A- Overview:
“On a Clearwater Beach day, you can play forever” is the slogan of Clearwater, Florida. Clearwater is the area’s second-largest city covering much of the northern half of the Pinellas Peninsula including the barrier islands that make up Clearwater Beach. It is known for its miles of white sand beaches, accommodations, shopping, casual beach restaurants, and breathtaking sunsets. With mild temperatures year round, this city is paradise for anyone who enjoys the out of doors. The city has an average temperature of 73 degrees, and the water in the Gulf of Mexico is always warm (as high as 85 degrees in the summer). Any time of year is the perfect time to enjoy one of the many beautiful beaches along Florida’s Sun Coast.
The Clearwater Municipal Marina has the largest fishing fleet on the west coast of Florida with more than 50 commercial boats for leisure activities including sailing, diving, fishing, parasailing, sightseeing, casino gaming, dolphin watching and more. If you love sunshine, a warm breeze, a great beach, and palm trees, Clearwater Beach is the place to be: close to everything; yet not overcrowded. Clearwater lies on a beautiful peninsula on Florida’s west coast.
The “season”, beginning in mid-November and usually lasting through April, is the busiest time, as many visitors from colder climates arrive to enjoy the abundant sunshine, fine dining, and leisure activities. Spring and fall are popular with those who prefer a slower pace. A peaceful stroll on the beach is an option in any season. Summer is a great time for families, as there are many wonderful and exciting activities for children and parents. No matter what the time of year, visitors are welcomed and can expect balmy breezes, glorious sunshine, and a profusion of colorful tropical vegetation as a backdrop.
Offering just about every water and beach activity imaginable, Clearwater Beach has been named the top city beach in the Gulf region by the nation’s foremost beach expert, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, Clearwater Beach features public parking and a host of facilities at Pier 60 Park. Pier 60 Park features a family recreation complex on Clearwater’s expansive beach with covered playgrounds, fishing, concessions, and family entertainment. The nightly “Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival” celebrates each beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunset throughout the year. This “street festival” features artists, craftsmen, and musical performances on Clearwater’s famous fishing pier.
Nearby Pinellas County attractions are Heritage Village in Largo and Fort DeSoto at St. Petersburg Beach. On the grounds of Heritage Village is the Pinellas County Historical Museum. The Museum’s exhibits trace the history of Pinellas County from the Indian-Spanish period to contemporary times. The natural pine and palmetto landscape of Heritage Village includes a school, church, railroad depot, and store as well as a variety of historic homes. Among the homes are the McMullen-Coachman Log Cabin, the oldest existing structure in the County, and the magnificent Victorian-era House of Seven Gables.
Fort DeSoto is located just south of St. Petersburg at the entrance to Tampa Bay. Built during the Spanish-American War, the fort hosts Here, re-enactors present dramatic skits portraying the action of the war which caused Fort De Soto to be built in 1898. One of the historic figures appearing in the production is Teddy Roosevelt. Authentic camp equipment, including medical and dental instruments, and detailed meal preparation are also displayed. Tours of the fort and museum are followed by period music and dances, including the Virginia reel.
Within a short drive are some of the country’s most popular attractions. In nearby Tampa, visitors can experience the thrill of plunging down a variety of roller coasters at Busch Gardens or take a refreshing plunge down a slide at Adventure Island Water Park. Orlando is within a two hour drive for those wishing to visit world famous Disney World, Sea World or Universal Studios.
Clearwater is proud to host the Philadelphia Phillies’ spring training. The Phillies are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports and have been in Clearwater since 1947.
Whatever brings you to this part of Florida, try to arrange to stay in Clearwater. The beaches, the museums, the shopping, the sports, and, of course, the weather are the best! Clearwater is just waiting to show its many diverse attributes, from virtually perfect weather to activities for all ages. Clearwater has the welcome mat out for you. Just bring the sunscreen!
B- City Information:
Population: 108,787
Elevation: 50 feet above sea level
Land Area: 25.3 miles
Location: Clearwater is conveniently located just a few miles west of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg. It is easily accessible from major Interstate roadways from both Midwestern Florida (I-75) as well as the East (I-95). In addition, Clearwater is easily accessible from major Interstates serving the Midwestern Florida (I-75) and Northeast (I-95) corridors, as well as Orlando (I-4).
