Sure the RNC is in downtown Tampa, but what else are you going to do while staying in Clearwater? Numerous delegates will be staying at seven Clearwater area hotels. While here, make sure to take in the local sites.

1. Clearwater Beach/Clearwater’s Dolphins

No trip to Clearwater Beach is complete without catching some rays in the surf and sand. South Beach and the Beach Walk area is more of the tourist section while the North Beach area is more reserved and laid back. 

Make sure to take a walk along Pier 60, which extends more than 1,000 feet over the Gulf of Mexico. The location is scene to a nightly sunset festival which features artists, crafters and street performers.

The "Clearwater’s Dolphins: Pod at Pier 60" features 50 themed, six-foot tall dolphin sculptures. The public art is on display at nearby Pier 60 Park through Sept. 4.

2. Meet Winter the dolphin/ Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Meet a movie star.

Winter the dolphin, whose story was made into the movie "Dolphin Tale," lives at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Island Estates.

Her story is so popular that Winter’s Dolphin Tale Adventure, a downtown attraction which displays props from the movie as well as other exhibits, was created to supplement the aquarium experience. Buy a ticket for and go to both by water ferry or Jolley Trolley.

3. Clearwater’s Pieta

Years ago, an image of what looked to be the Virgin Mary appeared on a Clearwater office building.

Thousands of visitors from around the world came to see the pieta and pay homage. Eventually a vandal destroyed some of the windows containing Mary's head and veil.

Still, visitors flock to the site now owned by Shepherds of Christ Ministries at 21649 US 19N north of Drew Street.

4. Catch a game at Bright House Field

See future Phillies stars today.

The Threshers, a class A affiliate of the Major League Baseball club, has different promotions to get fans into the ball park and one of the best Minor League mascots around, Phinley.

The concessions at the field even feature some traditional Philly flare, including steak sandwiches by Delco’s, who use Amoroso bakery rolls for an authentic taste.

Enjoy two for one drinks as the Threshers take on the Dunedin Blue Jays at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30, at Bright House Field, 601 N Old Coachman Road.

5. Frenchy’s/Lenny’s/Original Hooters

There are a lot of great places to eat throughout Clearwater. Just check our directory if you don’t believe us. However, there are some iconic spots that you just have to taste while in town.

Might we suggest a grouper sandwich at one of Frenchy’s four beach locations, Original, Rockaway, Saltwater and South Beach.

For breakfast, no trip to Clearwater is complete without an omelette, or anything else off the menu at Lenny’s. Make sure to get the danish basket. The New Jersey style diner is a favorite during Spring Training for Phillies fans and by locals year round.

You know the name, now enjoy the wings at the Original Hooters. This Clearwater institution spawned the nearly 500 restaurant franchise and skimpy-dressed, wing-slinging craze. Heck, even competitive eater Joey Chestnut has enjoyed them, albeit it was 144 of them within 10 minutes.