History

Tocobagan Indians first inhabited Clearwater long before the Europeans came and settled in the area in the 1830s. Dr. Odet Philippe, a French surgeon was the first European settler in Clearwater who built a plantation on the area of present Philippe Park.

The establishment of railroad system paved way for the town’s development. Many settlers moved to Clearwater and started to cultivate the land through vegetable and cotton farming and fishing. In 1891, the town of Clearwater was incorporated.

Clearwater was reincorporated in 1915 as a city and became a well-known tourist destination. Visitors flock to the city of Clearwater to temporarily escape the cold winter. A year after, a new bridge was built to connect the city to the barrier island of Clearwater Beach.

Today, Clearwater continues to enjoy economic and population growth with more than 100,000 people. Renowned as a resort destination, Clearwater has so much to offer for fun under the sun.

Getting There

By plane

Flying into St. Peterburg/Clearwater International Airport is the easiest way to reach Clearwater, catering domestic and International flights from major airlines. Another option is Tampa International Airport, named the best airport in the United States.

By car

Visitors driving from the East Coast

• Take south of I-95, then West I-4 to I-275 southwards

Visitors driving from Points West

• Take east of I-10, then I-75 southwards to south of I-275

Visitors driving from the Midwest

• Take I-75 south, then I-275 southwards
• Take North of I-75, then north I-275

Weather

Clearwater enjoys almost perfect weather throughout the year. Clearwater features a semi-tropical climate with very hot summer and mild winter.

During summer, generally the weather is very hot and humid with temperature highs in 90s° F. August is the hottest month of the year while January is the coldest. Summer season is wetter than winter with high volume of precipitation during August.

Winter temperature in Clearwater is mild, but sometimes chilly during evening.

Fall and Spring are the best months to visit and enjoy Clearwater. During these seasons, locals and visitors enjoy sunny days and cooler nights.

What to Wear

Outdoor activities:

• tank top
• shorts
• swim wear
• thong
• sandals
• skirt
• cotton shirts
• dress
• sneakers
• sun block
• sunglasses
• hat
• cover-up

For places with dress codes:

• collared shirt
• khakis
• dress
• strappy sandals
• close shoes

Fishing

Anglers from different parts of the world come to Clearwater for a rewarding fishing adventure. The warm weather and calm waters in and surrounding Clearwater are the contributing factors why dozens of fish species can be caught in the area. Whether you are an experienced or novice angler, Clearwater has plenty of fishing spots – freshwater and saltwater, you can explore for that sought after sports fish.

Fishing in Clearwater parks, marinas, piers, reefs and ramps are ideal for recreational fishing while those who want non-stop action can hire fishing charters. There are many fishing charters available equipped with modern boats and tools that will take you to the best fishing spots in Clearwater. In addition, these fishing charters offer an array of fishing services to cater one’s fishing requirements.

Inshore fishing and offshore fishing in Clearwater allows you to catch:

• Snook
• Redfish
• Tarpon
• Kingfish
• Speckled Trout
• Black Drum
• Spanish Mackerel
• Grouper
• Cobia
• Snapper

BEST MONTHS TO FISH

January – Snook, Redfish & Trout

February – Snook, Redfish & Trout

March – Snook, Redfish & Trout

April – Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish & Trout

May – Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon, Snook, Redfish & Trout

June – Cobia, Tarpon, Redfish & Snook

July – Tarpon, Shark, Redfish & Snook

August – Tarpon, Shark, Redfish & Snook

September – Tarpon, Shark, Redfish & Snook

October – Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish & Snook

November – Tarpon, Shark, Redfish & Snook

December – Snook, Redfish & Trout

WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING

• Appropriate clothing
• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Food & snacks
• Drinks
• Camera
• Sunblock
• Hand towel
• Boat shoes

Attractions and Activities

Visitors keep on coming to Clearwater to enjoy the city’s warm climate and stunning beaches. Anytime of the year the city has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor activities and attractions. Lined with long stretch of beaches and impressive attractions, you can always find something to keep you entertained while in Clearwater.

Beach activities:

• Parasailing
• Windsurfing
• Dolphin watching
• Cruising
• Boating
• Fishing
• Diving

Other outdoor activities:

• Bicycling
• Shopping
• Golfing

Landmarks and Attractions:

• Pier 60
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium
• Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
• Sand Key Country Park
• Robert’s Christmas Wonderland
• Moccasin Lake Nature Park
• Bright House Networks Field
• Francis Wilson Playhouse
• Royalty Theater

Where to Stay

Days Inn Clearwater Central
Address: 2940 Gulf To Bay Blvd., Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=04133&cid=IP_Local

Chart House Suites & Marina
Address: 850 Bayway Boulevard, Clearwater Beach , FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.charthousesuites.com/

Eat Shore Resort
Address: 473 East Shore Dr. Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.eastshoreresort.com/

Sleep Inn Clearwater
Address: 3939 Ulmerton Rd, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-clearwater-florida-FL040

Eco Sails Motel
Address: 216 Hamden Dr., Clearwater Beach, FL
For more information, visit their website:

Welcome to Echo Sails Motel!

Candlewood Suites
Address: 13231 49th St N, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cw/1/en/hotel/clwcf?&externalHotelDetailHit=true

Belleview Biltmore Resort & Spa Hotel
Address: 25 Belleview Blvd, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.1stclearwaterhotels.com/belleview_biltmore_resort_&_spa.html

Clearwater Sunrise Resort
Address: 229 Coronado Dr., Clearwater Beach, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.clearwatersunrise.com/

Rodeway Inn
Address: 16405 US Highway 19 North, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.rodewayinnclearwaterflorida.com/

Golden Villa Motel – Apartments
Address: 225 Coronado Dr, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.goldenvillaclearwater.com/

Where to Eat

Island Way Grill Inc.
Address: 20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.islandwaygrill.com/

Mirage Restaurant
Address: 2284 Gulf Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.miragerestaurant.com/

O’Keefe’s Family Tavern & Grill
Address: 1219 S Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.okeefestavernonline.com/

Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza
Address: 1101 S. Fort Harrrison Ave., Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.cristinospizzeria.com/

Chiang Mai Thai & Sushi Bar
Address: 415 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.chiangmaithaiandsushi.com/

Cafe` Milano
Address: 105 North Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.bestcafemilano.com/index.htm

Bonefish Grill
Address: 2519 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.bonefishgrill.com/locator/details/clearwater-florida/

Joe’s Crab Shack
Address: 2730 Gulf To Bay Blvd Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.joescrabshack.com/locations/store/default.aspx?store=56

Mugs Grill & Bar
Address: 1250 South Missouri Ave., Clearwater, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://abesmugs.com/

Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
Address: 490 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.clearskybeachsidecafe.com/