Time Zone: Clearwater is in the Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Clearwater, its 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles. It observes Daylight Savings Time from April until October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
61.2
62.6
67.1
71.5
77.4
81.5
82.7
82.8
81.4
75.6
69.2
63.2
High temperature (°F)
70.7
72.1
76.5
80.9
86.5
89.6
90.6
90.7
89.4
84.3
78.2
72.6
Low temperature (°F)
51.7
53.1
57.7
62.0
68.3
73.4
74.7
74.8
73.4
66.8
60.0
53.8
Precipitation (in)
2.8
2.9
3.4
1.9
2.9
5.8
6.8
8.2
7.1
2.9
2.1
2.7
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precip.
7
7
7
5
6
12
16
16
13
7
5
6
Wind speed (mph)
8.6
9.1
9.4
9.2
8.6
7.9
7.1
6.9
7.6
8.3
8.2
8.3
Morning humidity (%)
87
86
87
86
85
86
87
90
91
89
88
88
Afternoon humidity (%)
60
57
55
52
53
60
64
65
63
58
58
60
Sunshine (%)
63
65
71
75
75
67
62
61
61
65
64
61
Days clear of clouds
10
9
11
11
11
6
3
3
5
11
12
10
Partly cloudy days
10
9
10
11
13
14
16
17
14
10
10
10
Cloudy days
12
10
10
8
8
10
12
11
11
9
9
11
Snowfall (in)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Local Seasons:
With mild temperatures year round, this city is a paradise for anyone enjoying the out of doors. The city enjoys an average yearly temperature of 73 degrees and the water in the Gulf of Mexico can average as high as 85 degrees in the summer, making any time of year the perfect time to enjoy one of the beautiful beaches. The tourist“season”, beginning in mid-Nov and usually lasting through April is the busiest as many visitors from colder climates come to enjoy the abundant sunshine, fine dining, and host of other activities. Spring and fall are popular with those who like it a little less busy and who enjoy a peaceful stroll on the beach. Summer is a great time for those with families as there are plenty of wonderful and exciting things for children of any age. No matter what the time of year, the welcomed visitor can expect warm, balmy breezes, glorious sun and tropical vegetation as part of their Florida visit.
How to Get There:
By Air:
Three airports just minutes from the beaches make your arrival quick and easy. Both Tampa International Airport and the St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport are quite convenient.
Airport shuttles and rental cars are available at both airports.
Tampa International Airport is 19 miles from Clearwater Beach
St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport is 11 miles away.
Clearwater Executive Airpark is designed for small private and corporate aircraft.
Tampa International Airport
5503 West Spruce Street, Tampa
813-870-8700
Clearwater – St. Petersburg Airport
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is located on State Route 686 – Roosevelt Blvd. 4 miles north of St. Petersburg.
14700 Terminal Boulevard, Suite 221, Clearwater
727-453-7800
By Car:
Driving here is a popular option as St. Petersburg/Clearwater is easily accessible from major Interstates along the Midwest (I-75) and Northeast (I-95) corridors, as well as Orlando (I-4).
By Train:
If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable alternative to driving, why not take the train? Amtrak offers service into nearby Tampa and other surrounding areas.
Call 1-800-USA-RAIL for additional information
By Bus:
Greyhound Bus
Clearwater
800-229-9424
Call for location and schedule
How to Get Around:
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (tel. 727-530-9911) operates motorized trolley service along Gulf Boulevard (Fla. 699) between the Hurricane restaurant in St. Pete Beach and the Sheraton Sand Key Resort (this entire trip, one way, takes about an hour), where it connects with the Jolly Trolley (727/445-1200), which continues on Gulf Boulevard through Clearwater Beach.
The PSTA trolley runs daily, every 20 minutes between 5am and 10pm, to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Taxis
Along the beach, the major cab company is BATS Taxi.
727-367-3702
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater
727-462-6024
Admission Charged
Hours: Monday: Closed, unless legal holiday; Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday-Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Holidays: Open: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the day after), Christmas Day Moccasin Lake Nature Park is an Environmental and Energy Education Center providing visitors to beautiful Clearwater with a natural retreat from the concrete and asphalt setting of the urban environment and offering a change of scene from the famous white sandy beaches. This is a place where you can enjoy a small piece of Florida’s natural history. Come walk the nature trails where you might visually encounter egrets, ospreys, butterflies, turtles or the occasional alligator. Visit the gift shop and other live wildlife exhibits of non-venomous snakes, tortoises, freshwater fish, amphibians and many birds of prey such as the Bald Eagle.
