Clearwater

Beach Day

If you’re looking for things to do near Clearwater, it goes without saying: Clearwater Beach is the big draw here. Sunseekers find bliss on the sugary sand here year-round, and the gentle Gulf water is perfect for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. There’s plenty of room for you and your clan to spread out your beach blanket and enjoy this lively, colorful beach. You’ll find parking, restaurants, hotels and much more nearby. 

A great place to stroll, cast a line or just watch pelicans diving into the surf, Pier 60 crowns the beach here. On your visit, a must-do experience is Sunsets at Pier 60, when artists, musicians, local crafters and other vendors gather to see the sun off after yet another beautiful day. 

Things to Do

Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be a memorable highlight of your Clearwater itinerary. The expansive facility houses and cares for rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters, sharks, stingrays and other marine creatures – and imparts a message about ocean conservation to those who pass through its halls. It also offers cruises out into Clearwater Bay that are narrated by a naturalist.

And speaking of boat cruises, there’s sure to be one that suits your mood sailing out of Clearwater Marina - with options ranging from the ever-popular with kids Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise to a date-night dinner cruise aboard the Yacht Starship. Explore the marina to find more cruises, fishing charters and water sports rentals.

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Live Music & Performing Arts

Clearwater’s music and culture scene is worth checking out. One of the newest and most exciting attractions in the St. Pete-Clearwater area is the The Baycare Sound, set in the stunning 19-acre waterfront Coachman Park. With covered seating for 4,000 guests and the ability to offer lawn seating, this new venue has attracted top performers such as Ringo Starr, Kenny Loggins, Peter Frampton, Melissa Etheridge, Alabama, UB40, Willy Nelson, Chicago and others, and it's also where the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday takes place. 

Nationally touring acts perform at the state-of-the-art Ruth Eckerd Hall. The Bilheimer Capitol Theatre on Cleveland Street in the heart of downtown Clearwater was built in 1921 and restored in 2013. Its impressive facade matches the calibre of the acts it draws. 

Whether or not you’re seeing a show at the Capitol Theatre, pay a visit to “The District,” the stretch of Cleveland Street that culminates with the venue. It’s a delightful, pedestrian-friendly street lined with great restaurants and a few boutiques.

Places to Stay

Beach hotels are the big story here. Luxury, amenity-rich hotels like Sandpearl Resort, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach and Hilton Clearwater Beach offer all the comforts you desire just steps from the surf – not to mention phenomenal restaurants and world-class spas. Shepherd’s Beach Resort is a little more laid-back, but well-appointed and perfect for sunseekers who like their beach with a side of live music.

Just a few minutes from downtown and the beach, The Floridian Inn lends a vintage vibe to its rooms, and it’s a nice spot to relax poolside, too.

For visitors who want to be centrally located to all of St. Pete/Clearwater’s top attractions, there are plenty of good choices, including The Karol Hotel, Holiday Inn St. Petersburg/North Clearwater, Comfort Inn & Suites and more. 

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Parks & Nature

Throughout the city, you’ll find parks and public green spaces, including Coachman Park, the jewel of downtown Clearwater, where signature annual events such as the Clearwater Jazz Holiday take place each year. 

Want to immerse yourself in nature? Head east to Moccasin Lake Nature Park, where you’ll find shaded trails and boardwalks that lead you through centuries-old oaks in the park’s 51 acres. Spot gopher tortoises, raccoons, and (from a distance, please) alligators, or climb to the top of the observation tower to take it all in. Meet the park’s resident birds of prey – including a bald eagle – who were brought here after being injured in the wild. 

Traveling with your pup? About 20 minutes northeast of Clearwater Beach, Enterprise Dog Park is a great place. This massive, fenced-in park offers shaded trails, a creek and an area with agility equipment.