Traveling to Spring Training in Clearwater, FL is much more than just seeing our beloved Philadelphia Phillies prepare for their next season. There are so many things to see and do in addition to the great experiences you will have at Carpenter’s Complex and BayCare Ballpark.
Sunsets
It is hard to put in order what you need to see while in Clearwater, but one would be hard pressed to not add the amazing sunsets to the top of the list. Clearwater Beach sunsets are nothing short of incredible. There are many great places to celebrate the end of the day with a champagne toast. In fact, anywhere on the gulf and many places on Tampa Bay are as good of a spot as they come. My favorite place is at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach. Palm Pavilion and Frenchy’s offer beautiful views where you can celebrate with a drink, some food, and live music. Sails on the Riverwalk and Armature Works in Tampa have nice sunsets over the water. There are also many good places along the beaches in Indian Rocks, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, the St Pete beaches, and Honeymoon Island. Get there by 6pm and get your spot. Then enjoy the sun magnificently fading over the Gulf of Mexico.
Beaches
The beaches of Clearwater and surrounding towns are a must see too. With beautiful white sand, clear water, and warm sunshine, there is not much more to say than plan a day at the beach. My favorites are Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, Pier 60 area in Clearwater Beach, and Madeira Beach.
Tampa’s Riverwalk
Tampa’s Riverwalk has become a popular place for residents and tourists alike. With miles of beautiful scenery along Tampa Bay, the Riverwalk has something for everyone. There are great restaurants, bars, playgrounds, a dog park, events almost every week, live music, concerts, art displays and much more.
You can park at Armature Works which has the Heights Public Market and nearby Ulele. There is a surf shop, an outside yard with games, bars, and so much more. If you park downtown you have access to the many events, dog park and playground, and beautiful views of the city. Lunch at the Columbia Cafe is casual yet excellent. Take the water taxi and enjoy then entire walk!
The other end of the Riverwalk boasts the Florida Aquarium. This family friendly attraction is perfect to see the many local varieties of sea life. They also offer dining options.
John’s Pass
John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is perfect for a day of eating, shopping, fishing, or just relaxing. There are more than 100 shops, a plethora of restaurants, fishing charters, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing, and more in the quaint fishing village. Go to John’s Pass once and you will be hooked!
Ybor City
Historic Ybor City is the cigar capital of the world. 7th Ave in Ybor City is known as one of the 10 Great Streets in America. Ybor City offers museums, arts and culture, numerous events, a plethora of cigar shops, bars, and restaurants including the world famous Columbia Restaurant. Nightlife is always hopping in Ybor while the daytime offers a more relaxed experience.
Sponge Docks
Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks are a unique place to visit. The area offers Greek restaurants, fabulous bakeries, attractions, natural sponges, sponge diving, tours, sightseeing cruises, unique Greek and Florida souvenirs, plenty of shopping, sightseeing and live entertainment .
Downtown St Pete
Saint Petersburg’s downtown district offers a variety of options. The waterfront area has beautiful views of Tampa Bay, miles of sidewalk along the water, events, and more. Soon it will feature the reopening of The Pier. The Pier will having everything from pop-up performances to roving entertainers. In addition, there are major events held throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, pop-up markets, and other events that will appeal to everyone of all ages. There will be great dining options and of course, some of the best views in the Bay Area.
Just steps from The Pier is Al Lang Stadium and the Saturday Farmers Market. Ranked in the top 20 of Farmer’s Markets in America, this market draws around 10,000 people each Saturday from October through May.
Central Avenue has miles of restaurants, bars, and shops. This dog friendly town has something for everyone along this street. First Friday’s and Second Saturday’s along with nearly weekly special events make Central Ave a vacation in itself for people and canines of all ages.
Do you like to shop? The Mall at Sundial is your place! Just steps from the world famous waterfront, The Mall at Sundial is home to a special collection of shops, restaurants, and services unique to the Tampa Bay area. The plaza’s centerpiece is a nearly three-story working sundial and fountain. Plan a day trip to St Pete and see everything the downtown has to offer.
We hope you decide to visit the Phillies and the Tampa Bay Area. As a transplant from the Jersey Shore, I can tell you the area is absolutely gorgeous with 12 months of great weather. If you are considering real estate in the area, see the current homes listed at BrokerBillZ.com or call or text 727-488-7423.
Bill Zeltman is originally from the Jersey Shore but came to Tampa in 1990 to attend college. He is a licensed real estate broker and manages Realty One Group Beyond in Clearwater and has a license in Atlantic County, NJ. Call him with your real estate needs 727-488-7423 or visit BrokerBillZ.com.
Bill has been a Phillies fans his entire life. As an 8 year old he fell in love with baseball and the Phillies when they won the 1980 World Series. He has had season tickets most of his life and continues to be an avid fan. He has sat in the stands for many milestone games and events including Pete Rose passing Stan Musial as the National League all time hits leader, Steve Carlton becoming the all time strikeout leader, Joe Morgan’s 40th birthday where he hit 2 homeruns, the 1983 playoffs and World Series, the game where Al Holland became the Phillies single season leader in saves, the 26-7 drubbing of the Mets in 1985, Terry Mulholland and Kevin Millwood’s no hitters at Veteran’s Stadium, the game in May of 1989 when Steve Jeltz hit a homerun from both sides of the plate, the game where Steve Bedrosian became the Phillies single season saves leader, many of the great games of 1993 including the latest game in history where Mitch Williams won the second game of a double header at 4:43am, the last game at Veteran’s Stadium, many great games in 2008 including a 20 run game, the NL East clinching game, Jamie Moyer’s shutout making him the oldest pitcher in history to record a shutout, Roy Halladay’s no hitter in the 2010 NLDS, and a plethora of great games from 2007-2011.
Bill is from South Jersey and grew up right outside of Atlantic City. He now lives minutes from BayCare Ballpark in New Port Richey, FL. He played baseball avidly and collected autographs when he was younger. He has over 500 autographs in his collection. He enjoys golfing, the beach, boating, cooking, and of course baseball and the Phillies.
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