Clearwater Beach is a vacationer's paradise. Wiggle sugary sand between your toes... let a breeze propel you through the water on a sailboard or catamaran or reel in the catch of a lifetime. In addition to some of the most beautiful, broad beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast, you'll find all the water-oriented recreation you can imagine and lots of outdoor activities in the Clearwater area. Besides jetskis, water bikes and parasails, you can rent boats for everything from a relaxing sail to a deep sea fishing adventure. More than 300 species of fish populate the waters, making the area one of Florida's premier fishing locales.
The area is gaining national and international recognition as a leader in eco-tourism and environmental management. Diverse ecosystems can be found in local parks, providing ample opportunities for hiking, biking, birding and other nature-based activities. Pinellas County Recreational Trail, a wonderful place for walkers, bikers, joggers and skaters, stretches 47 beautiful miles (76 km) from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium you can enjoy seeing dolphins, otters and sea turtles and learn ways to help protect them. There are golf courses 
aplenty in Clearwater and shopping opportunities so numerous that you will be tempted to take home more than you can carry! The Bay Area Outlet Mall is the only shopping area of its kind in Pinellas County. At Countryside Mall, you can also enjoy the indoor ice skating center in the center of the mall. Boatyard Village, a recreated 1890s-period fishing village on Tampa Bay, offers a unique setting for shopping and dining. At mealtimes you will discover great variety in the cuisine. Try a Gulf-fresh grouper sandwich at a quaint outdoor café or fine dining accompanied by a breathtaking waterfront view. In the evening, visit one of the area's hottest nightclubs to dance and enjoy your favorite music. Take in an outdoor concert or local festival in downtown Clearwater or see theater and orchestra performances at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall. The brand-new Harborview Center is ideal for conventions large and small. Clearwater's Jazz Holiday, held in October each year, is one of Florida's premier jazz festivals. An added bonus is the area's proximity to many other Florida attractions. Just a few minutes away are the wonderful museums of St. Petersburg, professional sporting events and Tampa's Busch Gardens theme park. Orlando's attractions are about an hour's drive east.
Photo courtesy of Florida's Pinellas Suncoast
