“On a Clearwater Beach day, you can play forever”
is the slogan of Clearwater, Florida. Clearwater is the area's
second-largest city covering much of the northern half of the Pinellas Peninsula
including the barrier islands that make up Clearwater Beach. It is known for its
miles of white sand beaches, accommodations, shopping, casual beach restaurants,
and breathtaking sunsets. With mild temperatures year round, this city is
paradise for anyone who enjoys the out of doors. The city has an average
temperature of 73 degrees, and the water in the Gulf of Mexico is always warm
(as high as 85 degrees in the summer). Any time of year is the perfect
time to enjoy one of the many beautiful beaches along Florida’s Sun Coast.
The
Clearwater Municipal Marina has the largest fishing fleet on the west coast of
Florida with more than 50 commercial boats for leisure activities including
sailing, diving, fishing, parasailing, sightseeing, casino gaming, dolphin
watching and more. If you love sunshine, a warm breeze, a great
beach, and palm trees, Clearwater Beach is the place to be: close to
everything; yet not overcrowded. Clearwater lies on a beautiful peninsula
on Florida’s west coast.
The
“season”, beginning in mid-November and usually lasting through April, is
the busiest time, as many visitors from colder climates arrive to enjoy the
abundant sunshine, fine dining, and leisure activities. Spring and fall
are popular with those who prefer a slower pace. A peaceful stroll
on the beach is an option in any season. Summer is a great time for
families, as there are many wonderful and exciting activities for children and
parents. No matter what the time of year, visitors are welcomed and can
expect balmy breezes, glorious sunshine, and a profusion of colorful tropical
vegetation as a backdrop.
Offering
just about every water and beach activity imaginable, Clearwater Beach has been
named the top city beach in the Gulf region by the nation's
foremost beach expert, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Clearwater Beach
features public parking and a host of facilities at Pier 60 Park. Pier
60 Park features a family recreation complex on Clearwater's expansive beach
with covered playgrounds, fishing, concessions, and family entertainment. The
nightly “Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival” celebrates each beautiful Gulf
of Mexico sunset throughout the year. This "street
festival” features artists, craftsmen, and musical performances on
Clearwater's famous fishing pier.
Nearby
Pinellas County attractions are Heritage Village in Largo and Fort DeSoto
at St. Petersburg Beach. On the grounds of Heritage Village
is the Pinellas County Historical Museum. The Museum’s exhibits trace the
history of Pinellas County from the Indian-Spanish period to contemporary times.
The natural pine and palmetto landscape of Heritage Village
includes a school, church, railroad depot, and store as well as a variety of
historic homes. Among the homes are the McMullen-Coachman Log Cabin, the oldest
existing structure in the County, and the magnificent Victorian-era House of
Seven Gables.
Fort
DeSoto is located just south of St. Petersburg at the entrance to Tampa Bay.
Built during the Spanish-American War, the fort hosts Here, re-enactors present
dramatic skits portraying the action of the war which caused Fort De Soto to be
built in 1898. One of the historic figures appearing in the production is Teddy
Roosevelt. Authentic camp equipment, including medical and dental instruments,
and detailed meal preparation are also displayed. Tours of the fort and
museum are followed by period music and dances, including the Virginia reel.
Within
a short drive are some of the country’s most popular attractions. In
nearby Tampa, visitors can experience the thrill of plunging down a variety of
roller coasters at Busch Gardens or take a refreshing plunge down a slide at
Adventure Island Water Park. Orlando is within a two hour drive for those
wishing to visit world famous Disney World, Sea World or Universal Studios.
Clearwater
is proud to host the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring training. The Phillies are
the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional
sports and have been in Clearwater since 1947.
Whatever
brings you to this part of Florida, try to arrange to stay in Clearwater.
The beaches, the museums, the shopping, the sports, and, of course, the weather
are the best! Clearwater is just waiting to show its many
diverse attributes, from virtually perfect weather to activities for all ages.
Clearwater has the welcome mat out for you. Just bring the
sunscreen! |