Sunsets At Pier 60 Daily Festival
P.O. Box 3595, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
727-449-1036
Admission Free
Started in 1995 and patterned after the highly successful Sunsets at Mallory Square Festival in Key West, FL. this event is responsible for a marked increased in visitors to Clearwater Beach during the evening and off season periods. Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival is the only form of free family oriented entertainment available on Clearwater Beach. A nightly “street” festival on Clearwater’s famous fishing pier celebrating the setting of the sun and featuring artists, craftsman and performers with musical entertainment.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
727-441-1790
Admission Charged
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-4pm; Sunday, 11am-
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a, working Aquarium dedicated to public education, marine research, animal assisted therapy and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured or sick whales, dolphins, otters and sea turtles. As your “Window to the Sea” we provide visitors and residents with a better understanding and appreciation for the marine environment. As a working Aquarium it is our mission to educate and foster preservation and conservation of the marine animals and habitats.
Tanks A Lot
Clearwater, Florida
United States
800-335-3483, 727-531-9101
Activities scuba diving
Take an adventure trip aboard a 33-foot vessel for an exciting day of scuba diving.
Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd.
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-2064
727-446-2587
Join the fun aboard the family attraction, the Pirate’s Ransom. Frequent sightings of playful dolphins. Pirate fun and games.
Original Dolphin Encounter Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd., Slip #5
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-2000
See these marine mammals in their natural habitat while relaxing aboard the double-deck 125-passenger Clearwater Express. This sightseeing tour provides a scenic view of Gulf beaches.
727-442-7433
Ruth Eckerd Hall
111 McMullen Booth Rd.
800 2nd Ave NE
Clearwater, FL 34619
727-791-7060
727-791-7400
This performance arts center was established in 1988 as a professional theater. Audiences are drawn from areas far beyond the local community by the imaginative adaptations of classic children’s literature, fine music, and original works.
Heritage Village
11909 125 Street North,
Largo, FL
727-582-2123
Admission Free
A 21-acre, open-air historical village and museum located in the heart of Pinellas County. The natural pine and palmetto landscape is home to some of Pinellas County’s most historic buildings.
The Village includes 28 structures, some dating back to the mid-to late- 19th century. The Village includes a school, church, railroad depot, and store as well as a variety of historic homes. The homes range from the McMullen-Coachman Log Cabin, the oldest existing structure in the County, to the magnificent Victorian-era House of Seven Gables. Also on the grounds of Heritage Village is the Pinellas County Historical Museum. The Museum’s exhibits trace the history of Pinellas County from the Indian-Spanish period to contemporary times. The Museum also has a 3,500-volume library and archives containing historic photographs, maps, special collections and other materials relating to the history of Pinellas County. Heritage Village is also the site of the Daniel McMullen Home for the Fiber Arts. Weaving, quilting, and other crafts are demonstrated at Heritage Village as part of its “hands-on” approach to history. A Country Jubilee is held annually in October; other events are scheduled throughout the year.
Area Attractions
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens
Tampa, FL 33674
888-800-5447
Admission Charged
Hours vary by day and season, call for details
Just a short 30 minute drive from Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country’s premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides unrivaled “real” excitement for guests of every age.
Adventure Island Tampa Bay
4500 Bougainvillea Ave.
Tampa, FL 33612
813-987-5600
Admission Charged
Hours vary by day and season, call for details
Adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island’s 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun features the ultimate combination of high- speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere awaits an unrivaled blend of slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions such as outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, gift shops, arcades and a championship white-sand volleyball complex.
Caladesi Island State Park
# 1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin
727-469-5918
Admission Charged
Open year round, 8am-sunset
Note: Caledesi Island is only accessible by water.
By Boat – From channel marker #14, just west of the Dunedin Causeway Bridge, take an approximate 212-degree heading on your compass for approximately 1 mile. Follow the channel markers into the Caladesi Island State Park Marina.
Driving Directions to the Ferry: The driving directions for Caladesi Island State Park are the same as those for Honeymoon Island State Park. The ferry service to Caladesi leaves from Honeymoon Island State Park. hourly beginning at 10 AM.
Caladesi Island is outstanding. It offers 3 miles of hiking trails and a 108 slip marina. Picnic pavilions, bathhouses, and a park concession all make the visit more comfortable. Fishing, shelling, and nature studies are available. Caladesi Island State Park is ranked the sixth finest beach in the United States. For those who like to walk, Caladesi Island is accessible by foot from Clearwater Beach; a three plus mile walk; (there is neither automobile access nor available parking). This unspoiled island offers natural vegetation, abundant bird life and interpretative programs for Florida nature study. Here one can see the threatened gopher tortoise. Fiddler crabs scurry along the beach. The hardwood hammock leads to the original homestead built at the turn of the century.
