Best things to do in Clearwater

Spend a day on the white sands and in the gentle waters of Clearwater Beach, noted for its proximity to restaurants, shops, and hotels. You can choose to fish, kayak, swim, or snorkel in the calm surf, or stroll along the waterfront promenade and hop on a dolphin-watching cruise in the gulf. Quieter and less crowded than many of its neighbors farther south, this beach attracts visitors interested in grabbing a good spot on the silky sand and spending a tranquil day in and out of the warm water. Take advantage of the drinking fountains, shower nozzles, and bicycle paths, all part of a 2008 upgrade to this public beach.

Witness Florida's bottleneck dolphins playing in their natural habitat on a cruise along the coast. Setting off along the western shoreline, you'll bask in picturesque scenery as you make your way to Clearwater Beach for a chance to catch some rays looking out across the Gulf of Mexico. Your experienced crew will guide your sightseeing boat to some prime dolphin and whale watching spots, so all you have to do is keep your eyes peeled for these creatures in the glistening turquoise sea. For an extra thrill, opt for a speedboat ride across the waves. Full-day tours often include hotel pickup and shuttle to Clearwater Beach--shorter options take a couple of hours.

The world's largest vacation resort, Walt Disney World Resort features four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and a sprawling shopping and entertainment area. The most visited resort on the planet, this vast entertainment complex attracts more than 50 million visitors each year. Developed by Walt Disney in the 1960s, the complex is now a self-contained city spread over an area of at least 171 sq km (66 sq mi). There are 24 on-site hotels. Grab a free resort map to plan out your days and evenings, balancing out shopping and entertainment with adrenaline-inducing roller-coaster escapades and calmer rides. Skip the long lines by purchasing your ride and show tickets in advance, and save money by making your dining reservations online.

A fishing pier that extends more than 304.8 m (1,000 ft) into the sea, Pier 60 hosts sport-fishing enthusiasts throughout the year. The bait house on the pier carries all the tackle and gear you need for angling. An abundant collection of species swim the waters, including spotted and silver trout, Spanish mackerel, snook, snappers, redfish, tarpon, sheepshead, flounder, and jacks. Along the pier you'll find six covered pavilions and telescopes that look out over the water. The beach offers facilities and family activities.

As the home of an artificial reef, Sand Key Park provides opportunities for scuba diving and fishing. Manmade materials are placed in the water and marine life takes over--barnacles and algae attach themselves and turn the underwater area into a haven for fish and other animals. A salt marsh further enhances the experience, bringing in herons, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and other birds to the area. Look for seashells in the shallow waters, which abound in this environment. You can reserve a picnic shelter with a grill, and there's a playground at the site. Check out kayak and bicycle rental options for exploring the sea or trails along the coast. Dog owners can take their furry friends to a special designated park for dogs.

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Hosting nearly 20 million guests each year, Magic Kingdom Park ranks among the most-visited theme parks in the world. Part of the world's biggest amusement park, which covers a vast area twice as large as Manhattan, this theme park is dedicated to fairy tales and Disney characters. The park's centerpiece is a replica of a fairy-tale castle from the 1950s' film "Cinderella." Six magical lands surround the castle, featuring boat and roller coaster rides, games, jungle cruises, train adventures, shooting arcades, and stage shows. Explore the themed lands of this wheel-shaped venue using Cinderella's castle as your hub. A narrow-gauge railroad runs along the park's perimeter and provides an excellent overview of the park before you start exploring.

More than just a marine animal attraction, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured animals. The aquarium opened in 1972 with a mission to educate the public about the importance of animal conservation. The aquarium took over a facility that once housed a local water treatment plant. You can learn about the aquarium's continued efforts to rehabilitate sick and injured animals by visiting its working hospital, which houses river otters, bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Get involved and stay in touch with your favorite marine mammal by becoming a friend, protector, or guardian of one of the aquarium's permanent residents. Check online for adoption levels and animals currently in need of financial support.

Walk, bike, or skate from south Clearwater Beach to Pier 60 Park on a paved promenade lined by mangrove trees. Beach Walk runs along the white sand beach and in front of the stores, restaurants, and hotels on the east side of South Gulfview Boulevard. Amenities include drinking fountains, shower nozzles for rinsing off sand, bicycle racks, and even turtle-friendly lighting.

The largest single Disney theme park in the world, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park dedicates more than 200 hectares (500 acres) to the animal conservation philosophy once pioneered by Walt Disney. Divided into seven themed areas, the park blends elements of a theme park and zoo, offering rides through the diverse worlds of wild animals. You can go on a safari through Sahara or navigate a wild river in Asia, surrounded by zebras, lions, tigers, bats, iguanas, giant anteaters, wallabies, and other exotic creatures. Most animals are real, although some are animatronic. The park also offers an adrenaline-junkie's roller coaster, as well as carnival-style rides and games in an area designed to recall the roadside attractions once scattered throughout the country.