Clearwater Beach and the greater Tampa Bay areas offer endless fun, food, and sun for the perfect beach vacation. From Pier 60 – which offers live music as well as local vendors – to Bush Gardens, you’ll never find yourself feeling bored. We’ve complied a few lists overviewing the main attractions in the area. Let’s begin with the top four activities to fill your day:
- Clearwater Beach – With three miles of white sand and beautiful ocean, what more could Clearwater beach offer? Expect to spend all day here tanning and playing in the waves. If you grow hungry, don’t worry – there’s a strip of restaurants parallel to the beach itself, including the original Hooter’s establishment. Grab fresh crab legs at Sharky’s or head down to our next attraction, Pier 60, for some local cuisine.
- Pier 60 – Located on Clearwater beach, Pier 60 offers a variety of services and events. Pier 60 offers a playground for the kids, souvenir shops, live music, and a place to cast a reel. The pier also hosts several events each year, including the Sand Castle Festival in July.
- Bush Gardens – If you feel like venturing into the Tampa Bay, you’ll find that Bush Gardens is roughly a forty-five minute drive from Clearwater beach. The amusement park sits on 335 acres of land, featuring a variety of roller coasters as well as a full-functioning zoo. You can attend shows, eat at several of the in-park restaurants, take a safari ride, and still get the thrill of amusement park rides. Bush Gardens features nine roller coasters – more than anywhere else in Florida!
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Now, moving back into Clearwater … the aquarium features rehabilitated animals not able to be released back into the ocean. The aquarium boasts Winter, the dolphin featured in the movie “A Dolphin’s Tale.” The aquarium also plays home to sea turtles, otters, stingrays, and starfish. Expect to spend several hours here. Although the facility itself is small in size, there’s so much to do
The area also boasts a large array of restaurants. From fresh seafood to a variety of cultural diners to sports bars, there’s something for anyone and everyone. Let’s look at a few favorites in the area:
- Frenchy’s – This classic had to grace the list with its presence. Sit at Frenchy’s – opened in 1991 – and enjoy a waterfront view and a variety of food. Seafood, burgers, and general grill food are served here, with both a patio and indoor seating option.
- Hooter’s – Another casual eatery, this chain restaurant opened their original facility in Clearwater. Although the restaurant sits across the strip from the beach, sitting on their upstairs balcony while dining provides a beautiful view of the ocean. Enjoy sports-bar themed food, from wings to burgers – but be aware that you have the option of fresh mahi-mahi sandwhiches.
- Bahama Breeze – For dining that requires more than a bikini but doesn’t break the bank, drive on into Tampa Bay and experience Bahama Breeze’s tropical atmosphere. The restaurant sits waterfront with extensive patio seating. Enjoy steak, crab, lobster, and finish it off with any of their desserts. Bahama Breeze features a full bar and often has live music on the patio.
- The Rusty Pelican – This Tampa Bay restaurant features a formal dining room with a waterfront view. This establishment is known for their fresh seafood and cuts of meat. They offer special events as well as a Sunday brunch featuring bottomless mimosas.
Now – if you’re in the mood for nightlife, both Clearwater and the Tampa Bay offer a variety of things to do. Break out your dancing shoes or work on your sportier side with these options:
- Topgolf Tampa – This establishment features over one hundred hitting bays with a full service restaurant and bar. There is a rooftop fire pit and a store as well. Head on over and enjoy a night of golfing games that even the most athletically awkward can enjoy! With promotions like $15 unlimited play and college night, this establishment can be visited without breaking the bank.
- Club Prana – If you’re in the mood to dance, check out Club Prana. Located in the heart of Ybor City (downtown Tampa), this club has five stories. Each level features an individual type of club, but the real party is on the rooftop. Ladies are free and men cost ten dollars – but this establishment should allow you to dance to your heart’s desire.
- Tampa Bay Escape Rooms – Challenge your mind along with your friends and family at an escape room. With dozens of themes, from horror to spy themed to a kidnapping adventure, there is something for everybody. The rooms last 45 minutes – given that you do not break out before then. This can be a fun activity to get you thinking and moving!
- StarLite Cruises – Enjoy a sunset dolphin-watching cruise or late-night starlit cruise on the ocean. With beautiful scenery, fine dining, unlimited drinks, and live music, there’s nothing more a vacation could want. This line has ships out of St Pete as well as Clearwater.
In conclusion, you cannot go wrong with this area for a vacation. Between great food, fun activities, and a variety of nightlife, there’s never a dull moment. Relax on the beach all day or find yourself immersed in the fun at an amusement park – this area fosters both options.
Morgan Clark 