Things to do in Clearwater

Things to Do in Clearwater: Clearwater Beach and Sand Key Highlights

1. Spend the Day on Clearwater Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach

Best For: Families, couples, swimming, beach days

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Free; parking may apply

Clearwater Beach is the obvious place to begin, with soft white sand and warm Gulf water creating an easy setting for swimming, sunbathing and long walks beside the coast. Restaurants, watersports and Pier 60 are all close by, so there is little need to move the car once you arrive.

Spend several hours on the sand, break for lunch nearby and stay into the evening. That way you can turn a straightforward beach day into sunset at Pier 60 without planning a separate trip.

2. Watch the Sunset at Pier 60

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach

Best For: Families, couples, sunsets, evening entertainment

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free; parking may apply

Pier 60 becomes particularly lively as the sun begins to drop towards the Gulf. The Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration brings street performers, musicians and local crafts to the waterfront, while the pier itself stretches more than 1,000 feet into the water and is also popular for fishing.

Arrive before sunset rather than turning up at the last minute. You can walk along Clearwater Beach first, explore the waterfront and then find a good position before the sky begins changing color.

3. Escape to Sand Key Park

Location / Neighborhood: Sand Key

Best For: Families, couples, quieter beaches, nature

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free; parking fee may apply

Just south of Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park offers a quieter stretch of Gulf coastline when you want to escape some of the activity around Pier 60. Spend a few hours swimming, walking beside the water or setting up a relaxed picnic near the coast.

The park's more natural surroundings also make it worth slowing down and looking for wild shorebirds around the shoreline. It works particularly well when you want a calmer beach experience without travelling far from central Clearwater Beach.

4. Take a Boat Cruise From Clearwater Beach Marina

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach Marina

Best For: Families, couples, groups, sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Cruise fee applies

Clearwater Beach Marina is one of the main departure points for boat trips, with excursions heading into the Gulf and surrounding waterways throughout the day. Options include sightseeing cruises, sailing trips, sunset journeys and faster speedboat experiences, so there is plenty of choice for families, couples and groups.

A cruise also gives you a completely different view of Clearwater after exploring it from the beach. Compare trip lengths and styles before booking, particularly if you want to combine the excursion with other activities on the same day.

5. Go Dolphin Watching in the Gulf

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach Marina and Gulf waters

Best For: Families, couples, wildlife watching

Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours

Cost / Entry: Tour fee applies

Wild bottlenose dolphins are regularly spotted in the waters around Clearwater, and sightseeing cruises leave from Clearwater Beach Marina to explore the Gulf and nearby waterways while looking for them.

Choose an operator that allows dolphins and other wildlife to behave naturally rather than chasing or crowding animals for a closer encounter. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but the journey is still worthwhile for views across the coast and surrounding water. Keep a camera ready, but enjoy any wildlife from a respectful distance.

6. Go Parasailing From Clearwater Beach Marina

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach Marina

Best For: Adventure, couples, older children

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Activity fee applies

Parasailing trips depart directly from Clearwater Beach Marina, making this an easy adventure to add to a wider day around Clearwater Beach. Once airborne, you can look back across the Gulf, long sandy coastline and nearby barrier islands before gradually returning towards the boat.

The view from above also reveals just how narrow this stretch of Florida's coastline can be. Trips depend heavily on wind and weather, so avoid planning your entire day around a fixed departure until conditions have been confirmed by the operator.

7. Paddleboard Around Clearwater Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach and Intracoastal Waterway

Best For: Couples, watersports, active travelers

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Equipment rental may apply

For paddleboarding, look towards the calmer Intracoastal side of Clearwater Beach rather than automatically heading into open Gulf water. Sheltered areas around Clearwater Beach and nearby barrier islands can be particularly enjoyable when winds are light and conditions are settled.

Beginners may prefer a shorter paddle close to shore, while more experienced visitors can explore farther along suitable waterways. Check the wind and marine forecast before setting out, as seemingly small changes in conditions can make paddling considerably more difficult.

8. Rent a Jet Ski at Clearwater Beach Marina

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach Marina

Best For: Adventure, adults, older teenagers

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Rental fee applies

Clearwater Beach Marina is one of the easiest places to start a jet ski trip, with rental operators providing quick access to waterways around the barrier island. Depending on your experience, you can choose an independent rental or join a guided excursion through suitable local waters.

