A Family-Friendly Itinerary for Clearwater, FL in 6 Days

  • Day 1: Clearwater Beach
    15 minutes (9.6 miles) from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport

    Enjoy the white sands and emerald waters of Clearwater Beach, one of the top-rated beaches in the United States. Take a dolphin watching tour, visit nearby attractions like Pier 60 or Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and don’t forget to sample the local cuisine.

  • Day 2: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
    33 minutes (22.1 miles) from Clearwater Beach

    Spend the day at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a theme park with thrilling rides, live shows, and over 12,000 animals to discover. Don’t miss the new Tigris roller coaster or the Serengeti Safari tour, which takes you up close to some of Africa’s most iconic animals.

  • Day 3: The Florida Aquarium
    28 minutes (22 miles) from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

    Explore the wonders of the ocean at The Florida Aquarium, which features over 8,000 animals and plants from around the world. Highlights include the coral reef exhibit, the 4-D theater, and the opportunity to swim with sharks and other marine creatures.

  • Day 4: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
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    10 minutes (5 miles) from Clearwater Beach

    Meet Winter and Hope, the famous dolphins from the “Dolphin Tale” movies, at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Learn about marine life conservation, watch animal care activities, and take a boat tour to see wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

  • Day 5: Sunsets at Pier 60
    5 minutes (1.5 miles) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico at Pier 60, a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Enjoy live music, street performers, and artisans selling their wares. Stick around for the “Sunsets at Pier 60” festival, which takes place every evening.

  • Day 6: The Dalí Museum
    35 minutes (25.3 miles) from Clearwater Beach

    Discover the surreal world of artist Salvador Dalí at The Dalí Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of his works outside of Spain. See famous pieces like “The Persistence of Memory” and the “Dream of Venus” installation, as well as a rotating selection of temporary exhibitions.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Clearwater Beach (full day, free)
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (full day, from $95 per person)
  • The Florida Aquarium (half day, from $28 per person)
  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium (half day, from $23 per person)
  • Sunsets at Pier 60 (evening, free)
  • The Dalí Museum (half day, from $25 per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: from $171 per person

Transportation

To get around Clearwater, we recommend renting a car to have the flexibility and convenience to explore all the attractions. Taxis and ride-sharing options are also available, but may be more expensive. Expect to spend $10 - $30 per day on gas, depending on the distance traveled.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby cities like St. Petersburg or Tampa, which offer more cultural and historical attractions. Alternatively, if you have less time, prioritize the attractions based on your interests and be prepared to skip some of them.

Airports

Clearwater is served by St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), located 9.6 miles from Clearwater Beach. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is another option, located 21.8 miles away from Clearwater Beach. Both airports offer multiple flight options and ground transportation options.

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