The Dunedin Fine Art Center
1143 Michigan Boulevard, Dunedin
727-298-3322
Admission Charged
The Dunedin Fine Art Center serves upper Pinellas County for over thirty years and offers a wide variety of studio art classes, educational workshops, gallery exhibitions, lectures, outreach programs and community events for adults, children and the physically challenged. Everyone is invited to participate as a visitor, member, student, patron or volunteer. Includes a unique children’s museum in addition to works of many local and Florida artists.
Florida Botanical Gardens
12175 125 Street North, Largo
727-582-2200
Admission Charged
Open daily; Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm; Sunday, noon-5pm
182 acres of nature, art and a unique blend of Florida native plants and beautiful exotic tropicals, displayed in both natural and formal gardens. The natural wonder of this also provides a natural habitat for Florida’s fabulous lifestyle
Florida International Museum
100 Second Street North, St. Petersburg
727-822-3693 or 800-777-9882
Admission Charged
A Smithsonian Institute affiliate with the largest private collection of Kennedy family artifacts.
Gulf Coast Art Museum
12211 Walsingham Rd,
Largo, FL
727- 518-6833
Admission Charged
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, noon-4pm; Monday closed
Features contemporary Florida art with a special focus on contemporary craft media objects from the twelve southeastern states.
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
800-995-MOSI
MOSI is located in north Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., across from the USF Sun Dome, and just one mile from Busch Gardens.
Admission Charged
Open year round: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-7pm
Approximately a 30 minute drive from Clearwater, the Museum of Science and Industry is a great attraction for any age. MOSI is the largest science center in the southeast, featuring more than 450 interactive exhibits in all areas of science, and is the home of Florida’s first IMAX Dome Theatre.
Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The new “cable-stay” bridge is a beautiful structure which was built at a cost of 245 million dollars. It has a main span of 1200 feet and a vertical clearance of 193 feet. It is equipped with a bridge protection system involving 36 large concrete bumpers called dolphins that are built to withstand an impact from any errant ships in the vicinity of the bridges piers. Unlike most “cable-stay” bridges the new bridge uses a single plane of cables and the deck, made of prestressed concrete segments serves as structure as well as being the roadway surface. At night, strategically placed lights add an additional touch of beauty. The bridge spans Tampa Bay and is the is the means of entry into St. Petersburg from the south on I-275.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Area Attractions for the Family
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens
Tampa, FL 33674
888-800-5447
Admission Charged
Hours vary by day and season, call for details
Just a short 30 minute drive from Clearwater Beach, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent. A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country’s premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay provides unrivaled “real” excitement for guests of every age.
Adventure Island Tampa Bay
4500 Bougainvillea Ave.
Tampa, FL 33612
813-987-5600
Admission Charged
Hours vary by day and season, call for details
Adjacent to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Adventure Island’s 30 acres of water-drenched fun in the sun features the ultimate combination of high- speed thrills and tropical, tranquil surroundings for guests of all ages. Within a soothing Key West atmosphere awaits an unrivaled blend of slides, corkscrews, water falls, a wave pool, children’s water playground and other family attractions such as outdoor cafes, picnic and sunbathing areas, gift shops, arcades and a championship white-sand volleyball complex.
Heritage Village
11909 125 Street North, Largo
727-582-2123
Admission Free
A 21-acre, open-air historical village and museum located in the heart of Pinellas County. The natural pine and palmetto landscape is home to some of Pinellas County’s most historic buildings.
The Village includes 28 structures, some dating back to the mid-to late- 19th century. The Village includes a school, church, railroad depot, and store as well as a variety of historic homes. The homes range from the McMullen-Coachman Log Cabin, the oldest existing structure in the County, to the magnificent Victorian-era House of Seven Gables. Also on the grounds of Heritage Village is the Pinellas County Historical Museum. The Museum’s exhibits trace the history of Pinellas County from the Indian-Spanish period to contemporary times.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater
727-462-6024
Admission Charged
Hours: Monday: Closed, unless legal holiday; Tuesday-Friday: 9:00am-5:00pm; Saturday-Sunday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Holidays: Open: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day (and the day after), Christmas Day Moccasin Lake Nature Park is an Environmental and Energy Education Center providing visitors to beautiful Clearwater with a natural retreat from the concrete and asphalt setting of the urban environment and offers a change of vistas from the famous white sandy beaches. This is a place where you can enjoy a small piece of Florida’s natural history. Come walk the nature trails where you might visually encounter egrets, ospreys, butterflies, turtles or the occasional alligator. Visit the gift shop and other live wildlife exhibits where you can see non-venomous snakes, tortoises, freshwater fish, amphibians and many birds of prey such as the Bald Eagle.
