Sunny Florida Found in Clearwater and Tampa Bay

Author: Kirby Collins

With warm, sunny, beaches, fabulous sunsets and crystal clear water, Clearwater is a great place for a weekend getaway or a week at the beach. Clearwater is located just outside Tampa, Florida and visitors will find plenty to do year round. For those into water sports, Clearwater Pass offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Boaters will find the calm clear waters of the Gulf a great alternative to the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A place where fishermen often target, Snook, Tarpon, Redfish and Sea Trout.

Another option is to rent a personal watercraft. It's a great way to explore the area. Nature lovers may rent a kayak or canoe so they can get up close to birds and other wildlife.

Try a Pirate Cruise, it's a great way to see the Gulf of Mexico and not have to do anything but enjoy the ride and scenery. If it's a party you're looking for, try the Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. Every afternoon they throw a Sunset Party similar to the one at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida. The Pier is also a great place for a drink or a long walk down the pier. Fishing is also great at the pier with anglers targeting Snook, Drum, Redfish, Pompano, Croakers, Sheepshead and the occasional Cobia.

A sidewalk snakes along Clearwater Beach and is lit at night for walkers, bike riders and roller bladders. It's relatively safe and a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the beach.

Another popular activity is Para Sailing. Many tour operators offer both para sailing and the classic nature tours, who knows you may see a manatee or dolphin on your journey.

While in Tampa, be sure to check out what it has to offer. Baseball season features the Tampa Bay Rays and football season is when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play.

For theme park lovers, check out Busch Gardens. Home to over 2000 animals, Busch Gardens is a great spot for children and adults alike. Their newest adventure Junglala features two rare animal encounters, Bengal tigers and orangutans. There are also two new rides, Jungle Flyers is a zip line experience for young adventurers above the tree tops and Wild Surge launches riders out of a mountain crater above a waterfall for a view of the village below.

If you're ready for real action head over to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. With over 150,000 square feet of gaming open 24/7/365 this place will get your heart pumping. There are over 50 poker tables and 3,200 gaming machines with everything from slots to poker. Other popular games include Black-Jack and Baccarat. While you're there you'll enjoy all the Rock and Roll memorabilia and dining experiences like Council Oak Steaks & Seafood or Rock n Raw Sushi Bar. If you just wanna keep playing, enjoy their upscale food court with basic burgers and pizza or unique items like plantains and black beans and rice from Cafe Cabana.

Wherever you go in the Tampa - Clearwater area you'll enjoy it all, from the urban areas to the beaches.

About the Author:
If you are looking for one of the best Florida beaches, head to the Gulf Coast. With wide white sand beaches and plenty of things to do in Clearwater Beach, you'll want to come back again.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Sunny Florida Found in Clearwater and Tampa Bay

Moving to Tampa Bay? Overview of the Tampa, St Pete, Clearwater Florida Areas

Florida's Suncoast is where you will find the picturesque beachfront communities of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. It isn't unusual for this trio of pristine coastal real estate to be referred to as one area. In fact, the combination of these municipalities, and their proximity to the bay, is more commonly knows as: "The Tampa Bay Area".

The treasure-trio of Tampa - St. Pete - Clearwater share in having award-winning gemstones like sandy, premier beaches and plenty of water related recreational activities. But each city also has its own eclectic flavor that is reflected throughout the various neighborhoods that exist in these towns, and also via the vibrant residents living there.

Tampa, as previously mentioned, is situated near the western coast of Florida. The city of Tampa is located in Hillsborough County and serves as Hillsborough's county seat. Tampa is bordered by the waters of Old Tampa Bay, and Hillsborough Bay, which converge, forming "Tampa Bay," as it flows towards the Gulf of Mexico. Tampa consists of approximately 112 miles of exquisitely beautiful land and 58 miles of the purest water.

Tampa has world famous attractions such as: South Tampa's Hyde Park, with upscale shops, theaters, and restaurants. The Seminole Gaming Palace: A casino located on the Seminole Indian Reservation. The Tampa Grand Prix: An entertainment complex with two race tracks, a game room, and two separate 18-hole miniature golf courses. These and other attractions help to fuel Tampa's economy.

Employment in Tampa is primarily in the tourism and services industries, although more and more high tech companies are relocating their headquarters here. New homes in the area can be found starting around $200,000. Condos are plentiful in Tampa and prices are reasonable and negotiable. Tampa has many golf course communities and large luxury home sites too.

West of Tampa is the city of Clearwater, located in Pinellas County. Clearwater is the county seat of Pinellas County and is comprised of 38 miles of land and 12 miles of water. Clearwater is home to two of the nation's top beaches, Clearwater Beach and Sand Key Beach. Clearwater, Florida is steeped in history dating back to the native peoples that inhabited this extraordinarily, beautiful peninsula located on Florida's western coast, and the Spanish explorers who first encountered them in their world explorations.

Employment in Clearwater is bright with many high tech jobs available. The education, healthcare, and manufacturing industries also fuel this cities economy. Small condo prices begin around $70,000 and small single family homes start at roughly $180,000 and can go up into the millions for large estate size waterfront property. The medium home price currently is about $250,000. There are many fantastic properties available in Clearwater for first time home buyers, those relocating from the north or for anyone wanting to upgrade their lifestyle. The cost of living is estimated to be some 5% less than the national average for costs of living.

St. Petersburg, also located in Pinellas County, Florida is most often referred to by its shorter moniker: St. Pete. This city has approximately 59 miles of premium land and about 73 miles of water. The buildings throughout this city display some of the most spectacularly detailed architecture and craftsmanship to be found anywhere else. Downtown's waterfront not only adds charm to this city, it is where you can board a boat to take in some dolphin watching for a fun-filled day. Tourism, education, and healthcare are just some of the employment opportunities in St. Pete. New homes and condos can be found starting at just over $150,000 depending on the area. There are many luxurious waterfront homes in St. Pete and many retirement areas as well.

The whole of Tampa Bay is well served by the world-class air transportation found at Tampa International, and Clearwater / St. Pete Airports. Railways, bridges, and roadways also serve residents and tourist.

The trio of Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg with its combined pristine coastlines, sandy beaches, and the infusion of each city's own unique flavors, creates a treasure chest of gemstones that sparkle brilliantly under Florida's sun-kissed, semi-tropical horizon.

Bob Lipply is a top Real Estate Broker Associate in the Tampa Real Estate area. He and his team have been helping families relocate to Florida and on the selling end get top dollar for their homes with great success. Lipply Real Estate also specializes in Clearwater Real Estate, visit his website where you can search the MLS for up to date available homes for sale.

Have a great Florida vacation!