Clearwater Florida Fun

by Scott Taylor
(Florida)

Clearwater is a Great Vacation Spot

Editor Note: This article comes from a true Clearwater Florida expert and you'll see why we love Clearwater...

Over the past couple of years, we have been highlighting “natural Clearwater,” i.e. nature-based attractions, including kayaking and canoeing; sailing; diving and snorkeling, use of our extensive trail networks (e.g. for hiking and biking); visits to preserves and refuges, interactions with wildlife, and so on.

For instance, one of the area’s most thrilling paddling experiences is at Caladesi Island State Park. Situated two miles into the Gulf, the three-mile long barrier island has no paved roads or vehicles.

Its white sandy beach is consistently rated one of the nation’s best – in fact, it has been named America’s Top Beach for 2008 by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach” - but the real treat here is the three-mile round-trip marked kayak trail through tunnels of mangrove forests.

Also, the 42-mile long Pinellas County portion of the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, often called the “saltwater version of the Appalachian Trail, begins at Anclote Key State Park near the Pasco County border in the north and continues past Fort DeSoto in the south.

This portion follows both the Gulf of Mexico, which includes several barrier islands, and the Intracoastal Waterway.



Also of great interest right now is the “new” Clearwater Beach .

While maintaining its laid-back and comfortable ambience, with plenty of affordable accommodations, Clearwater Beach is in the midst of a dramatic transformation that has seen a boom of upscale development.

Spurred by Beach Walk, the city of Clearwater ’s stunning half-mile $30 million beachside promenade - just completed in July - private developers are bringing new hotel rooms and residential properties to the area.

New properties include the ultra luxury Sandpearl Resort (a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts) and Hyatt’s Aqualea Resort and Residences (under construction).

Also being planned is the luxury Clearwater Beach Resort & Hotel. Many of Clearwater Beach ’s other properties have recently undergone renovations.

Discount Florida Vacations highly recommends VisitClearwaterFlorida.com for some great info regarding Clearwater!