Things to do in Clearwater

Things to do in  Clearwater

Where summer never ends

Sunny skies and Gulf Coast beaches are the big draw in Clearwater, Florida, a city in the Tampa Bay area. The barrier island extends for 3 miles (5 kilometers) of white-sand beaches and is home to popular attractions including the Florida Botanical Gardens, Heritage Village, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Many of the things to do in Clearwater are connected to the sandy shores and sea, including kayaking adventures, dolphin-watching cruises, sunset sailing tours, and jet ski rides, while scenic state parks provide a peaceful setting for swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

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Top 6 attractions in Clearwater

#1

Clearwater Beach

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With expansive white-sand beaches and warm, turquoise waters, Florida's Clearwater Beach, a waterfront community on the Gulf of Mexico, is an ideal launching pad for kayaking, parasailing, boating, and biking. It's known as being more low-key than its southern neighbor, the bustling St. Pete Beach, and many consider Clearwater Beach to be among the best beaches in America.More
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#2

Sand Key Park

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With 95 acres of mostly undeveloped land, Sand Key Park is the serene tip of one of Clearwater’s barrier islands. Looking directly across the Clearwater Pass at Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park offers wildlife viewing, picnicking, loggerhead sea turtle hatching, a nature trail, a boardwalk, fishing piers, a concession stand, and the white sandy beaches this part of Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for.More
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#3

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

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More than just an aquarium, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a marine life rescue and rehabilitation center. Set on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the center gained fame when it rescued Winter, a baby dolphin that later starred in theDolphin Tale movies. You can visit Winter and other dolphins, sharks, stingrays, and such at the aquarium.More
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#4

Caladesi Island

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Caladesi Island State Park floats just off the shores of Dunedin and is only 2 nautical miles (3.7 kilometers) from Clearwater Beach. Palm trees, sand dunes, and mangroves lend it a wild feel, while elevated boardwalks, picnic facilities, restrooms with showers, and a café make it an inclusive spot for family-friendly relaxation.More
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#5

Honeymoon Island

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With 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of pristine beaches, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) of trails through virgin slash pine forests, and plentiful wildlife, Honeymoon Island State Park is a quintessential tropical paradise. Once a popular honeymoon destination, today the barrier island is a beloved Florida state park located in Tampa Bay off the coast of Dunedin.More
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#6

Sim Center

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At Clearwater’s Sim Center, you’ll find cutting-edge technology in the form of incredible simulator programs that make it possible experiencewhat it’s like operating otherwise out-of-reach vehicles like jetliners, race cars and fighter planes. The simulators are highly realistic; in fact, the Boing 737 simulator is like the ones used to train actual pilots and Sim Center even offers airline interview preparation programs. Some of the most popular simulators among visitors are the fighter jets and a 360-degree 3D space simulator that lets you pilot a virtual spacecraft form an orbital carrier and fly through the solar system. Sim Center also has kid-friendly activities, including an electric race car track.More
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Itineraries for your Clearwater trip

Top activities in Clearwater

Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise

Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise

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$45.91
Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour
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Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour

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$37.15
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach
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Little Toot Dolphin Adventure at Clearwater Beach

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$37.00
Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining

Clearwater Daytime Yacht Music Cruise with Optional Dining

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$32.06
Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach

Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat in Clearwater Beach

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$28.00
Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour
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Clearwater Encounters with Dolphins Tour

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$35.67
Sunset Cruise from Clearwater
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Sunset Cruise from Clearwater

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559
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$37.15
Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining

Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise with Optional Dining

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$32.06
Tiki Boat - Clearwater - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar
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Tiki Boat - Clearwater - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar

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$59.95
Schooner Clearwater- Afternoon Sailing Cruise-Clearwater Beach
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Schooner Clearwater- Afternoon Sailing Cruise-Clearwater Beach

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$85.00
Half- Day Private Boating On Tahoe Funship - Clearwater Beach
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Half- Day Private Boating On Tahoe Funship - Clearwater Beach

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$950.00
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Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining

Clearwater Daytime Yacht Sightseeing Cruise with Optional Dining

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$26.70
Tampa Bass Fishing Guide on Lake Tarpon

