Things to Do in Clearwater Beach, Florida: 2025 Travel Guide

Clearwater Beach is one of the most loved beach destinations in the United States — famous for its powdery white sand, turquoise Gulf waters, and year-round sunshine.
Whether you’re traveling with family, planning a romantic getaway, or just escaping to the coast, you’ll find endless fun, food, and adventure here.

Here’s your complete guide to the top things to do in Clearwater Beach, Florida — from sunrise strolls to nightlife by the pier.

 1. Relax at Clearwater Beach

The main attraction — and for good reason.

With three miles of soft, sugar-white sand and calm, clear Gulf waters, Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked among the best beaches in America (often #1 by TripAdvisor).

What to Expect:

• Lifeguards on duty year-round

• Beach chairs & umbrellas for rent

• Volleyball nets and playgrounds

• Water temperature averages 75°F (24°C)

• Wide pedestrian promenade perfect for walking or biking

💡 Insider Tip: The north end (near Mandalay Avenue) is quieter, while the south end near Pier 60 is more lively.

 2. Visit Pier 60 — Clearwater’s Heartbeat

📍 Pier 60, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Every day feels like a festival here. Pier 60 is home to Clearwater’s famous Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival, featuring artists, street performers, and live music — all celebrating the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Don’t Miss:

• The nightly sunset celebration (2 hours before & after sunset)

• Street vendors, crafters, and live entertainers

• Great views for photos and fishing (bring $1 for pier access)

🌅 Best time: 6–8 PM (depending on the season)

 3. Go Dolphin Watching or Take a Sunset Cruise

Clearwater is known for its resident bottlenose dolphins — you can spot them year-round!

Top Cruises:

• Little Toot Dolphin Adventure – family favorite, small-group tours

• The Tropics Boat Tours – dolphin & sunset cruises

• Mega Bite Tours – pirate-themed dolphin excursions for kids

🛥️ Most tours last 1.5–2 hours and depart from Clearwater Marina.
🌅 Book late-afternoon for a sunset + dolphin combo cruise.

 4. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

📍 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, FL 33767

This isn’t your typical aquarium — it’s a marine rescue and rehabilitation center, famous as the former home of Winter the Dolphin, star of Dolphin Tale.

Highlights:

• Sea turtles, stingrays, otters, and rescued dolphins

• Behind-the-scenes tours of the rehabilitation center

• Educational programs for families

• Touch tanks & daily animal care sessions

🎟️ Admission: ~$36 adults / $27 kids
🧭 Perfect for: Families, animal lovers, rainy days

 5. Stroll or Bike the Beach Walk

Clearwater Beach Walk runs along the beachfront for about a mile — a beautifully landscaped promenade perfect for walking, biking, or rollerblading.

What You’ll See:

• Palm trees & public art installations

• Restaurants, shops, and beachfront hotels

• Easy access to the sand every few hundred feet

🚲 Rent bikes or scooters nearby from Coconut Kayak & Bike Rentals or Fun Ride Rentals.

 6. Try Water Sports & Adventures

If you love being on the water, Clearwater Beach is paradise.

Popular Activities:

• Jet ski rentals

• Parasailing (incredible aerial Gulf views!)

• Paddleboarding through the calm shoreline

• Kayaking tours of nearby islands and mangroves

🌊 Tip: For safe, family-friendly fun, book through Fin’s Jet Ski Tours or BouYah Watersports.

 7. Spend a Day at Sand Key Park

📍 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767

Just across the bridge from the main beach, Sand Key Park offers a quieter, more natural beach experience — perfect for couples or families looking to escape the crowds.

Why Visit:

• Lifeguards (seasonal)

• Picnic areas & restrooms

• Playground & dog park

• Sea turtle nesting areas (May–Oct)

🚗 Parking: $5 all day

 8. Explore Caladesi Island State Park

Regularly named one of America’s Top Beaches, Caladesi Island is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and tranquility.

How to Get There:

• Ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park (20-minute ride)

• Or rent a kayak from Sail Honeymoon and paddle over yourself

What to Do:

• Walk the 3-mile beach trail

• Go shelling — rare finds here!

• Picnic and relax in shaded areas

• Spot dolphins and seabirds

🎟️ Ferry: ~$18 adults / $9 kids

 9. Visit Honeymoon Island State Park

📍 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698 (20 minutes north)

This sister park to Caladesi is perfect for families who love both beach and nature.
You’ll find walking trails, kayak rentals, birdwatching areas, and pet-friendly beaches.

🪶 Look out for: Ospreys, bald eagles, and gopher tortoises.
💲 Entry: $8 per vehicle.

 10. Shop, Eat & Explore Mandalay Avenue

Mandalay Avenue is Clearwater Beach’s main strip — lined with boutiques, surf shops, bars, and restaurants.

Top Stops:

• Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – iconic seafood spot

• Tate Island Grill – oceanfront dining with live music

• Surf Style Mega Store – everything beach-related

• The Brown Boxer – casual sports bar with outdoor seating

🍹 Try: A frozen cocktail during sunset or grab a local grouper sandwich — a Clearwater must.

 11. Family Fun at Captain Bligh’s Mini Golf

📍 630 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

This pirate-themed mini golf course is perfect for families or couples looking for lighthearted fun after a beach day.

🏴‍☠️ 18 holes + arcade & snack bar.
💰 $15 adults / $10 kids.

 12. Enjoy Clearwater Beach Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the beach stays alive.

Top Night Spots:

• Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest – rooftop bar with Gulf views

• Cooters Restaurant & Bar – casual seafood & live music

• Tate Island Grill – beach bar vibes at Hilton Clearwater Beach

• The Shipwreck – laid-back local dive bar

🎶 Tip: Catch live music on weekends near Pier 60 or Mandalay Avenue.

 Where to Stay Near Clearwater Beach

Luxury:

• Opal Sands Resort – beachfront with infinity pool

• Sandpearl Resort – AAA Four Diamond property

Family-Friendly:

• Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

• Shephard’s Beach Resort (fun atmosphere, music & pool)

Budget-Friendly:

• Palm Pavilion Inn – classic, charming, right on the sand

• Edge Hotel – rooftop bar and Gulf views at great value

 Travel Tips for Clearwater Beach

• Best time to visit: March–May or Sept–Oct (warm weather, smaller crowds)

• Parking: Municipal lots near Pier 60 ($3–$5/hr) fill early — arrive before 10 AM.

• Trolley: Use the Jolley Trolley to explore without driving.

• Beach rules: No alcohol, glass, or open fires allowed.

• Sunset times: Between 5:45 PM (winter) and 8:30 PM (summer).

 Final Thoughts

Clearwater Beach is everything a Florida getaway should be — sun-kissed beaches, family adventures, local charm, and Gulf Coast beauty at every turn.

From dolphin cruises and island escapes to waterfront dining and sunset celebrations, every day feels like vacation perfection.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, Clearwater will make you want to stay forever.