By: Peter Bialkowski
Weekend getaways are the best way to escape the stresses and work college sends our way. Saint Leo is just a car ride away from beaches, theme parks and other attractions college students can enjoy. Clearwater’s restaurants, hotels and dazzling beaches are enough to satisfy a single day trip or an entire weekend adventure.
Just over an hour away, Clearwater Beach was ranked No. 1 in America by Trip Advisor in 2018, along with USA Today and Forbes as one of the best beaches in the world. While on the beach, guests can rent cabanas to relax under while enjoying the view of the ocean. Smoothie trucks often roll down the beach offering a variety of drinks for guests to enjoy. Other activities such as bouncy houses, beach games and more are held right on the boardwalk of the beach itself. If you are driving to Clearwater, there are parking meters on the main and side streets that are paid by the hour. However, if those are filled, hotels offer parking from a range of 10 to 20 dollars.
Other than the beaches, Clearwater has a small-town atmosphere. Attractions here include the Clearwater Aquarium, where dolphin stars of “Dolphin Tale,” Winter and Hope reside; tickets are about 22 dollars for students. If you are looking to get a formal tour of the town, check out the Jolley Trolley, which operates daily on the boardwalk. It explores all around downtown, and on the weekend goes to nearby towns like Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Unlimited daily passes are only five dollars per person.
When you are hungry, downtown Clearwater is famous for its restaurants such as Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar and Island Way Grill. However, as college students, expensive eateries may not be in the budget. Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and other low-priced places also reside downtown. For those of legal age, there are numerous beach bars and restaurants to enjoy right on the sand. Also downtown, there are various clothing stores and other shops, where you can find merchandise and discounted clothes to bring home.
It doesn’t matter what time of the school year you visit; Clearwater always has activities, events and places for students to enjoy. From the sugary-white sand to the “crystal-clear water,” from sightseeing to trolley rides, Clearwater is definitely the place to visit. If you are visiting for a day, or for the whole weekend, Clearwater is a great place to relax and have an ideal getaway.
