A great way to experience the beauty of Clearwater's beaches in a unique way is to see it all from the Beach Walk. This winding beachside promenade features lush landscaping augmented by artistic touches that only serve to enhance your view of the beach. This is where cyclists, rollerbladers and walkers can enjoy being beachside while still marveling at it all from a distance.
Take the family out on an island adventure when you venture out to Caladesi Island State Park. This is one of the few remaining completely natural islands off Florida's Gulf Coast. The whole family can enjoy swimming, sunbathing and fishing at this outdoor attraction. Fish from the surf or from your boat. There is a three mile trail through the island's interior on which the kids can marvel at some of the area's wildlife. There are picnic areas, a marina, as well as a snack bar and gift shop. The park is accessible by either boat or ferry.
Take aim for a great time at one of Clearwater's most popular amusement centers, Celebration Station. There's something fun for the whole family to enjoy at this incredible attraction. Choose from taking a revved up ride in a go-kart, jolting your senses on a bumper boat, feeling the wind on your face on one of the many carnival rides or sharpening your shooting skills in the laser tag arena.
Clearwater Beach is a visually stunning attraction for many reasons. Aside from its dazzlingly white sands and clear blue surf, the amazing number of people who flock to this extremely popular beach only adds to its attractiveness. Beach-goers of all ages are here, from the kids who can play in the nearby playgrounds before playing on the sandy shore, to the young adults who are not shy about showing off their beach-ready bodies as they convene at one of the many beach bars. All of this ocean-side fun consistently attracts many visitors, so be prepared for a long wait as you drive in on any of the main access roads.
Don't let the small size of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium fool you. This highly interesting attraction is very big on ensuring the survival of marine life in the area. While offering visitors the chance to see marine fauna, the aquarium also is a facility in which injured animals go through an extensive rehabilitation process before returning to their natural habitats. Visitors learn about ecology and how important it is to respect the wildlife that inhabit it. Some of the creatures that you'll see here include sharks, otters, dolphins, and stingrays. Stop into the gift shop while you're here, as the proceeds from your purchase go to help fund this non-profit organization.
When you're in Clearwater, you definitely want to make some time to visit the Cleveland Street District. This is Clearwater's downtown area that has undergone some impressive renovations and has now become quite popular with tourists and visitors alike. The area features a marina, Coachman Park, restaurants, shops, attractions and nightlife all contained in a relatively small but safe area of the city. It is only two miles from Clearwater Beach, which means that whether you are driving in or driving out from the Cleveland Street District, you will see some of the area's most stunning scenery that includes the Clearwater Memorial Causeway.
Communing with Clearwater's dazzling natural beauty is easy when you visit Moccasin Lake Nature Park. This 50-acre park not only features an energy education center but also a lake, an upland forest and an incredible variety of plant and animal species. If you feel like getting even closer to it all, you can take a picturesque stroll on the one-mile trail that winds all through this beautiful natural attraction.
If the kids are in need of a good paddling, then gather them up for a great afternoon of kayaking fun at Osprey Bay Outdoors. They offer kayak rentals, lessons, and all the gear you need to have a safe and enjoyable kayak experience. Also, you can choose from eco tours, sunset tours and various other day trip packages. This will be a high-energy adventure the whole family will never forget!
Become a pirate for a day when you board the Clearwater Beach Day Trip with Pirate Cruise. This day cruise offers the dramatic combination of gorgeous beaches and boisterous buccaneers. On this 90 minute ride that goes from Orlando to Clearwater, you'll spend some time on the beach before you board Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise that features treasure hunts, face painting, gun games, storytelling and other attractions that the kids will love. A picnic lunch and alcoholic beverages for the adults are also included.
Spending time in Clearwater means that visiting the beach is almost a requirement. And regardless if you are a big fan of the beach or not, you will love spending some time outdoors at Sand Key Park. While this may be one of the many beaches in the area, it has the distinction of being the widest and whitest in Florida, including the Panhandle, as well. Enjoy strolling leisurely along the shore in the evening or make it a day-long visit. But remember that the popularity of this beach means that there is always a fair amount of fellow beach-goers on hand, so plan your visit accordingly.