Clearwater, Florida
Things to See and Do in Clearwater, Florida
A resort city and popular retirement community on the Pinellas Peninsula, Clearwater overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Clearwater Beach, which is part of the city, is connected with the mainland by the Clearwater Memorial Causeway, a landscaped, 2-mile drive. The broad, white sand beach attracts both residents and visitors.
Outdoor entertainment is plentiful. The Clearwater Municipal Marina harbors a large sport-fishing fleet. Boats for deep-sea fishing can be chartered daily. Sightseeing cruises on the Gulf are available. The Philadelphia Phillies baseball team trains and plays exhibition games at Jack Russell Memorial Stadium from early March to early April; phone 727.441.8638. Magicians, jugglers, musicians, and craftspeople gather on Pier 60 daily at dusk for Sunsets at Pier 60.
The Clearwater Ferry Service, at Clearwater Muncipal Marina, offers the Dolphin Encounter, an opportunity to view dolphins and feed seabirds, and cruises to Caladesi Island State Park. For schedule and fare information phone 727.442.7433.
Broadway shows, orchestral and jazz performances, ballet, opera and children's theater are staged throughout the year at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Richard B. Baumgardner Center, 1111 McMullen Booth Road; phone 727.792.7400.
Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce: 1130 Cleveland Street, P.O. Box 2457, Clearwater, Florida 33755; phone 727.461,0011.
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise, just off SR 60 at Clearwater City Marina, offers 2-hour cruises in the Gulf of Mexico aboard a reproduction of a pirate ship. Cruise departs daily at 10, 2, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Boarding is 30 minutes before departure. Schedule may vary; phone ahead. Reservations are recommended. Phone 727.446.2587.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured marine mammals, river otters and sea turtles. Visitors can view dolphins and sea turtles in large holding tanks. Also available are a mangrove exhibit and a beach tank with sharks and stingrays. Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum. Open Monday through Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, Sunday 11-4; closed holidays. Phone 727.441.1790.
The Moccasin Lake Nature Park; Is an interesting Environmental and Energy Education Center, 2750 Park Trail Lane, is a 51-acre nature preserve. The interpretive center features wildlife, plant and energy exhibits. Nature trails wind through upland hardwoods and wetlands to a 5-acre lake. Allow 1 hour minimum. Open Tuesday through Friday 9-5, Saturday and Sunday 10-6; closed January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving and December 25. Phone 727.462.6024.
Show Queen, departing from Clearwater Beach Marina at 25 Causeway Boulevard, offers sightseeing cruises along the Clearwater harbor and intra-coastal waterway. The open top deck provides opportunities for viewing seabirds and marine life. The captain give a historical narration. Dinner cruises are also available. Sightseeing cruises depart Monday through Saturday at noon, Sunday at 1:30 (weather permitting). Reservations are recommended. Phone 727.461.3113.
Starlite Majesty, just off SR 60 at Clearwater Beach Marina, offers 2- and 3-hour sightseeing tours of Clearwater Harbor. Dinner/dance cruises also are available. Two-hour sightseeing tours depart Tuesday and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at noon. Three-hour cruise departs Thursday at noon. Boarding is 30 minutes before departure. Reservations are required for luncheon and dinner/dance cruises. Phone 727.462.2628 or 800.444.4814. MyWikiBiz
