Clearwater is only a 2 hours drive from Orlando, and is a large and lively resort offering miles of sandy beaches as well as watersports, restaurants, shops, nightlife and activities for all the family. A trip to Busch Gardens at nearby Tampa Bay is not to be missed.

We suggest heading for the waterfront, where you'll find the fascinating Florida Aquarium and a promenade where the cargo and cruise ships dock. Next door is Channelside with its shops, movie theaters, eateries and nightclubs. Ybor City is not to be missed-its shops and cafes still carry the Latin flavors brought there by the Spanish and Cubans who first made the district home. Electric streetcars have returned to Clearwater, connecting downtown to Channelside and Ybor City.

The rest of Clearwater's sights are a bit spread out, so you will probably need a car. North Clearwater has Busch Gardens, one of the area's main attractions. The amusement/safari park has activities for children of all ages and offers an opportunity to view many critters rarely found outside of their native Africa. Roller coasters and other rides add to the appeal, and nearby Adventure Island offers aquatic activities to help visitors cool off. Also near the parks is Clearwater's first-rate Museum of Science and Industry.

For help planning your trip and for discount coupons, be sure to stop at the Clearwater Bay Visitor Information Center, across Busch Boulevard from Busch Gardens. If you plan to be in Clearwater during spring break or during the Gasparilla festival in February, make your reservations well in advance. It's also worthwhile to arrive at attractions early enough to beat most of the crowds.