food and pastries.
Natural Wonders
Clearwater Beach Sand Key Park
Clearwater Beach Sand Key Park is a beautiful park located just south of Clearwater Beach. The park is known for its natural beauty, with dunes, wetlands, and mangroves. Sand Key Park is also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 50 species of birds that call the park home.
Brooker Creek Preserve
Brooker Creek Preserve is a 8,500-acre wilderness area located just east of Clearwater. The preserve is known for its hiking trails, wildlife, and educational exhibits. Brooker Creek Preserve is also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 150 species of birds that call the preserve home.
Vibrant Nightlife
Shephard’s Beach Resort
Shephard’s Beach Resort is a beachfront resort located on Clearwater Beach. The resort is known for its nightlife, with several bars and clubs that offer live music and DJ’s. Shephard’s is also a great spot to watch the sunset and enjoy a cocktail.
Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest
Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest is a rooftop bar located on the top of Pier House 60 on Clearwater Beach. The bar offers stunning views of the ocean and the city skyline. Jimmy’s is also a great spot to enjoy live music and watch the sunset.
Local Markets
Clearwater Farmers Market
The Clearwater Farmers Market is a weekly market that takes place every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal crafts from local vendors. The Clearwater Farmers Market is a great spot to support local businesses and get a taste of the local flavor.
Indian Rocks Beach Sunday Market
The Indian Rocks Beach Sunday Market is a weekly market that takes place every Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The market offers fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music from local vendors. The Indian Rocks Beach Sunday Market is a great spot to enjoy the local culture and meet the community.
Beaches and Mountains
Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park is a beautiful island located just north of Clearwater Beach. The island offers stunning beaches, hiking trails, and nature center. Honeymoon Island is also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds that call the island home.
Clearwater Beach Sand Key Park
Clearwater Beach Sand Key Park is a beautiful park located just south of Clearwater Beach. The park offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the city skyline. Sand Key Park is also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 50 species of birds that call the park home.
Cultural Immersion
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are a historic district located in Tarpon Springs that is known for its Greek heritage and sponge diving industry. Visitors can take a walking tour of the district, visit the sponge docks, and enjoy traditional Greek food and pastries.
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art
The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art is a museum located in Tarpon