The smallest of the three major cities of Tampa Bay, Clearwater lies to the east of the Gulf of Mexico and northwest of Tampa Bay. The stunning beachside city’s name has a rich history.

Centuries ago, this area was only known to Native Americans and spouted fountains of clear, stream water from the banks into the bay. The spring has long since vanished but was once located in the high bluffs upon which now the City Hall and downtown Clearwater are situated. Early settlers called it the Clear Water Harbor and the name eventually turned into Clearwater.

In the early 20th century, Clearwater experienced real estate development after tourists came to the area because of its sunny climate. The city was incorporated in 1915 and in 1919 and built its first wooden bridge to Clearwater Beach. The real estate boom started in earnest in 1921 and peaked in 1925, before the Great Depression. Currently, homes for sales in Clearwater are priced at $163,500.

One of the city’s major tourist spot is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured and sick marine animals. Hundreds of sea animals are permanent residents at the aquarium, all of which have serious injuries that prevent them from returning to the sea. The face of the aquarium is Winter, a bottlenose dolphin, whose tail was caught in a crab trap in 2005 and had to be amputated. The aquarium fitted her with a prosthetic tail, which brought the facility worldwide recognition.

Another of the city’s main attraction is the Clearwater Beach, which is touted as the cleanest and best-maintained beach in Florida. Spring breakers visit the pristine beach with its white sand and spend the day sunbathing, playing volleyball or surfing.

If you want to live a life in the waters, Clearwater is the place you need to be.