with kids! 
Named as one of the world’s top ten beaches (and the only one in the U.S. to make the list), Clearwater is a must if you’re visiting Florida. The white sand and clear water were just a small part of the draw for us. Actually, the main reason we added Clearwater to our itinerary was to meet Winter the dolphin! Whether you’re big into beaches, dolphins, or just family fun in the sun, Clearwater is a family friendly and wheelchair accessible choice.
When to Go
This is Florida… there is no wrong time to go. Summers get a little warm, winters get a little cool – both are still lovely. This may be a destination that doesn’t trap you as a summer-break-only place to visit! We went in January. Some days we needed our winter coats, but others were warm enough to splash in the ocean.
Getting There and Around
We love to have our van, and we were traveling during a pandemic, so we drove the 17 hours south.
If you’re flying, you can fly directly to St. Pete-Clearwater, or drive an extra hour and a half to fly for half the price through Orlando. There’s plenty of fun to be had in Orlando (other than just Disney!) to break up the journey.
That being said, I know very little about the public transportation in Clearwater itself. Public parking is free with your handicap placard, but sometimes hard to find – especially in the evening hours. The lots fill quickly, and street parking may actually be easier.
What to Do
See Winter’s Home
Dolphin Tale is a beautiful, mostly true, story based in Clearwater. Winter the dolphin lost her tail, but learned how to survive without it. She has passed since our visit, but she lived in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The aquarium is more of a rescue, rehab, and release than a typical aquarium, but it’s a great opportunity to hear incredible stories of survival and to learn about our own impact on the environment. We met a sea turtle with no feeling in her legs, and Jaden was so excited to meet an animal “just like me.”
The Beach
Duh. Clearwater beach lives up to its reputation. Beach wheelchairs are available at the life guard station near Pier 60. They’re on a first come first serve basis, and I hear they go quickly. We never saw someone else using them, but we visited late in January and it may not have been as busy.
Other beautiful beaches nearby are Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi Island State Park, and Sand Key Park. These beaches are less crowded, but the sand and water are the same. Both state parks charge an $8 admission fee and have beach wheelchairs available through the ranger stations. Sand Key will give you free parking with your handicap placard. They have beach wheelchairs available through the guard on duty during peak season, or you can call 727-582-2100 to reserve one in the off season. Sand Key also has a nice park with accessible amenities.
Catch a Sunset
Pier 60 celebrates the sunset like no one else. With artisans, performers, and activities, each night is a mini-festival! The celebration starts around 4:30 and goes until the sun… and crowds… have gone. The sunset is probably just as beautiful on any Gulf beach, but definitely not as fun!
The Pier
Pier 60 isn’t just good for sunsets. It’s a beautiful view any time of day. There’s a big playground just off the pier, but it’s in the sand and a nightmare for wheelchair users. The far end of the pier is primarily for fishing, but there’s a snack shop and restrooms on the beach end, making it a convenient stop for families. My kids also enjoyed the bungee jump at the pier entrance!
A Cruise
Surprisingly, almost all of the cruises leaving from Clearwater are wheelchair accessible! We went with Captain Memo’s because it offered so much for the kids. During our time “at sea,” the kids had treasure hunts, water gun pistol battles, and story time. They went home with pirate hats, gold coins, pirate certificates, and fresh tattoos (I think they wash off…?).
Look for Manatee
I failed to find one, but the hunt was still worth it! Safety Harbor Pier and boardwalk give you lovely views over the Tampa bay… and opportunities to spot manatee and dolphins. We had no such luck, but the water is so clear you can observe other wildlife, there are plenty of birds to watch, and the boardwalk provides a smooth surface for exploring breathtaking views.
Discover Art
While you’re in Safety Harbor, check out Whimzeyland. Whimzeyland is a private residence that has been slowly engulfed in art. It’s a combination of sculptures, paintings, and creations made from recycled materials. It’s not your typical art experience (reminiscent of Randyland). Admission is free, but it’s kind to tip so that the art can continue. This one was tricky to navigate with a wheelchair. There are two steps going in, and the pathway is narrow and uneven. Because it’s such a short drive from the other attractions, it would still be worth it to go and just walk the street perimeter, if you’re not able to manage the walkway.
Play
Who else loves a great wheelchair accessible playground when you’re on the road?? My kids love a good playground, and this one is worth writing home about. Sunshine Limitless Playground is a large, wheelchair friendly playground. It’s completely enclosed and has clean restrooms and water. We spent an entire morning here… and met another travel family!
Where to Eat
Ok, brace yourself. I’m going to give you two very different suggestions, but they’re the two that stood out to me as most unique to the area.
Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant was so delicious that I don’t even have words. Eat here. Eat here every day of your stay. It’s not priced for large family dinners, but they have great lunch specials and if you blow your whole vacation budget right here, you won’t be sorry. We did take out because I love the laid back atmosphere of eating what somebody else cooked in the safety of my own space.
Daddy Dawgs
Daddy Dawgs is not the same level of fine dining as The Columbia Restaurant, but it’s a fun and unique experience that the whole family will enjoy. They have hot dogs in more varieties than you can imagine and they’ll pair those dogs perfectly with some waffle fries and an ice cream or milkshake.
Where to Stay
We stayed just south of Clearwater and had an incredible HomeExchange experience. We loved our location because we were in St. Petersburg daily for Jaden’s physical therapy program, but it was also central to Clearwater. If you’re looking to stay right in town, Curb Free with Cory Lee recommends the Opal Sands Resort for accessibility and location.
Wesley’s Review (8): I think you should visit Clearwater because it’s famous for Winter the dolphin.
Jaden’s Review (4): I liked seeing the car (at Whimzeyland) because I like it.
Nella’s Review (4): I liked seeing Winter the dolphin best because I love Winter the dolphin. He lost his tail.
**Find more kid-friendly attractions for wheelchair users (in Clearwater and around the world) by using the accessibility feature on the GoWhee App!** (Affiliate link)