Pier 60Sunsets at Pier 60 & the Marine Aquarium
Catch the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 festival of buskers and craft stalls, then meet the rescued dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Clearwater, United States
Pier 60 sunsets · Marine Aquarium · Gulf Coast city breaks
4.6 · 9,000+ Clearwater trips booked by Canadians
Flight + Hotel · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Clearwater
7-night city breaks with return flights from Canada into St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE)
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Clearwater
Clearwater sits on a barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast, a laid-back city built around the palm-lined promenade of Pier 60, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium — home of Winter the dolphin from the film Dolphin Tale — and the buzzing bars and theatres of the downtown Cleveland Street District. It's an easy base for exploring greater Tampa Bay, from the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg to the Greek sponge docks of Tarpon Springs. Flights land at St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE), just 20 minutes away.
Clearwater, FloridaClimate
Climate
17–33°C · warm Gulf Coast sun
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Mild, dry winters are ideal for exploring; summers are hot and humid with afternoon showers.
Currency
US Dollar
1 CAD ≈ 0.73 USD · cards accepted everywhere
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport; no visa or ESTA for Canadians by air
Top Experiences in Clearwater
Pier 60
DowntownCleveland Street District Dining & Nightlife
Explore downtown's Cleveland Street strip of breweries, restaurants, and the historic Capitol Theatre, plus concerts at the waterfront Coachman Park amphitheatre.
Day tripTarpon Springs Greek Sponge Docks
Ride north to the historic Greek community of Tarpon Springs for sponge-diving heritage, bakeries, and authentic Mediterranean dining along the docks.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport & entry: Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
Currency: The US Dollar (USD) is used everywhere. Cards are widely accepted; keep small bills for tips, valets, and rideshares.
Power & plugs: The US uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada, so your devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Clearwater runs on Eastern Time (ET) — the same time zone as Toronto and Montreal, so no adjustment needed.
Getting around: A car or rideshare is easiest between the beach, downtown, and day trips; the free Jolley Trolley links Clearwater Beach with the Cleveland Street District.
Best time to visit Clearwater
Dec – AprPeak season
Warm, dry, and sunny — the busiest window with the most events and highest rates.
May – JunShoulder season
Rising warmth before the summer crowds, with good value and long evenings.
Jul – AugHot & humid
Peak heat and humidity with frequent afternoon showers, but the lowest package prices.
Sep – NovShoulder season
Easing heat and thinner crowds make autumn a relaxed time to explore the city.
Where to stay
Clearwater zones & neighbourhoods
Where you base yourself shapes your trip — from the lively waterfront near Pier 60 to the walkable downtown district and quieter island streets. Here's how to choose.
Clearwater Beach
Barrier island · Coronado Dr
The lively waterfront core around Pier 60, with the promenade, marina, restaurants, and the main hotels all within walking distance.
Best for
- First-timers
- Dining
- Nightly events
Downtown & Cleveland Street
Mainland Clearwater
The city's cultural heart with breweries, the Capitol Theatre, Coachman Park concerts, and better-value hotels a short trolley ride from the water.
Best for
- Nightlife
- Live music
- Value
Island Estates
Between beach & mainland
A calm residential island home to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, midway between the beach and downtown with easy causeway access.
Best for
- Families
- Aquarium visits
- Quiet base
Sand Key
South of the pass
A quieter barrier island just south over the bridge, with low-rise resorts, a marina, and a relaxed pace away from the busy core.
Best for
- Couples
- Peace & quiet
- Longer stays
Beyond the city
Day trips & excursions from Clearwater
Clearwater is the perfect base for exploring Tampa Bay. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel tour desk.
Art & CultureThe Dalí Museum, St. Petersburg
Half day · 5 hrs~40 km south · 40 min by car
Tour the world's largest collection of Salvador Dalí works in a striking waterfront museum, then wander St. Pete's mural-filled downtown.
Insider tips
- Book timed entry online
- Pair with the pier for lunch
HeritageTarpon Springs Sponge Docks
Half day · 4 hrs~25 km north · 30 min by car
Explore the historic Greek sponge-diving town with a boat demonstration, bakeries, and authentic Mediterranean dining along the docks.
Insider tips
- Try the loukoumades
- Catch a sponge-diving demo
Theme ParkBusch Gardens Tampa Bay
Full day · 9 hrs~50 km east · 50 min by coach
Spend the day on world-class coasters and African wildlife encounters at Tampa's combined theme park and zoo.
Insider tips
- Arrive at opening for coasters
- Bring sun protection
Food & NightlifeYbor City Historic District, Tampa
Half day · 5 hrs~45 km east · 45 min by car
Wander Tampa's Cuban-heritage quarter for hand-rolled cigars, the century-old Columbia Restaurant, and lively brick-lined nightlife.
Insider tips
- Order a Cuban sandwich
- Ride the free TECO streetcar
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Clearwater travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Clearwater?
No. Canadian citizens travelling to the US by air need only a valid passport — no visa or ESTA is required.
Which airport do I fly into for Clearwater?
Most packages use St. Pete–Clearwater International (PIE), about 20 minutes from downtown; nearby Tampa International (TPA) is another option.
How long is the flight from Canada to Clearwater?
Seasonal direct flights are about 3 hours 15 minutes from Toronto to St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE).
When is the best time to visit Clearwater?
December to April brings warm, dry, sunny weather and the most events. July and August are hot and humid but cheapest.
How do I get around Clearwater without a car?
The free Jolley Trolley connects Clearwater Beach with the downtown Cleveland Street District, and rideshares are widely available for day trips.
What day trips can I take from Clearwater?
Popular day trips include the Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, the Tarpon Springs sponge docks, Busch Gardens, and Ybor City in Tampa.
What currency should I bring?
Clearwater uses US Dollars (USD). Cards are accepted everywhere, but keep small bills for tips, valets, and rideshares.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like the Dalí Museum and Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks to your booking at checkout.