Category Archives: Clearwater

Fort De Soto park – Florida USA

Fort De Soto park, located on the southern tip of Pinellas County Florida is without doubt one of Florida’s finest beaches.

The State park is an area of five keys covering 1,136 acres and boasting over 3 miles of pristine coral white gently slopped beaches,  acres of mangroves and of not forgetting the historic fort it self, worth a visit alone.

De Soto Beaches are frequently voted among the best in north america

Whilst at the park there is more than enough on offer to keep everyone in your group happy from fishing on one of the two piers, walking some of the 10 miles of self guided  trails, kayaking,  exploring the fort or for the beach lovers looking to relax there’s an abundance of beautiful spots on the sands to relax and listen to the gentle waves lapping the sands.

The beaches of De Soto also play host to nesting loggerhead turtles

The park also plays host to a variety of wildlife both on and of shore. Dolphins are often seen cruising along the shore line or playfully leaping around the pier. Whilst on the beach and walking the trails you have a high chance of seeing some of the 328 documented bird species which are either visiting or native to the park.

If you wish to stay in the tranquility that little bit longer the park also has some 238 camping pitches along with all the amenities to provide a comfortable over night stay.

Fort De Soto Cabin - TravelammoFort De Soto  is a truly unforgettable place and we recommend anyone visiting the Tampa bayClearwater-St Petersburg area find time to visit. Bring along a picnic or even a cooler full of meat, shrimp and fish to cook on one of the many onsite BBQ pits free to use, just don’t forget to pack the charcoal and please remember to clean up and dispose of the ashes carefully following the parks guidelines. For even bigger family gatherings there are also  picnic shelters with seating and BBQ areas although these need booking during peak times.

For the more active members of the group why not rent a Kayak and explore the mangroves, 7 miles of shoreline and inner bays on offer providing the perfect setting to leisurely paddle away. Bike rentals are also available should you want to explore on dry land.

Fort De Soto is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 3371.

Driving times are approximately 45 minutes from central Tampa and 20 minutes from St, Petersburg.

  • Restrooms available.
  • Plentiful parking.
  • Bait, souvenirs and concessions.
  • Two Fishing piers.
  • Boat launch and floating docks ( Permits required ).
  • Suitable for all ages.
  • Dog restrictions in place ( Facilities provided ).

For more information, bookings and permits  please visit  Pinellas County Parks and Recreation.

Travelammo Florida related articles:

  • Whats the best beach in Key West – Florida With a over a million tourists visiting Key West every year one of the most common questions is which is the best beach to visit whilst in Key West. As the majority of visitors to Key west are only in town ...
  • Take in the east coast of the USA – Drive I-95 Capital Hill Washington DCWhen holiday makers dream of a road trip in america, route 66 is usually the first hing that comes to mind. Although of course this is one of the most famous tourist drives in the United States, holidays makers planning ...
  • Daytona Beach Visitors Guide – Florida Daytona Beach SignSteeped with history the name Daytona Beach is know the world over. Probably most famous for its association with motor sports it is often considered one of the birth places of modern day American Motor racing.
  • Cocoa Beach Florida Visitors Guide Cocoa beach, east of Orlando, is one of Florida’s original holiday destinations. A popular beach day for holiday makers visiting and staying at the theme parks in Orlando, Cocoa is within easy reach of International Drive and the Theme Parks and provides ...
  • Eating Out in Key West Key West is famous for being the origin of the Key Lime Pie and Conch Fritters but did you know it offers so much more than that. Eating out is a big deal in Key West both before and after ...
  • Guide to I-95 Rest Areas, Service Areas and Welcome Centers I-95 is approximately 1850 miles in length and for anyone driving long sections of the Interstate might need to take a break, fill up with Gas or grab something to eat. I-95 like many Interstates has a good selection of rest ...
  • Everglades Safari Park – Florida Everglades Safari Park Sign FloridaAirboat Tours, Alligators and the Everglades. These three things are synonymous with Florida and probably on many a visitors to do list. Well, if your looking to tick these off whilst tagging on some food and a days adventure to ...
  • Ideas away from Disney when visiting Orlando clearwater beaches golden soft white sandsVacationing in Orlando spending two weeks in the theme parks may on the face of it seem like the perfect holiday, often more so for the children in the group than the adults. What most people fail to do is take ...
  • Clearwater-Florida Travel Guide clearwater beach and boardwalk floridaLined with coral sand beaches and beautiful state parks on the outer islands along its gulf coast, the area attracts millions of visitors looking for a relaxing break in the sun annually. Clearwater has far more to offer than ...
  • Guide to Bahia honda state park-Florida Keys Located on on the overseas highway right in the heart of the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the true beauty the keys has to offer. The park is surrounded by award winning beaches both on the ...
  • Tanger Outlet Locations Tanger Outlets is one of North Americas largest designer outlet shopping village chains. With locations all over the USA and a few in Canada. Many locations have over 100 stores representing some of the biggest names in global fashion, home wares and sporting goods. Prices ...
  • Clearwater Beach Visitor Guide – Florida clearwater beaches golden soft white sandsClearwater beach located on the west coast of Florida is one of Americas finest beach resorts. The soft sand beaches, warm waters and quality of the amenities have lead to Clearwater being ranked as one of Florida’s best beaches time ...
  • NASA – Kennedy Space Center – Florida The wonder of exploring the universe and space flight is something that never fails to intrigue everyone. You can guarantee that no matter what age or gender this statement is true, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about the ...
  • Tarpon Feeding at Robbies Marina – Florida Keys One of the Florida Keys most popular attractions, Robbies Marina is a must stop off on your journey on, off or along the keys. Located in Islamorada Robbie’s is home to the long time world famous opportunity to hand feed Tarpon. Yes ...
clearwater beaches golden soft white sands

