For many Irish families travelling to Florida, the adventure begins and ends in Orlando. The excitement of the theme parks is hard to beat – rollercoasters, character experiences and unforgettable moments that children talk about for years afterwards.

But after several busy days of early starts and packed park schedules, many families begin to look for something different. Somewhere to slow down slightly, enjoy the sunshine and experience another side of Florida. That’s exactly why so many families combine Orlando with a stay on Florida’s Gulf Coast in St. Pete-Clearwater. Located around 90 minutes drive from Orlando, the stretch of coastline is known for its powder-soft white sand, warm gulf waters and relaxed beach atmosphere. It offers the perfect balance after the energy of the theme parks – a place where families can recharge while still enjoying plenty of activities together.

At Click&Go Holidays, we regularly help Irish families combine the best of both worlds: thrilling theme park adventures and relaxing beach days along Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.

Here are some of the top things to do in St. Pete-Clearwater for families:

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Relax on the Famous Beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater

The biggest draw to this area is without question the beaches.

Clearwater and St. Pete Beach are regularly ranked among the best beaches in the United States thanks to their incredibly soft white sand and calm turquoise water.

For families arriving from Orlando, the difference in atmosphere is instantly noticeable. Instead of queues and fast-paced schedules, days here are spent building sandcastles, swimming in the warm Gulf waters and enjoying long walks along the shoreline.

The beaches are also very family-friendly, with soft gently waves and plenty of space for children to play safely.

Experience the World-Famous Sunset Celebration at Pier 60

One of the most memorable experiences in Clearwater happens every evening at Pier 60. Known as the Sunset Celebration, this nightly event transforms the beachfront into a lively gathering filled with street performers, local artists, and family-friendly entertainment as the visitors gather to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico.

The pier stretches out over the water and offers incredible views across the coastline, making it one of the best places to experience Clearwater’s famous sunsets.

Getting there is straightforward if you’re staying in the St. Pete-Clearwater area. Pier 60 sits right in the heart of Clearwater Beach and can be reached by car in around 30 minutes from St. Pete Beach. Many visitors also use The Clearwater Jolley Trolley, which runs along the coastline and connects nearby beach towns.

Arriving about an hour before sunset gives families time to explore the small stalls, enjoy the entertainment and find the perfect spot to watch the sky turn shades of orange, pink and purple over the Gulf.

Go Dolphin Watching along the Gulf Coast

One of the most exciting experiences for families visiting St. Pete-Clearwater is heading out on a dolphin watching boat tour.

The coastal waters are home to large populations of bottlenose dolphins, and sightings are incredibly common. Boats travel from Clearwater and along the coastline where dolphins are often seen swimming and playing alongside the waves.

For children especially, spotting dolphins in the wild becomes one of the highlights of the trip.

Many tours also run at sunset, offering incredible views of the coastlines as the sky changes colour over the Gulf.

Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Families travelling with younger children often enjoy spending time at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Unlike a traditional aquarium, this centre focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of injured marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles and otters. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts and see first-hand work being done to protect Florida’s marine wildlife.

It’s an engaging and educational experience that many children find fascinating offering something different after several days of theme park attractions.

The aquarium is located just a short distance from Clearwater Beach, making it easy to combine with a beach day.

Discover the Natural Beauty of Fort De Soto Park

For families who enjoy exploring nature, Fort De Soto Park is well worth visiting.

Located just south of St. Pete Beach, this beautiful park stretches across several small islands and offers natural beaches, scenic cycling trails and wildlife viewing areas.

Visitors often spot dolphins swimming offshore or seabirds flying overhead, and families can enjoy kayaking or simply exploring the peaceful surroundings.

It’s a completely different side of Florida that many visitors don’t expect after the excitement of the theme parks.

Try Water Sports and Outdoor Adventures

While the beaches are perfect for relaxing for families who still want a little excitement will find plenty of water sports and outdoor activities along the Gulf Coast.

Visitors can try paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing or kayaking along the coastline, with many activity centres located directly on the beaches.

For teenagers especially, these activities add another level of adventure to a beach holiday.

Why Families Love Combining Orlando with St. Pete-Clearwater

One of the reasons St. Pete-Clearwater have become so popular with Irish families is how well they complement an Orlando holiday.

Orlando delivers the excitement and thrills of world-class theme parks, while the Gulf Coast offers something equally special – Wide open beaches, relaxed evenings and memorable outdoor adventures.

Instead of choosing one type of holiday, families get to experience two different sides of Florida in one trip.

For many holidaymakers, the relaxing beach days at the end of the holiday become just as memorable as the theme parks themselves.

Plan your St. Pete-Clearwater Holiday with Click&Go Holidays

At Click&Go Holidays, we specialise in helping Irish families create Florida holidays that combine excitement with relaxation.

Many of our customers choose to spend a few days exploring the theme parks of Orlando before finishing their trip on the beautiful beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater.

Our holiday specialists understand how to create the perfect balance between theme park adventure and beachside relaxation, helping you get the most out of your Florida holiday.

To start planning your St. Pete-Clearwater getaway, call our holiday specialists on 01-6995250 or for more information about St. Pete-Clearwater with Click&Go Holidays.