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
800-995-MOSI
MOSI is located in north Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., across from the USF Sun Dome, and just one mile from Busch Gardens.
Admission Charged
Open year round: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10am-7pm
Approximately a 30 minute drive from Clearwater, the Museum of Science and Industry is a great attraction for any age. MOSI is the largest science center in the southeast, featuring more than 450 interactive exhibits in all areas of science, and is the home of Florida’s first IMAX® Dome Theatre.
Sunsets At Pier 60 Daily Festival
P.O. Box 3595, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
727-449-1036
Admission Free
Started in 1995 and patterned after the highly successful Sunsets at Mallory Square Festival in Key West, FL. this event is responsible for a marked increased in visitors to Clearwater Beach during the evening and off season periods. Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival is the only form of free family oriented entertainment available on Clearwater Beach. A nightly “street” festival on Clearwater’s famous fishing pier celebrating the setting of the sun and featuring artists, craftsman and performers with musical entertainment.
Caladesi Island State Park
# 1 Causeway Boulevard, Dunedin
727-469-5918
Admission Charged
Open year round, 8am-sunset
Note: Caledesi Island is only accessible by boat or ferry
Picnic pavilions, bathhouses, and a park concession all make the visit more comfortable. Fishing, shelling, and nature studies are all ways to further enjoy a visit. Caladesi Island State Park is ranked the sixth finest beach in the United States. For those who like to walk, Caladesi Island is accessible by foot from Clearwater Beach (a three plus mile walk; no automobile access nor available parking) The unspoiled island offers natural vegetation, abundant bird life and interpretative programs for Florida nature study.
Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise
25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach
727-446-2587
Admission Charged
Call for exact dates and sailing schedule
Sail like a pirate about The Pirate’s Ransom. She was custom designed and built just for pirate sailing and is equipped with all of the latest life saving equipment, including life jackets, life rafts, and ship-to-shore radio. Clean men’s and women’s restrooms are on board. It is also equipped with a professional sound system with a large variety of C.D. and cassette music for your listening pleasure. She can accommodate 125 hearty souls and sails daily.
Great Explorations – The Hands-On Museum
1925 Fourth Street North, St. Petersburg
727-821-8992
Admission Charged
Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
A “hands on” museum where visitors touch, move and interact with exhibits that educate and entertain. Exhibition areas include Phenomenal Arts. Explore Galore, Exchange, Think Tank, Touch Tunnel and Body Shop. A gift shop is also included.
Exhibits include a climbing wall and a raceway where visitors build a tabletop racecar from motor to axle and race on a slot car-type track. “There’s also a great sailboat exhibit where visitors learn about direction and air pressure and a lie detector. Great Explorations is a museum for children of all ages with the goal of making learning fun.
Planetarium
St. Petersburg Junior College, Science Building, 6605 Fifth Ave. North, St. Petersburg
727-341-4320
Admission Charged
Showings are held September through May and special presentations are regularly scheduled.
Call for exact dates and hours of operation
The planetarium is a sky theater under a 7.3 meter domed ceiling
E- Events & Entertainment:
Sports
Major league baseball is played year round in Clearwater. Clearwater is proud to host the Philadelphia Phillies spring training. The Phillies are the oldest, continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports and have been in Clearwater since 1947. In addition to the major league team, Clearwater is home to the Class-A Clearwater Phillies of the Florida State League. The Toronto Blue Jays spend their spring in Dunedin and the New York Yankees play in Tampa; in fact, six additional spring training teams are located within one hour of Pinellas County. The Major League Baseball Tampa Bay Devil Rays call St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field home the rest of the year.
Take a Side Trip to Tarpon Springs:
One of Florida’s most fascinating small towns and only 13 miles north of Clearwater: Tarpon Springs calls itself “the Sponge Capital of the World.” Greek immigrants from the Dodecanese Islands settled here in the late 19th century to harvest sponges, which grew in abundance offshore. By the 1930s, Tarpon Springs was producing more sponges than any other place in the world. A blight ruined the business in the 1940s, but the descendants of those early immigrants stayed on. Today they compose about a third of the population, making Tarpon Springs a center of transplanted Greek culture.
