Clearwater, FL

Travel Guide

A crowded beach with people walking along the shore and buildings in the background.
A beach with a vintage telescope.
A crowded beach with people walking and swimming, with buildings and palm trees in the background.
A river with a boat docked at a pier, surrounded by greenery and palm trees.
A pathway leading to a sports field with a fence, surrounded by trees and a clear sky.

See the cradle of Scientology, visit the famous bottlenose dolphins from Dolphin Tale and try water sports at the stunning beaches.

Clearwater is a delightful beach town with all types of water sports activities and an entertaining pier area. It is also known across the globe as the headquarters of the mysterious and controversial Church of Scientology. Sunbathe on the gorgeous beaches and learn about the notorious religion of Tom Cruise and John Travolta in this intriguing town.

Among the town’s highlights is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is known for rescuing injured sea creatures. See the famous bottlenose dolphins Winter and Hope from the Dolphin Tale movie. Winter has a prosthetic replacement for her tail, which was caught in a crab trap line.

Get around the town center via the Suncoast Beach Trolley. Visit the majestic building of the Church of Scientology, which the religion considers a 21st-century cathedral. Drop in at the Church of Scientology Information Center to learn more about this enigmatic belief system.

Enjoy the picturesque scenery in the region while you practice your swing at Cove Cay Golf Course. Enjoy a meal at its grill restaurant against a picturesque backdrop of the lake and the bay. Bring your kids to Congo River Golf – Clearwater for a course of miniature golf that leads through waterfalls, caves and tropical rainforests.

Take advantage of the year-round warm weather with a trip to Pier 60. Note that August is particularly wet, with afternoon storms. Watch the lightning during tempests and the sunset on a clear day. At Clearwater Beach rent Jet Skis and kayaks to take out on the water.

The town is located on the western outskirts of Tampa in the western section of central Florida. Fly to the Saint Petersburg Clearwater International Airport or the Tampa International Airport, a 30-minute drive east across Old Tampa Bay from the town. See some of Florida’s other famous nearby towns, such as Largo, St. Petersburg and Palm Harbor.

Clearwater is a haven for golfers, beachgoers and Scientologists.

Where to stay in Clearwater

Find the best Clearwater areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Clearwater
Learn more about Clearwater

Downtown Clearwater

While visiting Downtown Clearwater, you might make a stop by sights like Coachman Park and Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.

North Greenwood

While North Greenwood might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Coachman Park and TD Ballpark.

Feather Sound

Beaches, restaurants, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Feather Sound. Check out Tampa Bay or Feather Sound Country Club while you're exploring the area.

Spring Branch

When in Spring Branch, you can plan a visit to TD Ballpark and Dunedin Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Old Clearwater Bay

While Old Clearwater Bay might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Coachman Park and TD Ballpark.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Pete-Clearwater Airpt

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Pete-Clearwater Airpt

3 out of 5
Clearwater FL
The price is $72 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$72 total
per night
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Clearwater. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Pete-Clearwater Airpt
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Clearwater Central

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Clearwater Central

3 out of 5
Clearwater FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is $98 total per night from Sep 9 to Sep 10
$98 total
per night
Sep 9 - Sep 10
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Clearwater. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Clearwater Central
Extended Stay America Suites Clearwater Carillon Park

Extended Stay America Suites Clearwater Carillon Park

2.5 out of 5
2311 Ulmerton Rd Clearwater FL
The price is $70 total per night from Sep 5 to Sep 6
$70 total
per night
Sep 5 - Sep 6
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Clearwater. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6/10 (1,002 reviews)
"Cuando llegamos no tenían habitaciones, aun asi teniendo reservacion, el baño estaba en mal estado, la cama tiene un hueco y el sofá cama se le sentían los sprines, el desayuno pésimo no tenian nada cuando fuimos."

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2026

Extended Stay America Suites Clearwater Carillon Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
InTown Suites Extended Stay Clearwater FL

InTown Suites Extended Stay Clearwater FL

2.5 out of 5
2833 ROOSEVELT BLVD Clearwater FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Clearwater. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cove Cay Golf Club and Tampa Bay Grand Prix ...
InTown Suites Extended Stay Clearwater FL
Family Getaway – 4-BR House w/ Parking & Patio

Family Getaway – 4-BR House w/ Parking & Patio

Clearwater FL
Stay at this vacation home in Clearwater. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pier 60 Park and Clearwater Beach are located ...
Family Getaway – 4-BR House w/ Parking & Patio
Twin Oaks Retreat w/ Heated Saltwater Pool, Games, & Near Clearwater Beach

Twin Oaks Retreat w/ Heated Saltwater Pool, Games, & Near Clearwater Beach

Clearwater FL
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Clearwater. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Sand Key Park and Pier ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Very clean everything worked. Loved the towels that were available. My grandsons loved the pool. The open layout we loved. Those shower heads OMG!"

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2026

Twin Oaks Retreat w/ Heated Saltwater Pool, Games, & Near Clearwater Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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