Clearwater and the surrounding areas have a plethora of fun and interesting outdoor activities to enjoy. Kids will love the exciting pirate tours aboard a proper pirate ship with face painting and games. The Clearwater marine aquarium has some beautiful sea creatures and amazing dolphin shows while Fort De Soto Park offers some of the best beaches and wildlife for the whole family to enjoy.

Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise
Hop aboard The Pirate’s Ransom and sail off the coast of Clearwater to enjoy two hours of family entertainment. The friendly pirate deck hands will keep the kids happy with tales from the sea, treasure hunts, face painting, fun water battles and musical games. Adults can join in too or sit back and enjoy a cool beer or glass of wine. Phone: +1 727 446 2587; www.captainmemo.com

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a fantastic organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating marine life coupled with educating and showcasing animals to the public. There are exciting dolphin shows, hands-on petting of stingrays and up close viewings of sea turtles and otters. Kids and adults will enjoy a whole day at the aquarium whilst learning endless facts about the animals. The park is located on Windward Passage on the Clearwater Beach Island. Phone: +1 727 441 1790

Fort De Soto Park
Situated in the southwest corner of Mullet Key, Fort De Soto Park is made up from five interconnecting islands with a plethora of fun activities to enjoy. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in America with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. There is an interesting history, with the area used as a fort during the Spanish-American war as well as the being the practice area for the pilot who dropped the bomb on Hiroshima during the Second World War. Camping can be enjoyed coupled with an array of outdoor activities including fishing, swimming and trekking. Phone: +1 727 582 2267

Sunken Gardens
The Sunken Gardens is one of Florida’s oldest and most famous attractions. The botanical gardens are home to over 500 species of flora and fauna of tropical and sub-tropical climates. Beautiful cascading waterfalls and freshwater lakes can be enjoyed along the numerous walking trails. There is also a Japanese garden, cactus garden and butterfly garden with over 300 native species of butterfly. Phone: +1 727 551 3102

The Children’s Museum
Also known as Great Explorations, the Children’s Museum is a fantastic place to visit that will keep the kids entertained for hours. There is an array of fascinating shows and exhibits which ensure a great learning experience with hands-on activities and fun displays. There are also night time events where the kids are entertained with educational games whilst parents can enjoy dinner and drinks. Phone: +1 727 821 8992; www.greatexplorations.org/

Clearwater boasts some interesting cultural sites and activities to enjoy whilst visiting the sunny city. Egmont Key State Park has a beautiful lighthouse and a host of wildlife to see. The Royal Theatre is great for catching a show and the adjoining museum is fascinating with memorabilia from past performers. One of the most exciting festivals in Florida is the Clearwater Jazz Festival held every October with numerous jazz acts playing from all over the world.

Clearwater Jazz Festival
Every October during the middle of the month, the Clearwater Jazz Festival is held. The festival draws tens of thousands of visitors to the city with concerts held daily on portable stages throughout the streets. With plenty of good food, drinks and music the festival is one of Clearwater’s yearly highlights. Phone: +1 727 461 5200; www.clearwaterjazz.com

Clearwater Museum
The Clearwater Museum is a performing arts museum that showcases an array of instruments, and history tours of the Capitol Theatre. Numerous big name stars have played at the theatre including Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Ginger Rogers, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin. There are thousands of photographs from shows and concerts held in the last century along with memorabilia and fascinating stories. Phone: +1 727 441 8868

Egmont Key State Park
Located off the coast of Clearwater and only accessible by private boat, Egmont Key State Park is not only a wildlife refuge but has a rich history, having been used as a camp for captured Seminoles during the Seminole War in the 1800s. Fort Dade was built on the island in 1898 and is an interesting attraction with much history. There is also an impressive lighthouse which has stood since 1858, great fishing spots and beautiful trails with picnic areas along the way. Phone: +1 727 893 2627

Royalty Theatre
Located in downtown Clearwater on Cleveland Street, the Royalty Theatre is a historic centre for performing arts in the local area. Fantastic live shows are featured, from Broadway musicals to symphony orchestras. Great live jazz is played on Friday nights by some of the country’s top musicians. Phone: +1 727 441 8868; www.royaltytheatre.org/royalty.html

St Nicholas Boat Line
This interesting boat tour leaves on a beautiful 15-metre Greek cruiser which explores the waterways near to Tarpon Springs showing the historic sponge diving industry. See how natural sponge is harvested with a diver in traditional helmet and suit reaching the seabed and bringing live sponge to the surface before extracting the natural sponge that you see in the shops. Tours leave between 10.00 and 16.30 year round. Phone: +1 727 942 6425

Visitors in downtown Clearwater are spoilt for choice with restaurants, cafés and eateries. You will find a plethora of cuisines and flavours from around the world including: Italian, French, Columbian, Mexican, Portuguese, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Moroccan and Indian. There is also an abundance of fresh seafood eateries, Southern American barbeque grills and fast-food diners.

Being located along the Gulf of Mexico ensures that there is fresh seafood every day. With year round warm weather the city is famous for alfresco eating along the beautiful waterways of Clearwater Harbour. For a special meal that you will not forget, Savant Fine Dining is an impressive restaurant that rates with some of the best in the country.

If you enjoy shopping you will love Clearwater’s selection of retail outlets and markets. Throughout the downtown area there are endless boutiques and specialty shops selling everything from designer brands to antiques and home wares. There are also some fantastic sprawling shopping malls and villages with a mix of big-name shops and small independent outlets.

Along the beachfront and main promenade there are outdoor vendors and flea markets selling handmade jewellery, souvenirs and art. If you cannot find something in Clearwater, nearby St Petersburg is awash with thousands of shops and retail outlets.