Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Clearwater?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Clearwater?
With one week you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Clearwater has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Clearwater as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the food at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week 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)
- Small Group Kayak Tour of the Shell Key Preserve ($64)
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)
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.
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.
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.
After you've explored most of Clearwater, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
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 2 weeks enough time in Clearwater?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Clearwater, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Lounge on the beach, browse through museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and explore the underwater world on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Clearwater as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
How to spend 2 weeks in Clearwater
With 2 weeks in Clearwater, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the coastal city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this coastal city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Parasail Flight at Madeira Beach ($109)
- Schooner Clearwater- Afternoon Sailing Cruise-Clearwater Beach ($85)
- Semi-Private 2Hr. Sunset Cruise of St. Pete Beach ($69)
- Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach ($37)
- Shell Key Ferry from Ft. DeSoto Boat Ramp in Tierra Verde, FL ($40)
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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