Tampa Bass Fishing Guide on Lake Tarpon

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$425.00
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Historical Bicycle Tour of Dunedin

Historical Bicycle Tour of Dunedin

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$65.00
Sponge Dock Stroll

Sponge Dock Stroll

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$43.00
Boeing 737 Flight Simulator Experience

Boeing 737 Flight Simulator Experience

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$340.00
Half-Day Private Boating On Black Hurricane - Indian Rocks Beach
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Half-Day Private Boating On Black Hurricane - Indian Rocks Beach

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$850.00
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2 Hour Guided Segway Tour around Clearwater Beach
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2 Hour Guided Segway Tour around Clearwater Beach

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$65.00
Half-Day Private Boating On Black Hurricane - Clearwater Beach
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Half-Day Private Boating On Black Hurricane - Clearwater Beach

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$850.00
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Half-Day Private Boating On Tahoe Funship - Indian Rocks Beach
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Half-Day Private Boating On Tahoe Funship - Indian Rocks Beach

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$950.00
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All about Clearwater

When to visit

Home to one of the best beaches in the country, Clearwater is a must-visit destination in the summer when you can soak up the sun, shore, and surf. If you need a colorful break from the beach, St. Petersburg (just south of Clearwater) hosts its pride festival throughout June. Spring, meanwhile, is for sports fans. MLB teams use facilities in Clearwater and nearby Dunedin for Spring Training games, while St. Petersburg of Clearwater hosts its own Grand Prix through the city.

Getting around

There’s no need for a car in Clearwater Beach. Simply stroll the shoreline to find your fill of beach grub, bars, and buskers at Pier 60. The Jolly Trolley is worth the US$5 all-day pass, especially if you’re keen to explore the area. One route runs through the beach, while the coastal route stops in pedestrian-friendly places like Dunedin and Palm Harbor. A car, cab, or rideshare offers more flexibility for those interested in Tampa Bay day trips.

Traveler tips

The beach is Clearwater’s main draw, so make sure you’re on the sand for sunset at least once during your trip. However, there’s fun under the sun here that doesn’t involve beachgoing. Bike routes like the Ream Wilson Trail cut through Cliff Stephens and Alligator Kapok Parks, where you can fish and spot gators. On a rainy day, Celebration Station’s arcades and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are great places to wait out the weather with the family.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
6
Tours
115
Reviews
13,282
EN
17ead107-e550-4873-ab1c-6058e9ca97d9
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People Also Ask

What is Clearwater known for?

Clearwater is known for Clearwater Beach, which is regularly voted one of the top beaches in the US. The beach itself offers 2.5 miles of warm and welcoming white sand. This family-friendly destination near Tampa also boasts attractions such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Pier 60.

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Is there a lot to do in Clearwater, Florida?

Yes. There is a lot to do in Clearwater for solo travelers, families, adults, and groups. Miles of shoreline offer ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and other beachy activities. Pier 60 is a beachside entertainment hot spot while shopping, dining, and cultural and historical attractions are close by.

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Why is Clearwater Beach so popular?

Clearwater Beach is popular for many reasons. The tranquil blue waters, soft white sand, and amazing sunsets have earned Clearwater Beach a reputation as one of the best beaches not just in Florida, but in the entire US. Restaurants and attractions line the beachfront, offering diverse experiences for visitors.

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Is Clearwater Beach swimmable?

Yes, you can swim in the blue waters of Clearwater Beach year-round. Thanks to its warm white sand and spectacular sunsets, Clearwater Beach is ranked annually as one of the best beaches in the US. Lifeguards patrol Clearwater Beach seven days a week from 9:30am to 5pm.

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What is there to do in Clearwater at night?

Clearwater Beach is just as exciting at night as it is during the day thanks to waterside restaurants with live music and a number of attractions open late. See a show at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, enjoy the nightly sunset festival at Pier 60, and stroll the boardwalk.

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What is there to do in Clearwater when it’s cold?

There are plenty of activities to do in Clearwater when it’s cold. Indoor activities include the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, FlowRider® Indoor Surfing, and Escape Room Clearwater Beach. Average winter temperatures rarely dip below 55°F so you can still enjoy outdoor activities like Captain Bligh’s Landing miniature golf course.

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