Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among the best beach destinations in the United States, and one visit makes it obvious why. The powdery white quartz sand feels like sugar between your toes, the Gulf of Mexico stays warm and calm enough for swimmers of all ages, and there’s no shortage of fun activities to get up to.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Book one of our Clearwater Beach vacation rentals and give yourself the perfect home base for exploring everything this beautiful beach destination has to offer.
Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Clearwater Beach to help you plan your next vacation.
1. Enjoy Clearwater Beach and the Vibrant Pier 60 Area
Clearwater Beach’s main stretch spans about three miles along South Gulfview Boulevard and Mandalay Avenue, offering sugar-soft sand that’s perfect for beach time.
Its gentle Gulf waves, warm water temperatures (which often reach the mid-80s°F in summer months), and shallow sandbars make it especially family-friendly. Whether you want to swim, hunt for shells, set up volleyball nets, or simply relax on a rented beach chair, this beautiful beach has it all.
At the western-facing shoreline, the beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors every evening. Arrive an hour early to claim a good spot because it tends to get busy. For fewer crowds, plan your visit during late August through October or on weekdays outside of spring break.
Sunset Celebration at Pier 60
Pier 60 sits at the heart of this lively beach scene, where the daily Sunset Celebration brings the area to life year-round.
Two hours before sunset, the pier and promenade buzz with live music, street performers, local artisans selling crafts, and family-friendly entertainment like jugglers and magicians. Food vendors offer tasty treats, and a large shaded playground nearby keeps kids happily engaged.
The pier itself extends over 1,000 feet into the Gulf, providing panoramic views and excellent fishing opportunities. Bait and tackle shops are available on-site, where you can rent gear and buy fishing passes.
Sugar Sand Festival
If you visit in April, look out for the Sugar Sand Festival. Massive, themed sand sculptures are crafted by professional artists inside a climate-controlled tent. The festival also includes sand sculpting classes, live music, food vendors, fireworks, and a Ferris wheel, making it a favorite event for visitors of all ages.
2. Meet Rescued Dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Just across the Memorial Causeway from Clearwater Beach, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a top attraction for marine life lovers.
Unlike typical aquariums, it focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, otters, and other marine animals. Some residents, like the famous dolphin Winter from the Dolphin Tale movies, have become educational ambassadors.
Visitors can see large dolphin habitats, sea turtle rehab areas, and touch tanks with stingrays. Keeper talks and interactive exhibits provide engaging education on Gulf Coast marine ecosystems.
During busy times, it’s wise to buy tickets in advance. Plan for a two to three-hour visit. Convenient parking is available on-site.
3. Take to the Water
Clearwater Beach Marina, just east of Pier 60, serves as the launch point for nearly every water adventure you can imagine. From dolphin tours to high-speed thrill rides to peaceful paddling, this is where the action starts.
Cruises and Boat Tours
Dolphin-watching cruises with companies like Fins Up Clearwater remain among the most popular boat tour options. Typical tours run 1.5 to 2 hours, taking passengers through the Intracoastal Waterway and out into the Gulf, where wild bottlenose dolphins frequently surface alongside the boats.
Dinner and sunset cruises, like with Calypso Queen and Starlite Cruises, offer a different vibe. Think tropical buffets, rum punch, dancing, live entertainment, and panoramic Gulf views from climate-controlled decks. These typically run two to three hours and include meals and drinks. They’re ideal for celebrating special occasions or just treating yourself to an elevated evening.
For families seeking more excitement, the Sea Screamer speedboat delivers high-speed thrills across open water. Younger kids will enjoy Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise. The replica red pirate ship features a costumed crew running treasure hunts, water-gun battles, and pirate games.
If you’re into deep-sea fishing, hire a charter boat to take you out into the Gulf and see what you can catch. The likes of FishEye Sport Fishing Charters have experienced local guides who know exactly where to find the big game fish.
Parasailing
For aerial views of Clearwater Beach, parasailing with operators like Chute ‘Em Up Parasail near Pier 60 delivers stunning perspectives. Riders soar 200 to 400 feet above the Gulf, harnessed in tandem or three-person setups, with the beach, pier, and surrounding waters spreading out below.
Expect to pay around $80 per person. Booking ahead is recommended at busy times.
Jet Skiing
Jet ski rentals let you explore at your own pace (or at full throttle). Providers like H2O Jet Ski Rentals offer both freestyle ride zones, where you can push the speed, and guided tours through calmer mangrove-lined channels.
One important note: Florida law requires a boating license for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to operate a jetski. Some rental operators offer on-site temporary tests if you don’t have the certification.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Paddleboards and kayaks offer a quieter way to explore, and there are ample rental shops in the area. Companies like Paddle Out Adventures offer guided tours if you’re looking for the support of a local expert while you explore.
The Intracoastal Waterway is typically smoother than the Gulf, making it ideal for beginners. Early morning paddles often deliver glassy conditions and better chances of spotting dolphins, manatees, and wading birds before the afternoon boat traffic picks up.
Check age restrictions for kids before booking, and reserve ahead on busy weekends when equipment and tour spots fill fast.
4. Discover Clearwater’s Parks, Trails & Nature Spots
Clearwater offers a variety of beautiful parks, trails, and green spaces that provide a refreshing break from the beach and a chance to enjoy the area’s diverse landscapes.
Sand Key Park
Just south of Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park is a quieter alternative to the bustling main beach. It features a wide sandy beach on the Gulf side and a salt marsh bird habitat on the Intracoastal side.
