Clearwater On a Budget
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Sights
Clearwater Beach is one of the top rated beaches in Florida. In addition to the sugar white sands and glimmering green waters, there are also many restaurants and shops alongside the beach for easy access during your day of leisure or fun. Sunbathe on a warm bed of sand, swim in crystal waters, or engage in any kind of water sport you can dream of - Clearwater Beach is a prime location for any day beachside. Pier 60, right on the beach, features a 1,080-foot fishing pier and recreational park, with a bait house, telescopes, and six covered pavilions.Sand Key Park is another well-visited part of Clearwater - doubling as both a park and a beach. Open 7am to sunset, the park is calm and secluded with a playground for the kids as well as a number of nature trails for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the local wildlife. There is also a boardwalk, a dog park, outdoor showers and bath houses, plus rentals for umbrellas, cabanas, and kayaks.
If you seek a closer experience to some underwater critters, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium houses exhibits which feature marine animals such as stingrays, nurse sharks, river otters, sea turtles and of course dolphins. Many of the animals kept here are rescued animals that cannot be returned back in the wild, and are cared for by staff members who teach visitors about each one. Presentations and interactive experiences are scheduled daily.
Neighborhoods
Most of the hustle and bustle of Clearwater is centered on its famous beach. The palm-lined Beach Walk Promenade, Clearwater Marina, and Pier 60 are always lively, while you will find a quieter patch of beach on the serene shores of Sand Key Park. For good eats and entertainment, establishments such as Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar, and Grill and Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar often feature live music and dancing in the evenings. As far as shopping goes in Clearwater Beach, the Shoppes on Sand Key and the SurfStyle store on Beach Walk have some of the best options. There is even an annual festival called the Clearwater Beach Uncorked Food & Wine Festival, which is one of the area's most anticipated foodie events on the beach. The best option for getting to the beach area is to use the free parking in downtown Clearwater and hop on the Clearwater Ferry to avoid traffic.Activities
The most popular activities for visitors are definitely beachside. Things like sunbathing, swimming, scuba and snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, tubing, water skiing, kayak and canoe rentals, deep-sea fishing, dolphin cruises, and more will occupy much of a day by the shore. Beyond this, visitors often enjoy the restaurants and shops along the boardwalk, or arrange just about any kind of boat tour you can imagine for a day out on the gulf.Interestingly enough, ice skating is also common for those looking to escape the summer heat. There are two well-known rinks in Clearwater - Sunblades Center and a rink in Westfield Countryside Mall.
Food and Dining
The most popular activities for visitors are definitely beachside. Things like sunbathing, swimming, scuba and snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, tubing, water skiing, kayak and canoe rentals, deep-sea fishing, dolphin cruises, and more will occupy much of a day by the shore. Beyond this, visitors often enjoy the restaurants and shops along the boardwalk, or arrange just about any kind of boat tour you can imagine for a day out on the gulf.Interestingly enough, ice skating is also common for those looking to escape the summer heat. There are two well-known rinks in Clearwater - Sunblades Center and a rink in Westfield Countryside Mall.
Transportation
Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is a joint civil-military airport and home to the largest and busiest U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in the United States. It has limited international services and most of the domestic services are provided by Allegiant Air, serving multiple destinations in the eastern half of the country. Tampa International Airport is another option, about 30 minutes away by car.Bus services are available mainly through Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority.
By train, there is an Amtrack station at 5251 110th Avenue North Pinellas Park Square, Suite 101, Clearwater, FL. It also serves the city of Saint Petersburg.
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Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.