Sponges still arrive at the historic Sponge Docks, on Dodecanese Boulevard. With a lively, carnival-like atmosphere, the docks are a great place to spend an afternoon or early evening, poking your head into shops selling sponges and other souvenirs while Greek music comes from the dozen or so family restaurants purveying authentic Aegean cuisine. You can also venture offshore from here, because booths on the docks set up sightseeing and fishing cruises. Make your reservations as soon as you get here; then go sightseeing ashore or grab a meal at one of the many Greek restaurants and bakeries facing the dock while waiting for the next boat.
For more information, call 727-938-5378
Antiques
Gas Plant Antique Arcade
1246 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Florida’s largest antique mall, with 150 dealers in four huge floors of fine antiques from all periods
Annual Events
January
Martin Luther King Jr. National Parade
727-327-0085
Downtown St. Petersburg
The Annual Drum Major for Justice Parade begins at 1:15 p.m. The celebration also includes the Martin Luther King Jr. Festival of Bands competition, which features several renowned marching bands as they perform in a special salute to Dr. King.
Call for exact location and date
Pinellas Folk Festival
727-582-2123
Heritage Village
The Pinellas County Historical Society presents its annual festival held at Heritage Village. This free event features traditional folk music, storytelling and pioneer crafts and performances by skilled artisans. Sheep to shawl activities, vintage 1890s baseball, a traditional rug hooking and embroidery show and a food court are all included in the day’s activities.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for exact date
March
Annual Heritage Village Antique Car Show
727-582-2127
Heritage Village
Come and check out this wonderful display of restored antique automobiles and hybrid cars. There will also be music and hands-on activities.
This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for exact date
April
Tampa Bay Marathon Swim
727-531-7999
Holiday Inn Sunspree, St. Petersburg
The annual Tampa Bay Marathon Swim challenges long-distance swimmers to go 24 miles from the Holiday Inn Sunspree St. Petersburg across Tampa Bay to Ben Davis Beach in Tampa. All participants must be 19 or older and registered with United States Masters Swimming. Three- and six-person relays are also available for the race. Prizes include T-shirts and awards for completing the race and for the top finishers in various age groups.
Call for exact date, fees, and directions
May
Civil War Days and Annual Heritage Village Skirmish
727-582-2123
Heritage Village
Heritage Village hosts this living history event as Union and Confederate troops battle. The event includes artillery demonstrations, infantry drills and the big battle. Period crafts and other items will be for sale at the event.
Admission and parking are free
The annual Heritage Village Skirmish is scheduled for 2 p.m. Artillery demonstrations and infantry drills will be held on the hour. Other activities include the Officers Call, a court martial, and the Grand March. Bring comfortable seating or ground cover for the battle.
Call for exact dates
July
Arts Center Members Exhibition
727-822-7872
The Arts Center
The Arts Center showcases the extraordinary talent of more than 250 member artists in “Components,” the Members’ Exhibition. This annual show reflects the importance of every Arts Center member to the overall organization.
Call for exact dates, hours, and directions
Studioworks
727-519-6833
Gulf Coast Museum of Art
The annual juried Studioworks exhibition presents the work of the Museum’s instructors and students. The exhibition is designed to demonstrate the strength of the Museum’s teaching program. All media, including painting, mixed media, photography and ceramics, will be included in the exhibition.
Call for exact dates, hours, and directions
September
Dunedin Wines the Blues
727-733-5886
This popular annual event takes place along the Main Street downtown area of Dunedin with plenty of live blues music, food, wine and entertainment.
The event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Call for exact date
Annual Renaissance Night
727-799-2200
Downtown Safety Harbor
This event is always held on the 3rd Friday of September. Downtown Safety Harbor will be visited by gypsies, wizards, musicians, fairies, pirates and animals
From 6 to 10 p.m. Participating shops will be open late.
Call for exact date and directions
Annual Pier Sand Sculpture Contest
727-821-6443
The Pier
TEAM Sandtastic hosts this Annual Pier Sand Sculpture Contest. Sand Clinics will also be held.
