Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Clearwater?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Clearwater?
Most visitors spend three to five days in Clearwater when visiting. The relaxing coastal city offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.
It's located in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area and it has some of the best beaches in Florida. The blue waters of the Gulf Coast combined with the parks and outdoor activities make this a wonderful destination.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Clearwater? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Clearwater?
Three days is generally not enough time to experience the beach and other activities of Clearwater. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to enjoy the most popular activities such as the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. To genuinely appreciate the relaxing coastal city, a longer visit is recommended so that you can have more time to relax at the beach. Many tourists opt for at least 3 or as many as 5 days here, after all. After all, Clearwater, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
How to spend 3 days in Clearwater
The beautiful beaches await you in Clearwater, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Electric Bike Wildlife & History Tour along Fort De Soto's Beaches ($79)
- Clear Kayak Tour of Shell Key Preserve and Tampa Bay Area ($79)
- Shell Key Clear Kayak Glow in the Dark Tour ($79)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Tour and Wine Tasting Experience at Aspirations Winery ($20)
- 3-hour Food Tasting Walking Tour of Dunedin ($100)
Don't miss Clearwater Beach during your trip to Clearwater, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Clearwater, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Immersive Art & Technology Museum in St. Pete ($30)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Clearwater.
Is 4 days enough time in Clearwater?
Clearwater, a small coastal city brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. So, four days is just the right amount of time to see pretty much everything in Clearwater while also relaxing at the beach. Most visitors prefer to spend three to five days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting. Also, Clearwater is popular with families and couples which enjoy visiting because the city offers fun activities for them.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
How to spend 4 days in Clearwater
If you have more than 4 days in Clearwater, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the coastal city has to offer.
The surrounding waters are great for scuba diving and snorkeing, so spend some time in the water to see nature up close. There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small Group 2 Hour Dolphin Cruise with Snorkeling to Shell Key ($65)
- Dolphin Shelling Snorkeling Cruise in Tampa ($78)
- Egmont Key Snorkeling Dolphin Tour ($95)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Clearwater.
Is 5 days enough time in Clearwater?
Five days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Clearwater. Many visitors prefer to spend three to five days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the food, and scuba diving and snorkeling at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend 5 days in Clearwater
Having 5 days in Clearwater will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the coastal city.
Shopping in Clearwater is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Clearwater.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Clearwater, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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