Escape the Cold in Clearwater
January 18, 2022
At least 21 states recorded snowfall this Christmas with cold snaps spreading across the US including rare snow flurries in the Florida Panhandle, the first snowfall in the Sunshine State in four years! The temperatures are back in the 70s and we invite you to escape the cold this winter in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
Clearwater Beach is a sun-drenched peninsula separating the Gulf of Mexico from Tampa Bay, the perfect beach escape from the winter cold and one of the most affordable snowbird destinations in the US. The peninsula extends from Caladesi Island State Park in the north, down to historic Pass-A-Grille at the southernmost end of St. Pete Beach with an abundance of shopping malls, restaurants, nightlife, golf courses, museums, and one of the best beaches in America.
Start planning your vacation today with Xplorie’s list of favorite attractions, tours, and activities in Clearwater Beach.
Hit the Beach
Relax under the palm trees in Clearwater Beach.
Clearwater Beach has been voted one of the best beaches in America and TripAdvisor’s best beach for four years running. The 3-mile stretch of sugar-white sands lined with iconic blue beach cabanas boasts stunning views of the Gulf Coast, calm waters, and endless activities from kiteboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing to tranquil beach walks, shelling and dolphin viewing.
Nature lovers will want to take a walk on the wild side on the remote beaches of Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. Honeymoon Island boasts miles of secluded beaches and a wildlife trail through the forest for the best birdwatching in Clearwater. The isolated and untouched beaches of Caladesi Island (voted #7 in the US by Dr. Beach) can be reached by ferry from Honeymoon Island, on a low tide walk from Clearwater Beach, or by kayak through the mangroves.
Cadalesi Island
Explore Nature
Rent a kayak and explore the waterways of Clearwater, St. Pete, and Tampa Bay. Kayak with the manatees, dolphins, and starfish at Shell Key Preserve, explore the exotic mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island Preserve on Tampa Bay or take a bucket-list day trip to discover an untouched paradise on the kayaking trails around Caladesi and Honeymoon Island.
Check out the marine life on Honeymoon Island!
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Aside from secluded beach trails and scenic stretches of shoreline for leisurely beach walks, there are miles of nature trails near Clearwater Beach to discover. Moccasin Lake Nature Park is a 50-acre oasis in the heart of Clearwater with shady, oak-lined trails, a butterfly garden, aviary and nature exhibits, and educational hiking tours for visitors. The adjoining Cliff Stephens Park has paved trails for hiking, biking, and skating, picnic tables and grills, reservoirs with docks, and a small boat launch for kayaking or fishing along Alligator Creek.
Rent a bike and cruise the Pinellas Trail extending 38-miles along a historic railroad from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. The multi-use trail is one of the best urban bike trails in Florida connecting several neighborhoods with rest areas, benches, water fountains, and a bicycle sidewalk trail along the Memorial Causeway connecting Clearwater Beach to downtown Clearwater. For an added dose of family fun, rent a scoot coupe to cruise the streets of Clearwater.
Bike the Pinellas Trail
Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of the top local attractions in Clearwater. The marine life rescue center is entirely dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of endangered and sick marine animals including dolphins, pelicans, otters, sharks, and stingrays. Experience close-up animal encounters and learn all about Hope and Winter, the famous dolphins from the Dolphin Tales series filmed in Clearwater.
Explore the marine world at the Clearwater Aquarium!
See abstract works of art at the Dali Museum
The Clearwater and St. Pete neighborhoods are home to a number of museums to inspire all ages. Explore over 100 activities, exhibits, and the Saunders Planetarium at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), take a mural tour of the famous street art of St. Pete, and browse the masterworks of Salvador Dali at the Dali Museum.
Exciting Dolphin Encounters & Beautiful Sunsets
All aboard the StarLite Majesty!
Embark on a Clearwater Beach dolphin cruise for a bucket-list encounter with Florida’s marine life. The scenic waterways surrounding the Gulf of Mexico are home to beautiful bottle-nose dolphins, whales, and fascinating sea life in their natural habitat offering visitors a memorable sealife safari experience.
No vacation in Clearwater is complete without watching a spectacular sunset at Pier 60, one of the most popular attractions in Clearwater. A sunset at Pier 60 is a long-standing Clearwater tradition that draws locals and visitors each evening with colorful stalls to browse, buskers, artists, and street performers, and a classic Clearwater and Instagram-worthy sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Take a Walk on Pier 60
Dining, Shopping & Brews
The Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail begins in Tarpon Springs, passing through Clearwater and continuing down to St. Pete with over 35 breweries to discover along the way, including Florida’s oldest brewery in Dunedin. Get your free digital passport online and explore a diversity of intimate taprooms, family-friendly outdoor patios, and beachfront breweries with innovative tasting flights of Florida-style craft beers. The Suncoast Beach Trolley runs from downtown Clearwater to Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete so you can sip and savor without a worry.
Enjoy a variety of brews on the Gulp Coast Beer Trail.
Enjoy a romantic evening with water front views.
The best shopping and dining in Clearwater Beach is along Beach Walk, Mandalay Avenue on the northern end, and Gulfview Boulevard in the south. Snack on fresh seafood on a beachfront patio, sip cocktails barefoot on the beach, watch the sunset from a rooftop bar, indulge in a romantic evening of elegant fine dining, or shop the local markets to prepare a feast in your vacation home. Whatever suits your style, just don’t leave Clearwater without a specialty Grouper sandwich and slice (or two!) of key lime pie.
Stay on the Beach in Clearwater
Xplorie partners with TechTravel, iTrip, and ResortRentals in Clearwater Beach and St. Pete to enhance your winter escape with the best vacation rentals in Tampa Bay packaged with free tours, attractions, and Xplorie activities for each day of your stay. From budget-friendly waterfront suites on the bay to luxury beach homes and waterfront mansions on the Gulf of Mexico, make your winter escape to Clearwater Beach great with Xplorie.
