Events & Things to Do
We would love to spend some time with you before the wedding, see where we'll be and what we'll be doing below!
Tip: We're staying in Clearwater the days leading up to the wedding for a beachy vacation vibe before moving to the hotels inland for the wedding. If you're planning on being in Florida for a longer time, we'd recommend you do the same!
Wednesday
Join us for some casual pickleball games Wednesday evening in Clearwater!
Meet us at McKay Park at 3:30 PM!
Mandalay Ave,
Clearwater, FL 33767
Thursday February 27
Sunset Dinner Cruise - Welcome Party!
Join us at Clearwater Beach for a breathtaking sunset, followed by a delightful dinner and dance cruise aboard the Calypso Queen!
Parking Notes:
Ample paid parking is available at the marina, enter the code 3874 at the parking kiosk for a $1 / hour discounted parking rate!
Attire: There is no official dress code but we will be in Indian attire, and invite you all to do the same! Most importantly wear something you're comfortable in!
5:30 PM - Meet us to board the Calypso Queen on Slip #56, 25 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
5:55PM - All aboard for 6pm departure!
Dinner buffet and drinks provided onboard
6:30 PM - Sunset
9:30 PM - Boat Returns to Port
Things to Do in the Area
Have some extra time in Florida before or after the wedding? Make the most of your time in the Sunshine State by stopping by some of our favorite places in the area!
Tampa/Lutz
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Florida Aquarium will immerse you in Florida's marine life. We spend about 4hrs here in a visit but you could easily spend all day!
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Busch Gardens is all about the roller coasters! Our personal favorite rides are Tigris and Cheetah Hunt
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Hard Rock Casino is Siva's favorite place for blackjack
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Florida Strawberry Festival is a huge music festival just outside Tampa from February 27 to March 9. Grab a general admission ticket or go see your favorite headliner!
Clearwater
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Clearwater Beach is known for it's soft powdery sand and it does not disappoint! Indian Rocks Beach and Madeira Beach are the same so don't worry if you end up staying closer to these.
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Pier60 is the spot to watch the beach come alive with entertainment every sunset. The sunsets are one of our favorite things about Florida!
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Honeymoon Island is a state park and another great beach spot. It's often quieter here, and there's a great walking trail through the pines where you can look for osprey and other birds.
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Little Toot Dolphin Adventure is a great boat tour for dolphin spotting! There's tons of other options that I'm sure are also just as good, there's always dolphins to be found in Tampa Bay!
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Florida Botanical Gardens - explore the gardens and learn about the native fauna. Our favorite part - it's free to the public making it a great way to spend an hour!
St. Petersburg
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Egmont Key State Park - take the ferry to a secluded island for some relaxation. Explore the lighthouse or collect shells at this quiet beach.
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Fort De Soto - a great place to rent kayaks or a bike! Explore the old fort or relax at the beach. Every time we go we've seen manatees and dolphins off the pier! Bringing your furry friend? Fort De Soto has a fantastic dog beach!
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Fishing - bring your rod along and try your luck at one of the many piers/bridges in the area! There's also many tours you can go on for a deep sea experience.
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Weedon Island Preserve - boardwalk trails, fishing, birding, kayaks, historical exhibits.. this place has it all! Check their events page as they have some really interesting seminars and guided tours of the preserve!
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St. Petersburg Distillery - Try out some local liquors or take an espresso martini mixology class! This place has great vibes, food trucks, live music, and is a local favorite
Want to see even more of Florida?
Crystal River
1 hour north of Tampa
Known as "Home of the Manatees". While you can be lucky enough to catch a manatee on a kayak tour anywhere around Tampa Bay, Crystal River specializes in snorkeling tours that allow you to swim with these gentle creatures. Not into swimming in the cold spring water? Try a clear-bottom kayak tour instead!
Orlando
1.5 hour east of Tampa
Home to all the theme parks: Disney World, EPCOT, Universal Studios... It is truly a theme-park lover's paradise! Tip: Disney Springs is the "shopping district" with free entry and parking. Hit the themed restaurants, souvenir shop, and enjoy Disney's new nightly drone show all without paying for park entry!
Space Coast
2hr east of Tampa
This is actually where Siva works so he spends quite a bit of time on the east coast. Check out the Kennedy Space Center and Siva's favorite rocket themed bar for happy hour: The Space Bar. Be sure to check the launch schedule and plan your visit accordingly!
Everglades
4hr southeast of Tampa
Everglades National Park is quite a drive from Tampa but if you're a national park lover, it may be worth the trip! Spring is dry season in FL; with lower water levels and milder temperatures it's the perfect time to see hundreds of alligators and crocodiles. If you're in the area, check out Key Biscayne and Dry Tortugas as well, to see if you can hit all 3 of Florida's National Parks in one trip!