Clearwater

Downtown Clearwater

Head to the downtown Clearwater waterfront, which is nestled between Tampa Bay to the east and Clearwater Harbor to the west. Oak-lined avenues and streets run along gently sloping terrain throughout this third-largest metro area in the Tampa Bay region. Walk the pedestrian-friendly Memorial Causeway (actually part of the Great Florida Birding Trail) for amazing views of Clearwater Beach and the mainland. Clearwater's Cleveland Street district is a great place to spend an afternoon shopping for everything from home furnishings to sports gear to a new wardrobe.

Clearwater Beach

Take a short hop from downtown Clearwater across the architecturally unique Memorial Causeway Bridge to reach lively Clearwater Beach, one of the best-known resort towns on the Gulf of Mexico. Boasting white sandy shores along the Gulf of Mexico, this area is overflowing with water sports, beach fun, shopping, dining and people watching along the Beach Walk boardwalk. Wrap up your day with Sunsets at Pier 60, family-friendly festivities that begin two hours before sunset and include street performers, artisans and live music.

Events and Attractions

Overlooking the beautiful waterfront in downtown Clearwater Coachman Park hosts numerous outdoor concerts, including the free four-day Clearwater Jazz Holiday, which brings in such legendary talents as Dave Brubeck and Al Jarreau, as well as a popular July Fourth celebration. Stunning views of Clearwater Harbor, a newly built marina and tropical breezes make it a popular venue.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium, (CMA) is home to the now famous Winter the Dolphin, who starred in the block-buster movie "Dolphin Tale". Winter's story has been inspiring others since she came to the CMA. After losing her tail due to an entaglement with a crab trap, Winter has defied all odds by not only surviving but learning to swim. Working with experts, she was fitted for a prosthetic tail and is inspiring children and adults alike who also live with prosthetics. The CMA is a long-standing Clearwater attraction with a unique focus of rescue, rehabilitation and release. You can visit Winter here as well as all the other rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters and other creatures that call the CMA home. The CMA is located on the causeway out to Clearwater Beach.

The Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, located in downtown Clearwater’s Harborview Center, provides an authentic behind the scenes look at the hit film 'Dolphin Tale', with recreated movie scenes, images and a variety of actual props used in the movie. The exhibit also includes two mini-theaters, an interactive kid’s area and much more.

Recreation and Sports

The 34-mile-long Pinellas Trail, built on an abandoned CSX railroad right-of-way, is popular with tourists and residents alike. This multi-use recreation trail is designed for biking, walking, running and skating enthusiasts. It winds through Clearwater on its way from the south in St. Petersburg northward to Tarpon Springs.

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the wide variety of parks that dot the landscape of Clearwater, including Crest Lake Park, Moccasin Lake Nature Park and Eagle Lake Park.

Baseball fans will want to check out Bright House Field, home for the Philadelphia Phillies' Spring Training games. The Phillies have been training in Clearwater since 1948. Minor League baseball's Threshers, of the Florida State League, also call Bright House Field home.

Shopping

Westfield Countryside Mall, local shops and boutiques, local and chain restaurants, recreation, sports and accommodations are scattered around town. Clearwater is a short drive from Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport.