Domenico Convertini
The pristine sand and surf along Clearwater Beach.
It’s no secret that Florida is a prime snowbird destination. It has the ideal weather southbound RVers crave with many RV parks, excellent fishing, numerous golf courses, family attractions, and outlet shopping. It’s a U.S. State that attracted approximately 3.6 million Canadian visitors in 2019 (based on preliminary figures). Although that statistic decreased in 2020, it’s more than likely to rise to new levels given the opening of the U.S. border and fewer Covid-19 restrictions.
With so much to experience, the toughest choices to make before visiting the Sunshine State are where to go, what to do, and where to stay. For many snowbirds, these decisions are simple. Florida has many practical RV parks and the convenience of never having to travel very far to enjoy sand and surf or any other coastal and inland attractions. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why Clearwater and St. Petersburg are such popular areas for Canadians every winter.
Clearwater, which is a barrier island spanning 5 km (3 mi), and St. Petersburg, located just to the south between Tampa and the Gulf of Mexico, are known for their award-winning beaches, natural preserves, museums, various communities and more.
City of St. Petersburg
Take a relaxing stroll or leisurely bike ride along St. Pete’s scenic waterfront.
For instance, before exploring the two region’s exciting natural attractions, you and your family will want to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the historic Capitol Theatre, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach (and the amazing beach itself) or the Cleveland Street District with its chic shopping and dining options. Toronto Blue Jay fans will also like the area as the ball club trains every spring in Dunedin (about 11 minutes from Clearwater and 30 minutes from St. Petersburg).
St. Petersburg, too, has several sites to see. Known for its thriving art scene, many districts will attract art aficionados including the Waterfront Museum District with its trendy shopping and dining plus the galleries and museums. There’s the popular Dalí Museum where you can admire the surrealist works of this famed artist, in addition to the Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg Museum of History, Museum of Fine Arts, and the Dale Chihuly glass collection. One of the newest places to check out is The St. Pete’s Pier, which was reconstructed in 2020 and is the ideal place to bike, walk, dine and shop.
Rob Bixby
There are RV parks for every preference and budget throughout the area. Some are comparable to five-star resorts.
Swimming, Surfing and Boating
The St. Petersburg/Clearwater area is a sea lover’s paradise with more than 56 km (35 mi) of sand beaches and 966 km (600 mi) of shoreline. Adding to the thrill is the typically calm Gulf of Mexico that offers excellent swimming and skimboarding from Pass-a-Grille Beach to Honeymoon Island State Park. Or, visit Egmont Key that’s just off the coast and accessible by ferry or private boat where you can snorkel over the ruins of Fort Dade, a Civil War-era fort.
With the ideal conditions, you - and the many other surfers and boogie boarders - can catch great waves at Sunset Beach or make your own by renting a jet ski. Rentals and a number of vendors are located in the area (as well as at most of the developed beaches in the region) and at John's Pass Marina about 3 km (2 mi) up the coast.
If you prefer no-wake zones, there are placid waters for canoeing and kayaking as well. Try paddling in Caladesi Island State Park near Clearwater or around St. Petersburg's Weedon Island Preserve. Both are popular and scenic. You’ll also want to make the short trip to Tarpon Springs and check out the mangroves and other natural attractions on the paddling trail in Fred Howard Park. Another great day trip is kayaking to Anclote Key Preserve State Park where you can explore its lighthouse and enjoy its pristine, undeveloped beaches. You won’t regret it.
Melvin Buddy Baker
Fishing at the pier along Clearwater Beach promises a fun day.
Should you and your family want to further explore the Gulf, chartered sailboat cruises are available from Clearwater Beach Marina or perhaps man your own vessel as rentals are available at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key. To launch a boat on the Gulf, there are several public ramps including the 244 m (800 ft) launch at Fort De Soto Park, which is further down the coast from both Clearwater and St. Petersburg.
You’ll find action below the water’s surface as well. Fishing is enjoyed all year and there’s always a charter for hire to go after redfish and tarpon (when in season). An alternative would be staying on shore and casting a line from Pier 60 in Clearwater, the St. Petersburg Pier, in Skyway Fishing Pier State Park or the Gulf and Bay piers at Fort DeSoto Park. If you’re serious about this pastime, try wading in from shore at hot spots like Weedon Island Preserve, Fort De Soto Park (that has almost 11 km (7 mi) of shore access), Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island State Park.
City of St Petersburg
Piers for fishing are located all along this coast, including the one in Bay Vista Park in St. Pete’s.
Hiking, Biking and Birding
Although water sports are a big attraction in the area, you don't have to get in it or on it to experience outdoor adventure. Whether you prefer 10-speeds or tandems, there are kilometres of bike paths inland and along the water's edge. For instance, The Fred E. Marquis Pinellas Trail stretches from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs and its paved path leads through neighbourhoods, downtown districts and former orange groves - no motorized vehicles are allowed. Fort DeSoto Park also has 11 km (7 mi) of bike trails with a variety of rentals at its gift shop.
To learn all about the ecology in this region, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Weedon Island Preserve, Brooker Creek Preserve and Sawgrass Lake Park have education centres or take a scenic stroll on one of the boardwalks to get up close and personal with Mother Nature. Birders will love Boca Ciega Millennium Park in Seminole, which is part of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Great Florida Birding Trail. Some of the stops along this famed route include Honeymoon Island State Park, Fort De Soto Park and Caladesi Island State Park.
Parasailing and Panoramic Views
If your nerves are up for it, float high above the Gulf of Mexico under a colourful parachute as parasailing offers an eagle's-eye-view of the coast and on clear days, you can see Tampa Bay. Parasail operators are located on many of the developed beaches including Madeira, St. Pete and Clearwater.
For more excitement, Sand Key and the Sunshine Skyway are common grounds for windsurfing and kiteboarding. To further hone your skills or even learn a new sport, the North Beach Windsurfing School offers lessons near Fort De Soto Park. Some additional locations to catch some air include Hurricane Pass between Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island state parks in the northern part of the county.
City of St Petersburg
St. Pete’s new 11 ha (26 ac) waterfront pier with the ‘Bending Arc,’ an expansive aerial sculpture by Janet Echelman.
However, some of the best views around can be admired from the comfort of your tow vehicle or RV during a drive over the famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge. With its signature golden-yellow cables, this bridge towers approximately 55 m (180 ft) at its highest point. The toll fees are just $1 USD each way.
There are many other destinations in between and throughout the regions of Clearwater and St. Petersburg. As they are never too far away from any one of the local RV parks, set aside a few days (or a few weeks) to see for yourself why these areas of the Sunshine State are so popular among Canadian snowbirds.
Article courtesy of Visit Florida. For additional details of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and other attractions in the Sunshine State be sure to check out www.visitflorida.com It’s also suggested to call ahead before visiting an attraction or business in the event of modified hours of operation.
RV Parks In and Around St. Pete’s and Clearwater
Clearwater RV Resort
Highlights: Total sites: 157, 19 m (62 ft) max length, pet-friendly, 30/50-amp power - full hookups
Clearwater, FL
Travel World RV Park
Highlights: Total sites: 320; 11 m (37 ft) max length; pet-friendly; 30/50-amp power - full hookups
Clearwater, FL
Dunedin RV Resort
Highlights: Total sites: 239; 18 m (60 ft) max length; pet-friendly; 30/50-amp power - full hookups
Dunedin, FL
https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/south/florida/dunedin/
St Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA
Highlights: Total sites: 420; 17 m (55 ft) max length; pet-friendly, 30/50-amp power - full hookups
St. Petersburg, FL
Roberts MH & RV Resort
Highlights: Total sites: 627; 18 m (60 ft) max length; pet-friendly; 30/50-amp power - full hookups www.robertsrv.com
St. Petersburg, FL
Bay Bayou RV Resort
Highlights: Total sites: 300; 18 m (60 ft) max length; pet-friendly; 30/50-amp power - full hookups
Tampa, FL
The Tides RV Resort
Highlights: Total sites: 389; 26 m (84 ft) max length; pet-friendly; 30/50-amp power - full hookups
Palmetto, FL
Fiesta Grove RV Resort
Highlights: Total sites: 221; 18 m (60 ft) max length; pet-friendly; 30/50-amp power - full hookups
Palmetto, FL
Fisherman's Cove RV Resort
Total sites: 82; 18 m (60 ft) max length; pet-friendly; 30/50-amp power - full hookups
Palmetto, FL
*Be sure to check for availability and to reserve your site before your departure.