Guided options can be particularly helpful for first-time visitors who would rather concentrate on riding than navigation. Florida boating requirements can vary according to age, so check what identification, certification or documentation is required before arriving at the marina.

9. Take a Fishing Charter From Clearwater Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach Marina and Gulf of Mexico

Best For: Anglers, families, groups

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Charter fee applies

Fishing charters leave from Clearwater Beach Marina aboard everything from smaller private vessels to larger boats designed for group trips. Depending on the season and style of excursion, catches can include grouper, snapper, amberjack, mackerel, snook and redfish.

Choose an inshore trip if you want to stay closer to the coast or a longer deep-sea charter for more time out in the Gulf. Before booking, think about how many hours your group genuinely wants to spend on the water, particularly with younger or first-time anglers.

Explore Clearwater vacation rentals for homes around Clearwater Beach and the wider Gulf Coast.

Things to Do in Clearwater: Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island Highlights

10. Take the Ferry to Caladesi Island

Location / Neighborhood: Caladesi Island State Park

Best For: Couples, families, beaches, nature

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Ferry and park fees apply

Caladesi Island State Park is one of the best escapes from Clearwater's busier beachfront, with quiet Gulf beaches, natural trails and mangrove waterways. The island is accessible by boat, with ferry services operating from neighboring Honeymoon Island.

Give yourself enough time to explore rather than arriving purely for an hour on the sand. Walking and paddling reveal very different sides of the protected landscape, so a half-day visit is much more rewarding. Check ferry schedules and operating conditions before setting out, particularly outside peak periods.

11. Explore Honeymoon Island State Park

Location / Neighborhood: Honeymoon Island, Dunedin

Best For: Families, couples, beaches, walking, wildlife

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: State park entry fee applies

Honeymoon Island combines more than four miles of shoreline with opportunities for walking, cycling, paddling and wildlife watching. The Osprey Trail passes through one of Florida's remaining virgin slash pine forests, while wild ospreys, herons, gopher tortoises and other native species may be seen around the park.

Spend part of your visit exploring the trails before heading to the beach rather than choosing between the two. Honeymoon Island is also the departure point for the ferry to Caladesi Island, making the areas easy to combine.

12. Kayak Around Caladesi Island

Location / Neighborhood: Caladesi Island State Park

Best For: Kayaking, nature, couples, active travelers

Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Rental and park access fees may apply

Caladesi Island State Park is one of the most appealing places near Clearwater for kayaking, with more than three miles of paddling routes winding through mangrove habitat. The sheltered setting offers a very different experience from paddling directly off the busier beachfront.

Move slowly through the waterways and keep an eye out for wild birds and other animals around the mangroves and shoreline. If you are inexperienced, choose calmer conditions and allow plenty of time so the paddle feels like exploration rather than a race through the route.

13. Go Snorkeling Around the Barrier Islands

Location / Neighborhood: Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island and nearby coastline

Best For: Families, couples, snorkeling, marine life

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free with your own equipment; park or rental fees may apply

Quieter stretches around Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island and Clearwater's surrounding barrier islands can provide opportunities for snorkeling when conditions are clear. Fish, rays, crabs and other Gulf marine life may be visible around suitable areas close to shore.

Visibility can change considerably with wind, waves and tides, so check conditions before committing to a snorkeling session. Combining it with a wider island visit works well because you can switch to walking or beach time if underwater visibility is poorer than expected. Never touch or disturb wildlife.

Things to Do in Clearwater: Downtown Clearwater Highlights

14. Walk Around Downtown Clearwater

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Clearwater

Best For: Couples, dining, casual sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Cross back onto the mainland to see a different side of Clearwater away from its Gulf beaches. Downtown sits beside the Intracoastal Waterway and combines waterfront green spaces, restaurants and cultural venues within easy reach of Coachman Park.

Spend time walking between the waterfront and surrounding streets rather than treating downtown simply as somewhere to pass through. It is particularly easy to visit later in the afternoon, when you can continue into Coachman Park before stopping for dinner or heading to an evening performance nearby.

15. Explore Coachman Park

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Clearwater

Best For: Families, couples, waterfront walks

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Coachman Park covers 19 acres beside Clearwater Harbor and has become one of downtown's main gathering places. Walking areas, lawns and public art sit alongside a pirate-themed playground and year-round splash pad, giving the park something for different ages.

