Clearwater Beach
Just 19 miles (30.5 kilometers) from Tampa International Airport, Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for those seeking sun, beautiful beaches and plenty of entertainment options for the whole family. The resort area is situated on a narrow barrier island that’s about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long, which makes it easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Most activity centers on the white sand of Clearwater Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, stand-up paddleboarding and beach volleyball. Browse the nearby Beach Walk, a palm tree-lined promenade that winds along the beachfront and is home to many cafés and shops.For a break from the sun, head to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Here, sea turtles, stingrays and sharks share the complex with Winter, the famous bottlenose dolphin with a prosthetic tail. Winter was the inspiration behind and star of the family film Dolphin Tale. As the evening draws in, make your way back to Pier 60, where beach-goers flock once the sun goes down. Every night, there is entertainment and local artisans selling a variety of goods against a backdrop of music and street performers.Catch a boat, or walk, from the north end of the island to quiet Caladesi Island. Caladesi is home to 3 miles (5 kilometers) of unspoiled Florida wilderness, with a white-sand beach and hiking trails. Kayakers can paddle through 3 miles (5 kilometers) of water that winds through mangroves. Sand Key Park, located off the south end of Clearwater Beach, is home to another impeccable beach. Here, nature enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of some of the marine birds and animals that are native to Clearwater, including sea turtles, herons, roseate spoonbills and great horned owls. This public park is only open during the day.