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White sands, warm, sapphire-blue ocean waters, and sunny skies are what await you in Clearwater Beach, Florida. This beautiful beach town sits on the east coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and its beauty and beaches alone bring loads of tourists every year.
But don’t let that be all you experience on your trip. With so many things to do in Clearwater Beach, you can’t help but stretch out and explore all that this lovely place has to offer.
Clearwater can keep you finding gems of activity for days, from the white sand beaches to fantastic dining, fantastic family fun, and a vibrant arts scene.
Clearwater Beach
Of all the things to do in Clearwater Beach, the beach itself is the star attraction. Stretching over two miles along a barrier island west of downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach provides white sands, warm, crystal clear waters, and plenty of sunshine.
It’s perfect for an ocean swim or a relaxing day soaking up the sun with a good beach read. Or, take a walk along the Beach Walk, where loads of exciting shops, restaurants, and attractions are found.
If something more active is what you want, Clearwater beach offers many activities that include jet-skiing, paragliding, and paddleboarding. It also provides plenty of family fun for kids of all ages.
Pier 60
Jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico, Pier 60 is an idyllic place to spend some time taking in the scenery, but that’s not all it has to offer. Grab a pole and a bucket of bait for some shallow water fishing, or take the family to check out the recreation center that’s right there on the pier.
Street performers come alive close to sunset, where crowds gather every night to witness one of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere in the world.
Pier 60 is also host to a multitude of special events and performances throughout the year. You will always find a pleasant surprise on Pier 60.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach sits the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Since its opening in 1972, its goal has been to rehabilitate native marine animals and educate the public about the ecosystem.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit rescue and rehabilitation aquarium home to Winter, the bottlenose dolphin featured in the movie Dolphin Tale. It is not as flashy as some of the larger aquariums, but its mission and focus on helping the animals it showcases make this an experience to remember for kids and adults alike.
Celebration Station
Whether you’re looking for family-oriented fun or you just want to bring out your inner 10-year-old, Celebration Station is the place to let the good times roll. Located in downtown Clearwater, Celebration station has Something for everyone in the family.
Enjoy bumper boats, laser tag, mini-golf, or go-karts, just to name a few. It’s one of the very best things to do in Clearwater Beach with your family.
You can spend hours having fun with all the games, rides, and activities at Celebration Station. The only limit is how much fun you feel like having.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Amazingly, Moccasin Lake Nature Park is located right in Clearwater because this 51-acre nature preserve feels like it’s a million miles away from civilization.
If you want a break from the bustle of human activity, Moccasin lake provides serene paths lined with old oak and magnolia trees. Native wildlife is abundant, and it is one of the best places in Florida for birders.
You can explore the many ponds and creeks that run throughout the park, as well as the lake itself.
A nature center provides wonderful exhibits featuring the wildlife in the area and is also a rehabilitation center for injured and distressed animals. You can learn about the various animals that call this part of the world home.
Another great thing about Moccasin Lake is that it’s free. It’s a great thing to do in Clearwater Beach if you’re looking for a free activity that’s relaxing and stimulating at the same time.
Bilheimer Capitol Theater
The Bilheimer Capitol Theater opened its doors 100 years ago and has been hosting concerts, movies, and all manner of live performances ever since.
It is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture nestled in the middle of downtown Clearwater and one of the oldest theaters in the state.
Renovated to its historical glory in 2009, The Capitol Theater continues to be a vital and vibrant part of Clearwater Beach’s cultural history. Chances are you will find a show or event happening at the Capitol during your stay that you won’t want to miss.
Aside from the shows, The Capitol Theater is one of the best ways to learn about the history of Clearwater Beach, as it showcases the theater’s history and some of the original fixtures in the lobby.
Captain Nemo’s Pirate Cruise
Who doesn’t love a pirate adventure? Without a doubt, Captain Nemo’s Pirate cruise is arguably the most fun way to take a scenic spin on the waters surrounding Clearwater Beach.
If you want to make sure the whole family has an absolute blast on the high seas, Captain Nemo is your man.
The ship itself is a recreation of an authentic 18th-century Galleon decked out in Pirate splendor. The crew stays true to character with songs and dances and parlance to match the atmosphere. You can even book the ship for weddings and other private events.
While everyone can enjoy spotting dolphins and other marine life on the journey, the kids will have a blast hunting for pirate treasure, getting their faces painted, and listening to death-defying tales of derring-do.
It’s one of the more unique family-friendly things to do in Clearwater Beach and well worth checking out.
Sand Key Park
If you’re looking for a beach experience that’s a little more mellow, check out Sand Key Park, located just south of Clearwater Beach.
Along with a lovely white sand beach, Sand Key Park features a natural park area with picnic shelters, a playground, and a salt marsh where you can find several native birds and other wildlife species.
Sand Key Park is also a habitat for sea turtles, who use its sands for laying eggs each year. The park works with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to ensure that the turtle’s eggs are protected and cared for properly.
Along with their efforts to help the sea turtles, Sand Key Park also participates in the artificial reef program. These human-built reefs offer homes for a diverse array of marine life, and it helps keep the marine ecosystem healthy and thriving.
BayCare Ballpark
Originally called Clearwater Athletic field when it opened in 1947, Bay Care Ballpark has been the site of the Phillies spring training ever since its inception, making it the second oldest training site in the MLB.
If you or someone in your family is a baseball fan, it’s worth your while to stop in at Bay Care Ballpark. Home to the MiLB Clearwater Threshers, baseball is going strong at the ballpark from spring to fall. Tickets are a fraction of MLB’s cost, and games are frequent.
It’s hard to think of a better way to spend an afternoon than taking in a ballgame on a sunny Florida summer day. Grab a Threshers ball cap while you’re there and cheer on the home team.
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure
If you want to get a close-up dolphin experience out in the open water, then Little Toot Dolphin Adventure is worth checking out. Among the many dolphin sightseeing boat rides available, Little Toot stands out.
For one, it produces a larger wake than other boats due to its shape. This is important because dolphins are playful and love riding wakes. The boat is also relatively low to the water so that you can get closer to the dolphins than with many other boats.
They have onboard refreshments available, and dolphin sightings are 100% guaranteed. If you do not see a dolphin, they will give you a voucher for a free trip.
The tour is about an hour and a half, and you can schedule it for sunset if you’d like to get an open-water view of the gorgeous Clearwater Beach sunsets. Private bookings are available for family reunions, corporate events, or any other group.
Plan Your Clearwater Beach Escape
Checking out any or all of these activities will bring you wonderful vacation memories for years to come.
No matter what you are looking for in a perfect vacation, whether it be ocean water sports, communing with nature, shopping, or relaxing on a perfect beach, Clearwater Beach has it all waiting for you.
Vacation rentals are abundant and can accommodate any size traveling party. From a single adventurer to a large family group, you can find a place to stay that will be comfortable and convenient for your next holiday.
With all the things to do in Clearwater Beach, it’s an excellent place to consider for your next dream vacay.
Featured Image Credit: By Margaret.Wiktor
