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In the summer of 2017, we went to Clearwater Beach, FL. This is the first time I’ve ever been to Florida so I didn’t really know what to expect.  I’d been told it was an amazing place, which is why we chose this destination. Well, that and also Leslie wanted to go to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see Winter the dolphin.  That was one of her biggest dreams.  So we decided to go there and made reservations at the La Quinta Inn there.

We drove and it was a LONG drive, about 12 hours, which we split into 2 days, stopping just the other side of Atlanta to rest for the night.  It was nice though because we were able to make stops along the way to see things.  There were a lot of roadside stands in Georgia that had the best oranges and grapefruit I’ve ever eaten.  Needless to say we had to pick some up.  And after what seemed like forever, we were finally at the Georgia/Florida line.

After entering Florida and stopping at the rest area, we continued on for what seemed like another never ending drive into Clearwater.  We went straight to the La Quinta Inn and waited found out that we would have to wait, because our rooms were not ready.  They were very busy the week we chose, so while we waited, we explored the area a little and went to get some dinner. We asked at the desk about the best place to eat close by and they suggested Rumba Island Bar & Grill.  I had never had Caribbean food before so this would be a new experience for me. The food there was amazingly good. I got the Classic Jamaican Jerk Grilled Chicken and it was amazing.

Exhausted from the drive and full of food, we went back to the hotel and checked in. Once we got into our rooms, the kids immediately climbed into their beds and watched movies on their computers (after Leslie put up some decorations of course).  The beds were so nice.  They were soft and very comfortable. Everyone was soon asleep after the long day.

The next morning we went to check out the pool, which was so beautiful and nice and warm.  There was a courtyard there that was just amazing.  So pretty and peaceful. We sat and discussed what we would do that day.  It was decided, with the insistence of Leslie, that we were going to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, then the beach.

After breakfast at the hotel, everyone was ready to go, ready to take on the day.  First stop Clearwater Aquarium, Leslie finally gets to see Winter the dolphin.  She was in heaven there, being able to watch the dolphins swim for as long as she wanted.  I think she was ready to move in there. If you are planning a trip to Florida, Clearwater Beach and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium should be on your list. The mission of the aquarium is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured marine life. Sometimes however, the animals are too sick to be released or were too young when brought in and wouldn’t survive in the wild. These animals become permanent residents. Winter The Dolphin and Hope are two of these permanent residents. Winter’s tail got entangled in a crab trap, cutting off the circulation and even after extensive effort to heal it, her tail eventually deteriorated and she lost it. Despite the odds, Winter survived and is flourishing at the aquarium. They eventually made a prosthetic tail for her.

More of Clearwater aquarium

While there, Leslie got to talk to a dolphin trainer to discuss what it takes to become a dolphin trainer.  She was so excited when she learned that she had to learn to swim really well.  She loves water that much. We enjoyed looking at the animals they had there and hearing the real story of how Winter lost his tail and learned to swim with a prosthesis.

After we left the aquarium we went to the beach.  This was my favorite part, because I love the ocean.  When we got there, I was breath-taken with the beautiful white sands and water crashing up on the beach. Amazing doesn’t begin to describe how I felt at that moment. We walked in the sand and played in the ocean all afternoon.  We also checked out a few shops nearby. We then went to find somewhere to eat supper, we had decided to stay for Sunsets at Pier 60, so we could check out the displays and get gifts for friends. walking the pier, there were many displays there and we had a hard time choosing what we wanted. Once everyone had explored all the displays and made their purchases, we were ready to go back to the hotel and relax at the pool for a while.

Since we had taken some time to explore the surroundings, we already knew what was on tap for the next day, boat tours.  The question was which tour to choose, because there were so many to choose from.  All Leslie cared about was being on the beach and seeing more dolphins and Lorianna wanted to go on the pirate ship so the decision was made to split up for this one.  Leslie, Kyle and Sean went on the pirate ship, Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, while I took Hailie and Leslie on the Sea Screamer.  This boat was all about seeing dolphins so of course Leslie wouldn’t settle for anything else.  It was a fun ride and sure enough, we got to see dolphins. They loved playing in the wake of the boat and we even got to see some baby dolphins. Once again Leslie was in heaven watching the dolphins jump and play. If she could have jumped in to join them, she would have without a second thought.

See the jumping dolphins!

 

Unfortunately, after our boat tours, our trip had to be cut short because Lorianna started having seizures through afternoon and evening.  I think the excitement plus the heat got to her. I could have used a few more days there to explore more and I hope I get the chance to go again soon.  It was a great few days full of family fun and excitement.  I would almost say it’s one of the best family vacations we have ever been on.  Next time we go to Clearwater Beach, FL though, I want to get a hotel or cabin on the beach.