The lovely city of Clearwater is active and sporty; yet, it has a quiet and peaceful air. It is one of three cities that compose the Tampa Bay region. Unlike its sister cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg that have built towering skyscrapers of glass, Clearwater and its beach are characterized by low rise buildings of a more quaint nature.
Perhaps the most unique and interesting attraction in the area is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium which rescues and harbors injured marine animals. After rehabilitation, some animals are put back into the wild; but if their chances for survival would be significantly hampered by the severity of their injuries, they are allowed to remain until they are ready for release. In some cases, that means indefinitely.
Between Clearwater and its beach, there are numerous parks offering a full range of sporting activities. The Clearwater Beach Recreation Complex is an excellent facility that offers boating, fishing, tennis, swimming, biking and basketball. Off Pier 60, in the heart of Clearwater Beach, anglers cast their lines; and from the marina, they go deep-sea fishing on a half-day or full-day cruise. Walkers, joggers, bikers and skaters thrill to the 34-mile long paved Pinellas Trail that darts through Clearwater on its way from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs.
Perhaps the most exciting part of a Clearwater Beach vacation is taking a boat out to Caladesi Island, located on the northern tip of Clearwater Beach. Here, three miles of nature trails and a 108-slip marina await. There is also a kayak trail that forges through three miles of mangroves and bay. Caladesi Island is one of the last few unadulterated islands in this country, and being able to view nature as it was intended to be is indeed a privilege.
Clearwater is 20 miles from both St. Petersburg and Tampa.