Families can spend time around the children's facilities, while couples and other visitors can simply enjoy the waterfront paths and open spaces. Visit as part of a wider downtown afternoon, especially if you are also planning dinner or an event at The BayCare Sound.

16. See a Concert at The BayCare Sound

Location / Neighborhood: Coachman Park, Downtown Clearwater

Best For: Couples, adults, groups, live music

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Ticket price varies by performance

Set within Coachman Park, The BayCare Sound brings major live performances to Clearwater's waterfront. The venue combines thousands of covered seats with additional lawn space, creating a large outdoor setting for music and entertainment.

Check the calendar before travelling rather than waiting until you arrive, as the experience depends entirely on which performances coincide with your stay. If something catches your attention, combine the concert with an afternoon around Coachman Park and dinner downtown so the evening becomes part of a wider visit to Clearwater's mainland waterfront.

17. Watch a Baseball Game

Location / Neighborhood: BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater

Best For: Families, sports fans, groups

Estimated Time Needed: Around 3 hours

Cost / Entry: Ticket fee applies

Baseball fans can head to BayCare Ballpark, home of the Clearwater Threshers and the Philadelphia Phillies' Spring Training program. The Phillies have trained in Clearwater since 1947, giving the sport a long-standing connection with the city.

Checking the schedule before your trip can add something completely different to a beach-focused itinerary. Spring visitors may be able to catch Major League Spring Training, while other parts of the baseball season bring Clearwater Threshers games and a more local ballpark atmosphere.

Things to Do Near Clearwater: Gulf Coast Highlights

18. Spend a Few Hours in Dunedin

Location / Neighborhood: Dunedin

Best For: Couples, families, restaurants, local sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Free to explore

Just north of Clearwater, Dunedin has a compact and walkable downtown filled with independent shops, restaurants and breweries. The Pinellas Trail passes directly through town, while Honeymoon Island and the ferry towards Caladesi are also nearby.

That combination makes Dunedin particularly easy to build into a wider day rather than visiting for just one attraction. Cycle into town, stop for lunch and continue towards the coast, or arrive separately for a few relaxed hours exploring the center before returning to Clearwater later in the day.

19. Explore Tarpon Springs

Location / Neighborhood: Tarpon Springs

Best For: Families, couples, culture, food

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Free to explore

Continue farther north for a day around Tarpon Springs, a Gulf Coast city particularly known for its Greek heritage and historic sponge-diving industry. Around the Sponge Docks, Dodecanese Boulevard is lined with shops, restaurants and reminders of the area's maritime history.

Spend time walking around rather than making the docks a quick roadside stop. Staying for lunch or dinner gives you a chance to experience more of the city's Greek influence, and the visit provides an interesting cultural contrast to Clearwater's beaches and watersports.

20. Visit Indian Rocks Beach

Location / Neighborhood: Indian Rocks Beach

Best For: Families, couples, quieter beach days

Estimated Time Needed: Half day

Cost / Entry: Free; parking may apply

Indian Rocks Beach offers a more laid-back Gulf Coast atmosphere south of Clearwater Beach, with an appealing mix of sand, local restaurants and lower-key coastal surroundings. It makes a good alternative when you want another beach without the same level of activity found around Pier 60.

Spend several hours on the shoreline before stopping for food nearby, or include Indian Rocks Beach as one of a few Gulf communities explored during the day. Top Villas also offers accommodation directly around this part of the coast.

21. Ride the Beach Trolley

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach and Gulf Coast communities

Best For: Families, couples, beach hopping

Estimated Time Needed: Half to full day

Cost / Entry: Trolley fare applies

Turn the journey itself into part of the experience aboard the Suncoast Beach Trolley. The route connects Clearwater Beach with Gulf communities including Indian Rocks Beach, Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach, allowing you to stop for beaches, restaurants and sightseeing without dealing with parking at every destination.

Avoid trying to visit every stop in one day. Choose one or two communities that appeal most and give yourself enough time for a swim, meal or walk before continuing along the coast.

