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Once considered a spring break destination, Clearwater Beach has in recent years transformed into a perennially active coastal city. The beach remains paramount for visitors and locals alike, but great food, fun events and major attractions such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium are commanding global attention. On the mainland, Clearwater offers urban amenities and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.
Clearwater Beach
One of the area’s most popular beaches, Clearwater Beach buzzes with activity: swimming, boating, fishing, water sports, volleyball and biking or blading along the Beach Walk promenade. There’s no shortage of beach amenities, from concessions and cabanas to marinas, watercraft rentals and playgrounds. If a day of sunshine, sand, and calm waters doesn’t bring you complete bliss, Clearwater Beach’s amazing Gulf sunsets certainly will. Head to Sunsets at Pier 60 for the nightly celebration featuring live music, street performers, craft vendors and more. A free family-friendly movie is screened after sunset here on weekends, weather permitting.
Classic Attractions & Activities
For daytime family fun, board Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise, departing daily from Clearwater Beach. Aboard the “Pirate’s Ransom,” there’s pirate-themed entertainment for the whole family, plus complimentary beer and wine for adults.
Don’t miss Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to the now famous Winter the dolphin, who starred in the Hollywood flick "Dolphin Tale." Winter's story is unique and inspiring. After losing her tail due to an entanglement with a crab trap, Winter has defied all odds by not only surviving but learning to swim with help from a prosthetic tail. Besides visiting Winter at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you can also see all the other rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters and other creatures that call the aquarium home.
Across the bridge in downtown Clearwater, the Harborview Center hosts "Dolphin Tale Adventure," a special exhibit that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the hit film "Dolphin Tale" with recreated movie scenes, photos and actual props used in the movie. The exhibit also includes two mini-theaters, an interactive kids' area and much more.
Dining & Nightlife
When you work up an appetite, check out Frenchy's, a Clearwater original with several locations throughout town. They’re famous for their casual fresh seafood, from grouper sandwiches to crab legs. There’s also Bob Heilman's Beachcomber, a storied eatery with an upscale twist, and Spanish fare at the waterfront Columbia. Don’t want to part with that lovely beach? Grab a table at Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar for some seafood and great beach views. In mainland Clearwater, feast on delectable tapas at Ceviche Clearwater, a local chain that’s rich on ambiance and flavor.
Many hotels and bars on Clearwater Beach offer laid-back, beachy nightlife, often with live music and drink specials. Don’t miss Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar and Grill, which has an indoor nightclub and outdoor tiki bar for dancing the night away island-style.
Downtown Clearwater
Oak-lined avenues and streets run along gently sloping terrain throughout Clearwater, the third-largest metro area in the Tampa Bay region. Walk the pedestrian-friendly Memorial Causeway (actually part of the Great Florida Birding Trail) for amazing views of Clearwater Beach and the mainland. Clearwater's Cleveland Street District is a great place to spend an afternoon shopping for everything from home furnishings to sports gear to designer clothing. Built in 1921 and reminiscent of a classic Hollywood theater, the Capitol Theatre on Cleveland Street presents classic movies and live music. Plans are in place to renovate the 655-seat Capitol, one of the oldest operating theaters in Florida.
Live Music & Sports
Clearwater’s Coachman Park hosts numerous outdoor concerts and events throughout the year, including a popular July Fourth celebration. Stunning views of Clearwater Harbor, a newly built marina and refreshing breezes make it a popular venue. Baseball fans will want to check out Bright House Field, home to Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training games. Minor League baseball's Clearwater Threshers, of the Florida State League, also call the field home.
Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Built on abandoned railroad right-of-way, the 40-mile Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is popular with tourists and residents alike. This multi-use recreation trail is designed for biking, walking, running and skating enthusiasts. It winds through Clearwater on its way from the south in St. Petersburg northward to Tarpon Springs. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the wide variety of parks that dot the landscape of Clearwater, including Crescent Lake Park, Moccasin Lake Nature Park and Eagle Lake Park.
Major Events
Clearwater’s signature events include the four-day Clearwater Jazz Holiday, which is held each fall and has attracted such legendary talents as Dave Brubeck and Al Jarreau. Also in the fall, the Clearwater Super Boat National Championship Festival speeds into town, bringing with it festivities both on and off the water.
Getting Around
Clearwater Beach is west of Tampa International Airport via the Courtney Campbell Causeway, and about 40 minutes north of St. Petersburg. The community is highly walkable, and a trolley connects it to several other beach towns in the area.
