Top 10 Things to Do in Clearwater - St. Petersburg, Florida

Plan a Visits to the Top 10 Clearwater Attractions on Your Next Vacation!

Tara Dodrill
Plan a visit to the Top 10 Clearwater-St. Petersbvurg Attraction on your next Florida vacation. Spend your exploring the most exciting, educational and culturally unique attractions in the Clearwater, Florida region. Regardless of the time of year you visit, theses multi-generational attractions will surely delight both your senses while stimulating your mind.

1 - Treasure Island

The Treasure Island neighborhood offers both white sandy beaches and exciting nightlife attractions. The island beach, St. Petersburg Municipal Beach and Sunset Beach encompass this outdoor recreation area. On any given day you will be able to watch expert kite enthusiasts harness the winds of the Gulf Coast to hoist their colorful creations into the sky.

2- Sunken Gardens

The Sunken Gardens has become a landmark in the Clearwater area, a favorite among both locals and tourists. After avid gardener and resident, George Turner filled seven acres with over 1,000 flowers and plant in 1935, he opened the area to the public. The entire garden is located 15 feet below the street level and also boasts intricate water features and is home to scores of butterflies.

3 - Boyd Hill Nature Park

Explore nearly 245 acres of marshlands, forests and shoreline just south of the St. Petersburg city limits. Walking tours during both daytime and evening hours allow you to see native wildlife, such as the popular Florida alligator. The park also offers children's activities and day camp experiences.

4 - Safari Choppers

If you are in the mood for adventure, get a bird's eye view of the Gulf Coast at Safari Choppers. The pilot whisks you over the Greater St. Petersburg area while sharing insight on both the history and attractions of the region.

5 - Sand Key Park

Get off the beaten path and watch local surfers dance with the waves. The beach and adjacent picnic area are clean, serene and very popular with shell collectors.

6- Pier Aquarium

The Pier Aquarium is a splendid way to end an afternoon spent enjoying the beach, or rainy day alternative. Discover native marine creatures, vegetation and plants. Interactive exhibits may be designed to educate children, but are entertaining for adults as well. Sunday is the busiest day to visit the aquarium due to the reduced admission rates.

7 -Fort DeSoto State Park

Enjoy a day outdoors on a budget at Fort DeSoto State Park. Over 900 acres of pristine spacesurrounds multiple barrier islands. There are also seven miles of swimming beaches which feature plenty of elbow room and a family friendly atmosphere. Attractions at the park include several boat launches, multiple playgrounds, remnants of historic Fort DeSoto which dates back to the Spanish-American War, picnic and camping area, snack vendors and muscle-powered recreational trails.

8 -Florida International Museum

Themuseum features a broad range of Florida history, including exhibits specific to the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy and traveling displays from around the world. The musuem is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

9 - Salvador Dali Museum

A couple from Ohio worked tirelessly for 45 years to bring their dream of sharing Dali creations with the public. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse became acquainted with the artist and began building themuseum when their collection outgrew the confines of their home. The museum opened in 1982 and features hundreds of sculptures, drawings, photos and posters.

10 - Ancelote Key

The island is a favorite among eco-tourists, beckoning to those who truly want to escape from the modern world and commune with nature. Ancelote Key is reachable only by ten minute boat and is located near Tarpon Springs. The pristine beaches stretch to four miles in length and includes a lighthouse built in 1886. Overnight camping on the island is allowed.

Published by Tara Dodrill

Tara Dodrill is a political and environmental writer focusing on both Ohio and national news. Dodrill's credits include USA Today, Yahoo News, Gadling and AOL/SEED. Dodrill has also served as a newspaper edi...  View profile

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