Things to Do in Clearwater With Kids

22. Take a Pirate Cruise

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach

Best For: Families, younger children

Estimated Time Needed: Around 2 hours

Cost / Entry: Cruise fee applies

A pirate-themed boat trip adds a more child-led experience to Clearwater's usual sightseeing cruises. Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise is one of Clearwater Beach's long-running family activities, combining time on the water with pirate-themed entertainment designed to keep younger passengers involved throughout the journey.

It works particularly well for families who want to take a Gulf boat trip but know that children may lose interest during a standard sightseeing cruise. Check sailing times in advance and choose a departure that fits comfortably around meals and beach time.

23. Play Mini Golf

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater and surrounding beach communities

Best For: Families, younger children, teenagers

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Game fee applies

Mini golf is an easy family activity when you want a break from the beach without committing to another half-day excursion. Clearwater and the surrounding Gulf communities have several courses, so a round can usually be fitted around lunch, dinner or an evening beside the coast.

It also works well as a flexible backup when the family wants something slower after a busy boat or beach day. Early evening can be particularly comfortable during hotter months, when temperatures have started to drop but there is still plenty of time left.

24. Spend a Few Hours at Splash Harbour Water Park

Location / Neighborhood: Indian Rocks Beach

Best For: Families, toddlers, children, teenagers

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Admission fee applies

Splash Harbour Water Park adds a dedicated family attraction to a day around Indian Rocks Beach. The park includes two 42-foot waterslides, a 600-foot lazy river, a zero-entry pool and a splash area with smaller slides and interactive water features, so there are options for both younger children and older kids.

It is easy to combine with time at Indian Rocks Beach rather than dedicating an entire day to the park. Hours are weather-dependent, so check the current schedule before travelling.

Unique & Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

25. Explore Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Location / Neighborhood: East Clearwater

Best For: Nature, families, wildlife, quieter activities

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free

Moccasin Lake Nature Park protects 54 acres of woodland, ponds and creeks within Clearwater, giving you a much greener experience than the city's Gulf beaches. Trails and boardwalks wind beneath mature oak trees, with opportunities to see wild gopher tortoises, birds and other native wildlife.

Daily admission is currently free, making it an easy addition to a quieter day. Walk slowly and keep an eye on the vegetation around the trails rather than rushing through, as wildlife sightings are always more rewarding when animals are left undisturbed.

26. Cycle the Pinellas Trail

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater, Dunedin and wider Pinellas County

Best For: Cycling, couples, active travelers

Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours

Cost / Entry: Free with your own bike; rental fee otherwise

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is one of the best ways to explore this part of Florida without spending the whole day in a car. The wider route runs through several communities, but there is no need to tackle anything close to its full length.

Pick a manageable stretch around Clearwater and Dunedin, using parks, cafés and local stops to break up the ride. Cycling towards Dunedin works particularly well because the journey becomes part of a wider day out rather than simply exercising along a trail and turning straight back.

27. Go Shelling

Location / Neighborhood: Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island

Best For: Families, couples, beachcombing, nature

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free; state park access may apply

Caladesi and Honeymoon Island are both appealing places for beachcombing and shelling, particularly when you want to explore the shoreline more slowly than on a normal beach day. Lower tides can reveal more along sections of sand, although what you find varies naturally from day to day.

Only collect shells that are completely empty and leave anything living exactly where it is. Live shelling is prohibited at Caladesi Island State Park. Even if you take nothing away, searching along the quieter coastline is part of the enjoyment.

28. Explore the Coast by Bike

Location / Neighborhood: Clearwater Beach and nearby Gulf communities

Best For: Couples, cycling, coastal sightseeing

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free with your own bike; rental fee otherwise

Cycling is another easy way to cover shorter distances around Clearwater Beach and neighboring Gulf Coast communities. Keep the ride relaxed and use it to move between beach access points, waterfront stops and places to eat rather than simply covering as many miles as possible.

If you want something longer, connect with the wider trail network or head towards Dunedin, where cycling fits naturally into a full day of exploring. Shorter coastal rides can easily be added to a beach day without turning cycling into the main focus of the trip.

29. Discover Clearwater's History at the Historical Society Museum

Location / Neighborhood: Downtown Clearwater

Best For: History lovers, couples, families, cultural experiences

Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours

Cost / Entry: Free; donations welcomed

The Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center offers a fascinating look at the city's past, from its early settlements to the development of one of Florida's most popular coastal destinations. Housed inside the historic South Ward School building, the museum features exhibitions, photographs and artifacts exploring Clearwater's heritage and local communities.

Visitors can discover how the city has changed over the years while exploring displays dedicated to its people, architecture and cultural history. It's an interesting alternative to Clearwater's beaches and outdoor activities, particularly for visitors looking for something educational. Insider tip: check the museum's limited opening hours before visiting and combine your trip with a walk around Downtown Clearwater.

30. Explore the Florida Botanical Gardens

Location / Neighborhood: Largo, near Clearwater

Best For: Couples, families, nature lovers, photographers

Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours

Cost / Entry: Free admission

The Florida Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful retreat from Clearwater's busy beaches, with beautiful landscaped gardens, tropical plants and scenic walking paths. Located in nearby Largo, the gardens feature colorful flower displays, native Florida vegetation, shaded pathways and peaceful natural surroundings that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Visitors can explore themed garden collections, admire seasonal blooms and discover beautiful spots for photography. Families can also visit the Majeed Discovery Garden, which features interactive outdoor spaces designed to introduce children to nature. Insider tip: visit during the morning for cooler temperatures and combine your trip with nearby Heritage Village for an afternoon of gardens and local history.

Seasonal Events

Clearwater's event calendar adds live music, festivals and seasonal sport to the city's year-round beaches and outdoor attractions. Some events can make the waterfront and surrounding accommodation considerably busier, so check current dates and programs if attending one is important to your trip.

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival

The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival transforms part of Clearwater Beach into a celebration of large-scale sand sculpture, with intricate displays joined by entertainment and family activities around the waterfront.

The festival fits naturally into a Clearwater Beach day because Pier 60, the sand and surrounding restaurants are all close together. Arrive with enough time to explore before sunset rather than visiting only for the sculptures, as the evening atmosphere around the pier is one of the highlights of staying in this part of Clearwater.

Clearwater Jazz Holiday

Clearwater Jazz Holiday brings several days of live music to the city and has become one of Clearwater's best-known recurring cultural events. Performances give visitors a different reason to spend time around the downtown waterfront beyond beaches, boat trips and daytime sightseeing.

If your stay overlaps with the festival, check the latest lineup and ticket arrangements before travelling. Combine a performance with Coachman Park and dinner downtown rather than treating the event as an isolated evening, particularly if you have not explored Clearwater's mainland side before.

Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training

Spring brings Major League Baseball to Clearwater when the Philadelphia Phillies return to BayCare Ballpark for their preseason schedule. The team's long association with the city makes Spring Training a particularly recognizable part of Clearwater's seasonal calendar.

A game can easily be worked into a wider trip without taking over the day, leaving time for the beach or waterfront before first pitch. Check the fixture schedule well in advance if baseball is a priority, as the opportunity is tied specifically to the Spring Training period.

Clearwater Threshers Baseball

Clearwater Threshers games extend the city's baseball experience beyond the Phillies' Spring Training period and give visitors another opportunity to spend an evening at BayCare Ballpark.

The relaxed ballpark setting works well for families, groups and sports fans looking for something completely different from another night beside the beach. Check home-game dates before planning around it, as availability depends on the season and fixture schedule. Combining a game with other inland Clearwater activities also makes good use of time away from the barrier island.

Plan your Clearwater trip

Clearwater's beaches, islands and surrounding Gulf communities make it worth thinking about both where you stay and when you travel. These pages can help you choose the right accommodation and plan around the weather, beach conditions and experiences you want to prioritize:

• Best Time to Visit Clearwater
• Clearwater Beach House Rentals with Private Pool
• Clearwater Beachfront Vacation Rentals

These are the same natural Clearwater accommodation and planning links already represented in the existing page and surrounding Top Villas collection.

Where to Stay in Clearwater

Staying close to the Gulf makes it much easier to build your trip around beaches, sunsets, boat excursions and watersports. Clearwater Beach is the strongest option if you want Pier 60, restaurants and marina activities nearby, while North Clearwater Beach and Indian Rocks Beach suit travelers looking for a slightly quieter coastal base.

Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and other nearby Gulf communities also work well if beach hopping is part of your plans. Our Clearwater vacation rentals include homes and condos across these areas, with selected properties featuring private pools, hot tubs, boat docks, Gulf views and easy beach access.