Family-friendly amenities include picnic shelters with grills, clean restrooms, a playground, and a designated dog park.
Visitors can enjoy nature watching, especially during sea turtle nesting season from April to October, and spot shorebirds like herons and pelicans in the marsh. Sand Key’s relaxed vibe makes it a hidden gem for locals and visitors alike.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Within Clearwater proper, Moccasin Lake Nature Park spans 54 acres of preserved wetlands with shaded boardwalks winding through ponds and native vegetation.
The Nature Center houses rescued birds and offers occasional ranger programs, making it an educational and serene spot for families.
Coachman Park
Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater features a modern waterfront design with a splash pad, playground, open lawns, and a long pier for strolling and fishing.
The park connects easily to the Clearwater Ferry, which offers scenic rides to Clearwater Beach.
Walking and Biking Trails
The Ream Wilson Trail and sections of the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail provide scenic routes for walking, running, and biking. The Clearwater Memorial Causeway offers picturesque views of the beach and downtown skyline, perfect for early morning jogs or leisurely rides.
You can rent bikes from several shops near the beach if you want to explore these trails without bringing your own.
Honeymoon Island State Park
A short drive north of Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island State Park offers a quieter beach experience with miles of white sand, nature trails, and a dog-friendly area. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, shell collecting, and spotting wildlife like sea turtles during nesting season.
The park has picnic areas, a playground, and a nature center. A ferry connects Honeymoon Island to nearby Caladesi Island for further exploration.
Caladesi Island State Park
Accessible only by ferry or boat, Caladesi Island State Park is a peaceful, undeveloped island known for its pristine beaches and calm waters. Visitors can swim, shell, and explore nature trails through mangroves and pine flatwoods.
Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here. Facilities include picnic spots and restrooms, making it perfect for a relaxing day trip away from the crowds.
5. Play Indoors
Florida’s summer months bring afternoon thunderstorms and heat that can make even the most dedicated beachgoers seek air conditioning. Clearwater and Clearwater Beach offer solid indoor options when you need a sun break or a rainy-day backup plan.
For something completely unexpected, head to Clearwater Ice Arena or the rink at Countryside Mall. Ice skating feels novel for visitors from warmer climates and provides a genuinely cool escape from the Gulf Coast humidity.
Family fun centers within Clearwater city limits expand your options. Celebration Station combines an arcade, go-karts, laser tag, and mini golf. It’s ideal for older kids and teens who need more stimulation than building sandcastles. Bounce City inside Countryside Mall offers bounce houses and indoor play structures for the younger crowd.
These spots sit about 20-25 minutes from Clearwater Beach by rental car, making them realistic half-day side trips.
6. Tee Off at Mini Golf
Captain Bligh’s Landing on South Gulfview Boulevard is Clearwater Beach’s classic pirate-themed mini golf course. The 18 holes wind through caves, waterfalls, and a large pirate ship feature, all wrapped in tropical landscaping that looks even better once the nighttime lighting kicks in.
A small arcade and game room on-site adds extra entertainment. Plus, the course stays open into the evening, which is helpful during hot months when outdoor activities feel more comfortable after dark.
This is a budget-friendly, fun activity that works for families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a relaxed date night after sunset on the beach.
7. Catch a Sports Game or Event
Clearwater isn’t just about beaches; it’s also a sports town with baseball and big-league connections, all within a short drive of the sand.
BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater serves as home base for the Clearwater Threshers minor league team and hosts the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training each February and March.
The stadium is genuinely family-friendly, featuring berm seating areas, a Kids Zone, and a playground. The atmosphere is more relaxed and accessible than a major league park, but with plenty of great food and entertainment between innings.
Minor league games run from spring through late summer, while MLB spring training action concentrates in February and early March. Check schedules ahead and book tickets early for Phillies games, which draw serious fan crowds.
Sports fans staying several days in Clearwater Beach can also easily reach Tampa Bay’s major professional sports teams. The Tampa Bay Rays play baseball in St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field (about 40 minutes south).
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning call Tampa home at the Raymond James Stadium and the Benchmark International Arena, respectively (about 1 hour east).
8. Eat Local Seafood at Beachfront Restaurants & Bars
No visit to Clearwater Beach is complete without eating your way through the local restaurant scene. Fresh seafood dominates menus here, and the dining options range from toes-in-the-sand casual to upscale waterfront fine dining.
Clearwater Beach’s signature dish is the grouper sandwich—blackened, fried, or grilled, served on a bun with whatever toppings you prefer.
For the authentic experience, head to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill or Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill, where Gulf views and live music accompany every bite. These spots perfected the beachside fun vibe decades ago and remain favorites among locals and repeat visitors.
For sit-down meals with fresh Gulf seafood, Crabby’s Dockside and Caretta on the Gulf are very good restaurants with sunset views over the marina or beach. Expect higher prices than the casual spots, but the atmosphere and quality are worth it.
Rooftop bars and waterfront spots cater to the adults-only crowd. Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest has earned a reputation for panoramic views and a free sunset shot tradition that draws evening crowds.
Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Clearwater Beach for more recommendations.
Plan Your Clearwater Beach Vacation
Clearwater Beach offers a variety of fun things to do for the whole family, but it also makes a great beach destination for couples seeking romance and friends looking for adventure.
If you’re ready to visit Clearwater Beach, check out our range of luxurious vacation rentals to find the perfect base for your next trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast.