Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach

Grab your beach umbrella, towels and enough water and snacks to tide your crew over until lunch. You and the family will have a blast splashing in the surf, trying skim boarding and building sandcastles. The emerald waters are warm and inviting, and Pier 60 itself is a delightfully scenic backdrop. 

Whether you want to try paddleboarding or the high-powered thrill of a Jet-ski tour along the shore (guided or on your own), water sports opportunities are plentiful. Whatever your pace, Clearwater Waves can get you out on the waves, just steps from Pier 60.

Kids and kids-at-heart will have a total blast bounding down “The Hippo,” a giant inflatable waterslide that multiple riders can experience at once via separate lanes. It’s the perfect way to cool down while experiencing a little adrenaline rush. Trust us: one ride won’t be enough! 

Get back to the basics at Pier 60’s shaded jungle gym. It’s the classic playground experience for energetic kiddos – albeit one with incredible views of Clearwater Beach. Relax and watch them have a great time. 

Chances are, there’ll be seabirds aplenty diving into the surf for a snack. St. Pete/Clearwater’s iconic pelicans are always perched near wherever the fish are – and you can often get close enough for a good picture. If you’re lucky, dolphins will be playing in the surf (or use one of the coin-operated telescopes to find them frolicking in the distance). If you’re really lucky, you may spot a Florida manatee swimming along the coast – in the summer months, a manatee sighting is more common than you might think. 

A popular local fishing spot, Pier 60 tends to be lined with anglers earlier in the day and at night, when good underwater lighting makes it easy to see what’s biting. No gear? No worries. There’s a bait and tackle shop right on the pier that will rent you a rod and offers all the bait you need to reel in the ultimate fish story. Fish at Pier 60 all day long for a $10 fee.

Cap off a perfect beach day with St. Pete/Clearwater’s most famous sunset celebration. The all-ages festivities begin two hours before sunset and wind down two hours after. Every. Single. Day. They feature performances by musicians, firebreathers, dancers and more. Over 30 vendors sell locally crafted wares. Learn more about Sunsets at Pier 60.

Crafters and local sellers set up booths each evening ahead of the sunset celebration. Browse and find something special to remember your trip by.

If your crew works up an appetite from all the fun you’re having at Pier 60, have no fear: you have tons of options within walking distance. Keep it simple with the on-site concessions, or venture out.

For some of the best views in town, head to Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest for happy hour. Crabby’s Dockside is a mainstay for fried seafood appetizers and other coastal crowd-pleasers. Clear Sky Café is a tried-and-true spot for breakfast as well as lunch and dinner favorites such as crab hushpuppies, grouper, pasta dishes, and sushi/raw bar options. The ever-popular Frenchy’s has multiple locations nearby, including beachfront Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. For top-notch date-night options, head to Caretta on the Gulf (it’s part of the luxurious Sandpearl resort) or Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber. Sports lovers can catch the game on one of the many large screens at The Brown Boxer, which has great bar eats and great beer menu. And the relative newcomer to the beach, Three Daughters Brewing Clearwater Beach, offers local craft brews and a terrific view.