Clearwater Beach Visitor Guide – Florida

Clearwater beach located on the west coast of Florida is one of Americas finest beach resorts. The soft sand beaches, warm waters and quality of the amenities have lead to Clearwater being ranked as one of Florida’s best beaches time and time again.

Easily accessible form Tampa via the inter-coastal highways, the beach resort is in easy reach for most travelers already in the Orlando and Tampa Bay Area. With any visit to Florida, a day trip here should be added to your itinerary.

Once you’ve arrived, Pier 60 is a good place to start and is surrounded by a good selection of shops, restaurants, clean toilets and showering facilities as well as children’s play areas for the younger members of the group.

clearwater beach and boardwalk floridaThe main beach area south of the pier includes a spotlessly clean Boardwalk lined with open showers and foot washes along with a snack bar, restaurant, toilets and a shop selling beach wears. During the evenings in the summer the Boardwalk comes to life with various street performers including fire jugglers and musicians.

clearwater beach evening entertainmentEvery Saturday evening during the summer months the pier plays host to a market with locals artists selling crafts, handmade home wares and jewelry. Once the sun has set the pier comes even more alive with the addition of a free open air movie.

memos pirate ship clearwaterClearwater beach is home to endless activities both on and off the water. The marina opposite the pier is the base for Fishing day trips, Jet boat rides out into the gulf, Para-sailing, dinner cruises and even a pirate ship adventure with Captain Memos Pirate Cruise. For experiences on land there is Clearwater Segway adventure tours which will guide along the streets, around the marina and highlight some of the features and historic landmarks. Full tuition is given.

On the main road, Gulf view boulevard which runs parallel to the beach there are numerous shops as well as a small selection within the main marina car park. Directly opposite the board walk there are some large beachwear and sports shops one of which has a full size indoor surf simulator.


The Clearwater area also offers some fabulous dinning especially seafood. Restaurants like Crabby Bills within the Marina and Frenchys South Beach Cafe are well know and highly recommended for their local seafood dishes. All along the main road there are numerous other snack bars, cafes and other restaurants including Hooters and McDonald’s.

For Shopping then head north from the roundabout at the center along Mandalay Ave which is lined with boutique style shops and the famous Ron Jon Surf shop as well as useful stores like CVS pharmacy, handy if you need to grab some extra sun screen. The street is also the main street if you looking for something to eat home to some 20 restaurants and bars. ATM’s and a few banks are also located along the avenue.

To get yourself to Clearwater beach, the easiest route if arriving from Tampa by road is taking the state highway 60 W Courtney Campbell Causeway across the Tampa Bay which starts next to the Tampa International Airport. After crossing the Causeway continue to follow highway 60 which will lead you through Clearwater, eventually crossing the Clearwater Memorial Causeway until you arrive at a round about ( a novelty in the American road system ) directly opposite the pier and near several car parks. The majority of large hotels in the area are also close by with the Hilton Clearwater Beach next to the pier and the Hyatt Regency Beach Resort and Spa to the left of the junction.

Events and Highlights:

    • Annual Road Race
    • Free Movies from pier 60

Popular attractions:

Hotels:

    • Hilton Clearwater Beach
    • Pier house 60 Marina Hotel
    • Hyatt Recency Clearwater beach resort and spa
    • Barefoot Bay Resort and Marina

Parking:

There are two main carparks close to pier 60 at each end of the Boardwalk with pay and display parking. There is also a private car park between the Hyatt and the pier 60 car park. If you can get into one of the authority run Pay and display car parks.

