Clearwater Beach Florida: 27 Things To Do

Planning a trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida? You’re in for a treat! This stunning Gulf Coast destination is packed with fun activities for everyone, whether you’re a beach bum, an adventure seeker, or a foodie. To make your trip unforgettable, here’s a list of 27 amazing things to do in Clearwater Beach, along with tips on when to visit, what to wear, and how to make the most of your vacation. Let’s dive in!

General Information for Your Trip

Before we get to the fun stuff, here’s some handy info to help you plan your trip:

  • Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Clearwater Beach is from March to May when the weather is warm but not too hot, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (June-August) is peak tourist season, so expect more people and higher prices.
  • Safety Guidelines: Always wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and follow lifeguard instructions at the beach. For water activities, wear life jackets if required.
  • How Much Money to Bring: Budget around $50-$100 per person per day for food, activities, and souvenirs. Some activities, like dolphin cruises or deep-sea fishing, may cost extra.
  • What to Wear: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, swimsuits, flip-flops, and a hat. Don’t forget sunglasses and a reusable water bottle!
  • Transportation Options: Rent a car for convenience, or use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft. The Jolley Trolley is a fun and affordable way to get around Clearwater Beach.
  • Where to Stay: Choose from beachfront resorts like the Opal Sands Resort, cozy vacation rentals, or budget-friendly hotels.
  • Eco-Friendly Practices: Help keep Clearwater Beach beautiful by avoiding single-use plastics, recycling, and respecting wildlife.
  • Local Weather Conditions: Expect sunny skies and temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. Afternoon showers are common in summer, so pack a light rain jacket.

Now, let’s explore the 27 best things to do in Clearwater Beach!

1. Relax on Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is famous for its soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Don’t forget to catch the stunning sunset!

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
What to Wear: Swimsuits, flip-flops, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and avoid leaving trash on the beach.

2. Visit Pier 60

Pier 60 is a must-visit spot for fishing, strolling, or enjoying the nightly Sunset Celebration with street performers, artisans, and live music.

Best Time to Visit: Evenings for the Sunset Celebration.
Ticket Price: Free to enter; fishing requires a small fee.
Fun Fact: The pier extends 1,080 feet into the Gulf of Mexico!

3. Dolphin-Watching Cruises

Hop on a boat tour to see playful bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. Many tours also offer narration about local marine life.

Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for calmer waters.
Ticket Price: Around $30-$50 per person.
Booking Information: Check out Clearwater Beach Tours on Viator.com for options.

4. Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Explore the calm waters and mangrove trails by renting a kayak or paddleboard. It’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying nature.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the calmest waters.
What to Wear: Swimsuits and water shoes.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Avoid disturbing wildlife and stay in designated areas.

5. Parasailing

For an adrenaline rush, try parasailing! You’ll soar above the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for cooler temperatures.
Ticket Price: Around $70-$100 per person.
Safety Tip: Always listen to the instructor’s safety briefing.

6. Jet Skiing

Zoom across the waves on a jet ski. Rentals are available for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon.
What to Wear: Swimsuits and life jackets (provided).
Fun Fact: You can rent jet skis by the hour or for a full day.

7. Deep-Sea Fishing

Book a charter boat and head out to the Gulf for a day of fishing. You might catch grouper, snapper, or even a shark!

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the best fishing conditions.
Ticket Price: Around $100-$200 per person, depending on the charter.
Booking Information: Check out St. Petersburg Tours on Viator.com.

8. Sand Key Park

This quieter beach is perfect for families. Enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and a dog park.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
What to Bring: Picnic supplies and a blanket.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Clean up after your pets and dispose of trash properly.

9. Caladesi Island State Park

Take a ferry to this secluded island for pristine beaches, nature trails, and excellent shelling opportunities.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid the heat.
Ticket Price: $6 per vehicle plus ferry fees.
Fun Fact: Caladesi Island is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.

10. Honeymoon Island State Park

Explore 4 miles of beaches, spot ospreys and eagles, and hike through nature trails.

Best Time to Visit: Spring for birdwatching.
Ticket Price: $8 per vehicle.
What to Bring: Binoculars for birdwatching.

11. Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Walk through peaceful trails, see native wildlife, and learn about local ecosystems.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon.
Ticket Price: Free, but donations are appreciated.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Stay on marked trails to protect the environment.

12. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Meet rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and otters. This aquarium focuses on marine conservation and rehabilitation.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
Ticket Price: Around $30 per adult.
Fun Fact: The aquarium is home to Winter, the dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale.

13. Sea Life Safari

Join a guided boat tour to learn about local marine life and ecosystems.

Best Time to Visit: Morning for calmer waters.
Ticket Price: Around $25 per person.
Booking Information: Check out St. Petersburg Tours on Viator.com.

14. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise

Set sail on a family-friendly pirate cruise complete with treasure hunts, games, and dolphin sightings.

Best Time to Visit: Afternoon for family fun.
Ticket Price: Around $40 per person.
Fun Fact: The crew dresses up as pirates and entertains guests throughout the cruise.

15. Mini Golf at Captain Bligh’s Landing

Putt your way through a nautical-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls and caves.

Best Time to Visit: Evenings for cooler temperatures.
Ticket Price: Around $10 per person.
What to Wear: Comfortable shoes and casual clothing.

16. Celebration Station

Enjoy arcade games, bumper cars, and mini-golf at this family-friendly entertainment center.

Best Time to Visit: Weekends for family fun.
Ticket Price: Varies by activity; around $20 per person.
Fun Fact: The center also offers go-kart racing!

17. Ruth Eckerd Hall

Catch a concert, Broadway show, or comedy performance at this premier venue.

Best Time to Visit: Check the event schedule in advance.
Ticket Price: Varies by event.
Booking Information: Book tickets online or at the box office.

18. Capitol Theatre

Watch live performances, including music, comedy, and independent films.

Best Time to Visit: Evenings for shows.
Ticket Price: Varies by event.
Fun Fact: The theatre originally opened in 1921!

19. Sugar Sand Festival

Visit during spring to see incredible sand sculptures and enjoy live entertainment.

Best Time to Visit: April for the festival.
Ticket Price: Free to attend; some activities may have fees.
What to Bring: A camera to capture the amazing sculptures.

20. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill

Savor fresh seafood, including the famous grouper sandwich, with beachfront views.

Best Time to Visit: Sunset for the best views.
What to Wear: Casual beach attire.
Fun Fact: Frenchy’s has been a local favorite since 1981.

21. Tiki Boat Cruise

Sip drinks and enjoy music on a floating tiki bar while cruising the coastline.

Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for sunset views.
Ticket Price: Around $30 per person.
Booking Information: Check out St. Petersburg Tours on Viator.com.

22. Sunset at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest

Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar with panoramic Gulf views.

Best Time to Visit: Sunset hours.
What to Wear: Casual evening attire.
Fun Fact: The bar is located on the top floor of a historic building.

23. Biking on the Pinellas Trail

Rent a bike and explore this 45-mile trail that winds through parks and scenic areas.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon.
What to Wear: Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Eco-Friendly Tip: Stay on the trail to protect the surrounding environment.

24. Shelling on Caladesi Island

Search for unique seashells along the shoreline.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the best shelling.
What to Bring: A mesh bag for collecting shells.
Fun Fact: Some shells you find may be hundreds of years old!

25. Adventure Island Water Park

Cool off with water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools at this nearby Tampa attraction.

Best Time to Visit: Summer for the full water park experience.
Ticket Price: Around $50 per person.
What to Wear: Swimsuits and water shoes.

26. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Learn about the sponge diving industry and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine.

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
What to Wear: Casual clothing and comfortable shoes.
Fun Fact: Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the U.S.

27. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Watch live mermaid shows and kayak in crystal-clear springs.

Best Time to Visit: Morning for the clearest water.
Ticket Price: Around $13 per adult.
Fun Fact: The mermaid shows have been a tradition since 1947!

Itinerary Ideas

  • Day 1: Relax on Clearwater Beach, visit Pier 60, and enjoy a sunset dinner at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.
  • Day 2: Go dolphin-watching, kayaking, and explore Caladesi Island.
  • Day 3: Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium, try parasailing, and end the day with a tiki boat cruise.

Booking Information

For tours and activities, check out St. Petersburg Tours on Viator.com. They offer a variety of options, from dolphin cruises to deep-sea fishing charters.

Reviews and Recommendations

Visitors rave about the dolphin-watching cruises and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Many recommend booking activities in advance, especially during peak season.

Q&A Section

Q: What are the best free things to do in Clearwater Beach?

A: Relaxing on Clearwater Beach, visiting Pier 60, and exploring Sand Key Park are all free activities.

Q: Is Clearwater Beach good for families?

A: Absolutely! Activities like Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, mini-golf, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are perfect for families.

Q: Can you swim with dolphins in Clearwater Beach?

A: While you can’t swim with wild dolphins, you can see them up close on dolphin-watching cruises or at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Clearwater Beach?

A: March to May offers warm weather and fewer crowds, making it the ideal time to visit.

Q: Are there eco-friendly activities in Clearwater Beach?

A: Yes! Kayaking, paddleboarding, and visiting nature parks like Caladesi Island are great eco-friendly options.


Clearwater Beach, Florida, is a dream destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or family fun, this list has you covered. Start planning your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable beach vacation! 🌴