|
|
Clearwater and its
island beaches are one of Florida's most popular vacation spots. Because of our world-reknown beaches, our extensive recreational
opportunities, including the largest recreational fishing fleet on the West Coast of Florida, walking distance to restaurants
and attractions, and all types of accommodations designed to fit every budget and taste, and nature-based attractions, we
are the place to play in Tampa Bay!
Clearwater Beach is the Best City Beach on the Gulf of Mexico according
to Dr. Stephen Leatherman ("Dr. Beach"), a Florida International University professor who has been ranking America beaches
for nine years. USATODAY.com readers ranked Clearwater Beach in their 2001 Top 10 list of Best Beaches from Maine to Hawaii.
Caladesi Island and Sand Key beaches have been named among the Best Natural Beaches in the United States. Caladesi Island
State Park is currently ranked sixth, primarily for its water quality, rustic charm, clean beaches, on-site amenities and
its emphasis on wildlife. Pinellas County is the only Florida destination which can say it has two of the top 10 beaches (Fort
DeSoto Park is ranked seventh). Conde Nast Traveler has also recognized Clearwater Beach as the best city beach on the Gulf
of Mexico. Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked "best beach" by Tampa Bay Magazine.
Pier 60, Clearwater's
famed 1050 ft. sightseeing and fishing pier, complete with bait house, is the focal point of the beach. Pier 60 Park, with
the only covered children's playground directly on the sand, has two play areas with age appropriate equipment-one for preschoolers
and the other for 8-12 years olds. Pier 60 Park is also home to Sunsets at Pier 60, our nightly "street" festival celebrating
the setting of the sun.
Temperate and mild, the area boasts an average yearly temperature of 73? F (23? C) and average
water temperatures by season: Spring 73.7? F, Summer 84.7? F, Fall 76.7? F, Winter 63.7? F.
Clearwater's special
events offer every visitor a special reason to come, whether to hear the best in jazz at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday
or to enjoy the spring at our Fun 'N Sun Festival or to experience Kid's Week showcasing family activities or to participate
in the Florida Birding Festival or to watch the pros at the various beach volleyball tournaments. Our sunsets are so incredible
they have inspired local artists and performers to celebrate the setting of the sun into the Gulf of Mexico. Sunsets at Pier
60 features music, street performers and hand crafted arts and crafts sold by artists themselves; it's not to be missed.
|
|
|
|
|
Interesting facts about Florida
The Legend of the Sand Dollar
The Sand Dollar shell has also
been called the Holy Ghost Shell. This shell is one of the most unusual specimens of marine life. The markings on the
shell symbolize teh Birth, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.
On the top side of the shell,
an outline of the Easter Lily is clearly seen. At the center of the Lily a five pointed Star representing the Star of
Bethlehem appears. The five narrow openings are representative of the four nail holes and the spear wound made in the
body of Christ during the Crucifixion.
Reversing the shell you will easily
recognize the outline of the Christmas Poinsettia and also the bell. When broken, inside the shell are five little birds
called the Doves of Peace.
Things
to see in and around the Tampa Bay area:
Hubbard's Marina Dolphin Watch
Sea Life Safari aboard the Island Explorer
Captain Bligh's Landing Mini-golf
Museum of Science & Industry(MOSI)
- Tampa
Salvador Dali Museum - St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Museum of History
Gulfport Artwalk - 1st Friday & 3rd
Saturday of each month.
Gallery Walk - Downtown St. Petersburg 2nd
Saturday of each month.
Attractions to visit in Florida
Distance & drive time from Gulf Beaches
Adventure Island - 28 mi. - 45 min.
Busch Gardens - 28 mi. - 45 min.
Disney World - 100 mi. - 1 1/2 hrs.
Epcot - 100 mi. - 1 1/2 hrs.
Florida Aquarium - 25 mi. - 40 min.
Fantasy of Flight - 60 mi. - 1 hr.
Kennedy Space Center - 160 mi. - 3 1/2 hrs.
Lowry Park Zoo - 25 mi. - 40 min.
Sea World - 110 mi. - 1 1/2 hrs.
Silver Springs - 150 mi. - 2 1/2 hrs.
Universal Studios - 112 mi. - 1 1/4 hrs.
Weeki Wachee - 60 mi. - 1 hr.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out these websites of places in Pinellas and
Hillsborough counties:
* AAA Clipart.
***t
h i s a n d t h a t***
|
|
|