Call for exact date, hours, and directions
October
Annual Taste of Palm Harbor
727-934-7001
The Palm Harbor Junior Women’s Club will present its annual Taste of Palm Harbor from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. on Florida Avenue just east of Alt. U.S. 19. There are more than 25 area restaurants to sample from and an array of Arts and Crafts for people to stroll through.
Call for exact location and date
Florida Birding and Nature Festival
866-352-2473
The Annual Festival & Nature Expo features the best of Florida birding with 25 field trips throughout the region, internationally known bird and wildlife experts and an exciting Nature Expo. The Festival offers a conservation mission with proceeds going to the management of Shell Key Preserve of Florida’s most important areas for shorebirds.
Call for exact location, dates, and hours
Annual H&R Train Show
727-526-4682
This long standing annual show features a free model train demonstration with a train layout competition for all gauges of model railroading.
Friday and Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Call for exact dates
The Annual Make a Difference Fishing Tournament
727-462-6954
This tournament for children with disabilities is always held the first Saturday in October. Fishing will be done on Clearwater’s Pier 60.
Call for exact date and time
Clearwater Jazz Holiday
727-461-5200
For over 25 years, the annual Jazz Holiday brings together all veins of jazz music together in 4 days of free entertainment at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater. From bebop to blues, from big band to the compositions of Frank Zappa, there is something for everyone.
Call for exact location, dates, and times
Annual Florida Orchestra in the Park
800-662-7286
Free concert and fireworks in Vinoy Park on Beach Drive.
Show begins at 7pm., call for exact date
Annual Country Jubilee Festival
727-582-2123
Heritage Village
The Pinellas County Historical Society presents this jubilee with more than 125 craftspeople displaying and selling their homemade goods. The event features pioneer and Victorian craft demonstrations, live entertainment, a petting zoo, historic house tours and food.
The jubilee runs 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Call for exact dates and location
Annual Autumn Harvest
727-893-7326
Boyd Hill Nature Park
This autumn harvest will be held at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement at Boyd Hill Nature Park. There will be an old time farmers market and plenty of events and activities for adults and children.
Call for exact date, hours, and directions
Frenchy’s Stone Crab Claw Festival
727-446-1522
All Frenchy’s locations on Clearwater Beach
Frenchy’s annual Stone Crab Weekend is a popular area event. The event will also feature two tents complete with live music.
Call for exact dates, hours, and directions
Annual Fall Grouper Fest & Art Show
727-394-0756
John’s Pass Village
Grouper Fest honors the area as the Grouper Capital of the World. This festival will feature food, children’s activities, entertainment, a display about the heritage of the fishing industry in Madeira Beach and an art show. This event was formerly known as the John’s Pass Village Seafood Festival.
Call for exact dates, hours, and directions
Top o’ the Bay Oktoberfest
813-855-4233
R.E. Olds Park
This weekend festival features German music, food, beer and wine, along with full midway, carnival, art/crafters, American food and business vendors. Come enjoy the interactive games and activities such as log sawing, keg hurling, stein holding and the annual Waitress Races
Call for exact dates, hours, and directions
Annual Suncoast Triathlon
813-874-7223
Fort DeSoto Park
The Suncoast Triathlon is the perfect race for both novices and experienced triathletes alike. The triathlon consists of a swim .33 miles, bike 11 miles and run 3.1 miles.
The race begins at 7:30 a.m.
Call for exact date, time of event, and directions
Early November
Annual Loadmaster Trailers Suncoast Kingfish Classic Tournament
727-363-0071
The event is sanctioned by the Southern Kingfish Association and benefits the Tarpon Springs Rotary Club.
Call for exact location, dates, and hours
Annual Art Arbor & Family Fun Days
727-893-7326
Boyd Hill Nature Park
This nature festival offers art, live music, crafts, kid’s crafts, storytelling and food. Held at the Boyd Hill Nature Park, it also has reptile and bird of prey programs, guided park tours, scavenger hunts and petting zoo.
Hours both days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For
Call for exact date
St. Petersburg Boat Show
954-764-7642
The Bayfront Center, St. Petersburg
The Annual St. Petersburg Boat Show is making waves for boaters and anglers of all ages. With more than 700 boats, on land and in-water, the St. Petersburg’s Boat Show is the largest in-water boat show on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Accessorize you new boat with the latest electronics and gadgetry.
Call for exact location, dates, and hours
Celebrations Holiday Show
727-822-7872
The Arts Center
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at the Arts Center annual Holiday Show. Specially created works by many artists, glass ornaments and photographs will be on display. Limited edition hand-printed holiday cards custom-made for the Arts Center will debut during the holiday show.
