Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working rescue and rehabilitation center, not a traditional aquarium. The animals here are ones that couldn't be returned to the wild: dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, and stingrays that staff have treated and now care for permanently. It's the home of Winter the dolphin, whose story became the Dolphin Tale films.

It's a good stop for families, and the exhibits are honest about what the facility does. You can watch the animal care team work, attend feeding sessions, and learn about the rescue operations that run out of the same building. The behind-the-scenes tours are worth booking in advance.

Plan for two to three hours. The aquarium is about a mile from Sea Shanty Clearwater, an easy drive or a short bike ride along the waterfront.

Getting there

249 Windward Passage, Clearwater Beach. Drive north on Island Way, or take the Jolley Trolley from the beach strip. Parking is available on site.