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Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County on Florida's Gulf Coast, about 20 miles west of Tampa, spread between Clearwater Harbor and Old Tampa Bay. Its name comes from the freshwater springs that once bubbled up along the bluffs, and the settlement that grew around Fort Harrison in the 1840s became a resort town after the railroad arrived in 1888. Grand hotels such as the Belleview Biltmore drew wealthy winter visitors, and the town incorporated in the 1890s.
Today Clearwater is a city of around 117,000 people with two distinct sides: a mainland downtown on the bluffs along Cleveland Street, home to the restored Capitol Theatre, waterfront parks and the county courthouse, and Clearwater Beach, a barrier island reached by the Memorial Causeway. The beach's soft white sand and calm, clear Gulf water regularly rank it among the best beaches in the United States.
For visitors, life centers on the sand and sea. Pier 60 hosts a nightly sunset celebration with street performers and artisans, pirate ships and dolphin-watching boats cruise the harbor, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, made famous by the Dolphin Tale films, rescues and cares for dolphins, sea turtles and other marine life. Sand Key Park offers quieter beaches to the south, and every spring the Philadelphia Phillies play spring training games at BayCare Ballpark.
Clearwater Beach is a wide stretch of soft white sand on a barrier island across the causeway from downtown Clearwater, often ranked among the best beaches in the US. Calm Gulf water is good for swimming. Parking is expensive and fills early, so arrive in the morning or use the Jolley Trolley.
Sand Key Park is a county park at the north end of Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Beach across the pass, with a quieter beach, picnic shelters, a playground and boardwalks through the dunes. It is good for shelling and calm swims. Parking is metered, and it is less crowded than the main beach.
Pier 60 is a fishing pier on Clearwater Beach with bait shops, rental gear, a playground and a covered area overlooking the Gulf. It is busiest at sunset, when the area hosts a nightly festival. A small fee applies to walk the pier or fish, and it is a good place to spot dolphins in the water.
Sunsets at Pier 60 is a nightly festival held around sunset on Clearwater Beach, with street performers, musicians, artisan vendors and food stands along the pier plaza. It is free and family-friendly. Arrive about two hours before sunset to browse the booths and claim a good view of the Gulf.
Clearwater Beach Walk is a winding beachfront promenade along South Gulfview Boulevard, with palm trees, benches, sculptures and easy access to hotels, restaurants and the sand. It is ideal for an evening stroll or a bike ride. It links Pier 60 to the southern beach area, with many cafes along the way.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a marine rescue and rehabilitation center known as the home of Winter the dolphin, whose story inspired the film Dolphin Tale. Visitors see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters and pelicans. Allow two to three hours, and buy tickets online to skip the lines.
The Clearwater Beach Marina is the departure point for dolphin watching trips, sunset cruises, pirate ship rides and fishing charters into Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf. Many boats leave several times a day. Compare operators at the marina booths, and book sunset trips ahead in the busy winter season.
Coachman Park is a redesigned waterfront park on downtown Clearwater's bluff, with gardens, playgrounds, walkways and The Sound, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events. It has views over Clearwater Harbor. Check the concert calendar, and walk to nearby downtown restaurants before a show.
Ruth Eckerd Hall is a major performing arts center in Clearwater, hosting touring concerts, Broadway shows, comedy and classical performances in a large modern hall with good acoustics. It is one of the busiest venues in the Tampa Bay area. Book tickets early for big names, and parking is on site.
The Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater opened in 1921 and is one of the oldest operating theaters in Florida. Restored and run by Ruth Eckerd Hall, it hosts intimate concerts, comedy and tribute shows. The small hall means good views from most seats. Arrive early to enjoy downtown restaurants first.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park is a city nature preserve in Clearwater, with trails and boardwalks through upland forest and around a small lake, plus an interpretive center and live birds of prey exhibits. It is a quiet escape from the beach crowds. A small entry fee applies, and opening days are limited, so check first.
BayCare Ballpark is the spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies and the regular season home of the Clearwater Threshers minor league team. The open-air park has a grass berm, tiki bar and close views of the field. Spring training games in February and March sell out, so buy tickets early.
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