Call for exact dates, hours and directions
Christmas Under the Oaks
727-562-4813
Coachman Park
Usually held in early November, this annual holiday crafts fair sponsored by the Clearwater Junior League Women’s Club, will be held in historic Coachman Park in Clearwater
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call for exact dates, hours and directions
Annual Harbor Wine Festival
727-724-1555
John Wilson Park
The City of Safety Harbor will host this event, which includes wine tasting, food from area restaurants, live entertainment on two stages, arts and crafts vendors and a real grape stomp. Admission is free.
Festival hours are 5 – 11 p.m.
Call for exact dates and directions
Fall Boat Show
800-940-7642
Bayfront Center Yacht Basin
This event is usually held in November. The annual in-water boat show features more than 600 boats, electronics, marine engines and accessories, fishing products, clinics, seminars and entertainment.
Call for exact dates, hours and directions
Times Festival of Reading
727-445-4142
Eckerd College
Usually held in November. The St. Petersburg Times hosts this annual event that features book talks, national and regional authors, book appraisals, music and poet performances and children’s story land. The event is free.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for exact date, hours and directions
Late November
Annual Tarpon Springs Arts & Crafts Show
727-937-6109
Held Thanksgiving weekend 10am-5pm
This annual event features 150 artists and craft persons from around the country who display in downtown Tarpon Springs. Live music and a food festival are also included.
Festival of Trees
727-446-2858
The Harborview Center is host to this Annual Festival of Trees.
Call for exact location, dates, and hours
Arts Center Annual Members Show
727-822-7872
The Arts Center in downtown St. Petersburg features this exhibit of works by Arts Center members. It features art in various media and themes.
Call for exact location, dates, and hours
December
Annual Fun ‘N Sun Illuminated Night Parade
727-562-4804
The highlight of the Fun ‘n Sun Festival, this spectacular parade begins at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Clearwater along Cleveland Street. The parade is an original event of the 1st Fun N Sun Festival which began over 50 years ago and remains one of Clearwater’s most popular events for people of all ages.
Call for exact date
Dunedin’s Happy Holidays Celebration
727-298-3280
Edgewater Park, Dunedin
The annual Happy Holidays Celebration at Edgewater Park includes a boat parade and a tree-lighting ceremony. There will also be live entertainment, an arts and crafts show and children’s activities
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the boat parade and tree lighting at 7:15 p.m.
Call for exact date
Holiday Stroll
727-587-6740
Largo Central Park
Usually held in December, you can join the entire community of Largo in the lighting of Largo Central Park for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting & Stroll. Take the opportunity to stroll through the park and enjoy entertainment while viewing more than 200,000 lights.
Open to all ages from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evening.
Cal for exact date and directions
St. Petersburg Lighted Boat Parade
727-821-6443
Downtown St. Petersburg
One of the largest lighted boat parades in the area, St. Petersburg’s annual event starts at sundown and goes from the Harborage Marina north past the Pier to the Vinoy Basin. The Pier and surrounding parks offer great spots for parade watching and feature a host of activities associated with the event.
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with holiday music and entertainment, and the parade begins at 7:30 p.m.
Call for exact date and directions
Gulfport Lighted Boat Parade
727-321-7295
Downtown Gulfport
The city of Gulfport, just west of St. Petersburg, starts its lighted boat parade from the Boca Ciega Yacht Club. The route goes from the yacht club marina, past the city pier and municipal beach, and through several areas along Boca Ciega Bay.
The annual parade starts at 6 p.m. and ends at approximately 8 p.m.
Call for exact date and directions
St. Petersburg Santa Parade
727-892-5874
Bayshore Drive
Santa will ride down the streets of downtown St. Petersburg and bring in the holiday season.
The traditional Santa Parade will march down Bayshore Drive at 10 a.m. and end at North Straub Park, where the annual Snowfest romp for youngsters will be stationed.
Call for exact date and directions
Holiday Taste and Tour
727-821-6443
Downtown St. Petersburg
The St. Petersburg Area Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns (SPAABBI) will hold its annual Holiday Taste and Tour from 3 to 8 p.m. Stroll through twelve enchanting holiday-decorated homes in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Gulfport, Pinellas Park, and North Redington Beach. Each house will decorate a tree based on one of the twelve days of Christmas. The self-guided taste and tour (maps provided with ticket) will also include book signings by local writers and exhibits by local artists.
Call for exact date and directions