Map of Clearwater Car parks 

Nearby Locations and points of interest:

External Links:

More Florida Articles:

  • NASA – Kennedy Space Center – Florida The wonder of exploring the universe and space flight is something that never fails to intrigue everyone. You can guarantee that no matter what age or gender this statement is true, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about the ...
  • Tanger Outlet Locations Tanger Outlets is one of North Americas largest designer outlet shopping village chains. With locations all over the USA and a few in Canada. Many locations have over 100 stores representing some of the biggest names in global fashion, home wares and sporting goods. Prices ...
  • Guide to Bahia honda state park-Florida Keys Located on on the overseas highway right in the heart of the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the true beauty the keys has to offer. The park is surrounded by award winning beaches both on the ...
  • Ideas away from Disney when visiting Orlando clearwater beaches golden soft white sandsVacationing in Orlando spending two weeks in the theme parks may on the face of it seem like the perfect holiday, often more so for the children in the group than the adults. What most people fail to do is take ...
  • Fort De Soto park – Florida USA Covering 1,136 acres and boasting over 3 miles of pristine coral white gently slopped beaches, acres of mangroves, historic fort and
  • Tarpon Feeding at Robbies Marina – Florida Keys One of the Florida Keys most popular attractions, Robbies Marina is a must stop off on your journey on, off or along the keys. Located in Islamorada Robbie’s is home to the long time world famous opportunity to hand feed Tarpon. Yes ...
  • Everglades Safari Park – Florida Everglades Safari Park Sign FloridaAirboat Tours, Alligators and the Everglades. These three things are synonymous with Florida and probably on many a visitors to do list. Well, if your looking to tick these off whilst tagging on some food and a days adventure to ...
  • Eating Out in Key West Key West is famous for being the origin of the Key Lime Pie and Conch Fritters but did you know it offers so much more than that. Eating out is a big deal in Key West both before and after ...
  • Whats the best beach in Key West – Florida With a over a million tourists visiting Key West every year one of the most common questions is which is the best beach to visit whilst in Key West. As the majority of visitors to Key west are only in town ...
  • Cocoa Beach Florida Visitors Guide Cocoa beach, east of Orlando, is one of Florida’s original holiday destinations. A popular beach day for holiday makers visiting and staying at the theme parks in Orlando, Cocoa is within easy reach of International Drive and the Theme Parks and provides ...
  • Daytona Beach Visitors Guide – Florida Daytona Beach SignSteeped with history the name Daytona Beach is know the world over. Probably most famous for its association with motor sports it is often considered one of the birth places of modern day American Motor racing.
  • Guide to I-95 Rest Areas, Service Areas and Welcome Centers I-95 is approximately 1850 miles in length and for anyone driving long sections of the Interstate might need to take a break, fill up with Gas or grab something to eat. I-95 like many Interstates has a good selection of rest ...
  • Take in the east coast of the USA – Drive I-95 Capital Hill Washington DCWhen holiday makers dream of a road trip in america, route 66 is usually the first hing that comes to mind. Although of course this is one of the most famous tourist drives in the United States, holidays makers planning ...
  • Clearwater-Florida Travel Guide clearwater beach and boardwalk floridaLined with coral sand beaches and beautiful state parks on the outer islands along its gulf coast, the area attracts millions of visitors looking for a relaxing break in the sun annually. Clearwater has far more to offer than ...
clearwater beach and boardwalk florida

Clearwater-Florida Travel Guide

Situated to the west of the Tampa Bay, Clearwater is a popular holiday destination for both international and national tourists.

Lined with coral sand beaches  and beautiful state parks on the outer islands along its gulf coast, the area attracts millions of visitors looking for a relaxing break in the sun annually. Clearwater has far more to offer than just beaches, the area is renowned for its sporting activities both on and off the water, fishing, wildlife and fine dining.

For those looking for beaches though, there is no better location with the famous Clearwater Beach just over the memorial Bridge, the energetic Indian Rocks Beach to the south and the beautiful State parks of Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island.

If your looking for a gentle cruise and dinner on the water or maybe some deep see fishing the marina areas has lots of deals on offer. St Petersburg , south of Clearwater is also the location of the Tropicana Field Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team if your looking to watch a sporting event.

The area is also home to some of the area finest hotels and resorts in the Tampa bay area and is often a top destination for visitors to the city of Tampa being only a short drive over the Bay Bridges.

Top Local attractions and destinations:

More Travelammo related articles: