The beaches of St. Pete/Clearwater are known for their incredible sunsets. Every evening, visitors and locals take to the sand and pack waterfront eateries to view the famous spectacle: the sky awash in color, the sun sinking into the Gulf. While you can scope out a great sunset just about anywhere along the coast, not all vantage points are created equal. Here are some of the most memorable ways to salute the end of a perfect beach day.
The festive Sunsets at Pier 60 ritual on Clearwater Beach (named TripAdvisor's #1 Beach in America in 2018 and 2019) has it all: live music, artisans, street performers, even fire eaters. It’s free, 100 percent family-friendly and it happens every evening from 6:00-10:00pm (weather permitting). The gorgeous sunset view is a perfect way to celebrate the end of the day.
Everyone in the family can unleash their inner swashbuckler on the two-hour Captain Memo's Original Pirate Cruise - an outing on a pirate ship replica that comes with high-energy pirates. Kids can do a deep dive into the treasure hunts, water gun games and face-painting; grownups can sip complimentary beer and wine, and boogie on the dance floor to reggae and steel band music.
It's no surprise that this Clearwater beachfront institution is a top sunset destination—the beach is at the front door and you can watch the sun sink to live music any night of the week. The bar at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar is huge, the food and drinks are delicious and the atmosphere calm and casual.
Lie back on comfortable chaise lounges while enjoying a sunset cocktail or dinner. Ringed with tropical foliage and lush landscapes, the pool features trickling fountains and spectacular Gulf vistas. Situated eight floors up, you'll get magnificent sunset views from the pool deck at the swanky Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa.
Historic Pass-A-Grille offers one of the most breathtaking sunset views over the area’s southern beaches on this rooftop deck. You'll want to order one of their famous grouper sandwiches and sip on a tropical drink as the skies fill with pinks and oranges.
Free beer and wine flow on the 1.5-hour Hubbard's Marina Sunset Cruise, which launches from John’s Pass near Madeira Beach and passes by multi-million-dollar waterfront homes on the Intracoastal Waterway. All tours are fully narrated and, no doubt, you'll see sensational color-filled skies from the open decks and comfy seats as you make your way back on Gulf of Mexico waters.
This 50-foot Kai Lani Catamaran's daily sunset sail is as mellow and romantic as it gets. Leaving from Clearwater Beach, the ship serves beer, wine and soda—all to the tune of island music. The super friendly crew suggests keeping an eye on the after glow as the sun disappears below the horizon.
The award-winning Fort De Soto Park has tons of historical and environmental significance. Make a day of it: picnic, sunbathe, take in the fort and the natural beauty, then stay for the sunset which is beyond breathtaking.
Yoga on the Beach is a small, eclectic group that gets together three times a week at the 22nd Ave. N. beach access in Indian Rocks Beach. You’ll soon find out why as you unwind by connecting to the energy of the ocean and sunset after an action-packed day. Skip the yoga mat and practice on a beach towel.
