Top 10 Things to Do and Attractions in Clearwater Beach, Florida

Clearwater, in Florida, is a coastal gem renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and an array of captivating attractions. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, this vibrant city offers a multitude of activities that cater to every traveler's desires. Whether you seek a sun-soaked beach vacation, a chance to connect with marine life, or a taste of adventure in a tropical paradise, Clearwater has it all. In this video, we'll take you on a journey through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in Clearwater, Florida, showcasing the city's natural beauty, cultural attractions, and family-friendly adventures.

1. Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, with its pristine white sands and crystal turquoise waters, is a gem nestled close to downtown's hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it one of the most sought-after beach destinations in the area. Backed by the pedestrian-friendly Beach Walk, this beach offers a range of activities to cater to every visitor's desires. Whether you're into sand volleyball, snorkeling, Jet Skiing, or parasailing, Clearwater Beach has you covered. The allure of powder-soft, sugar-white sand, warm Gulf waters, and breathtaking sunsets has earned it the title of the favorite beach for millions of travelers.

2. Pier 60

For those who love fishing, Pier 60 is a must-visit attraction at Clearwater Beach. Located about a mile west of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, this 1,080-foot pier provides spectacular sunset views and more. During the day, it's a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with a bait and tackle shop offering loaner fishing equipment, souvenirs, and snacks. Families can enjoy the well-appointed playground and inflatable slides directly on the sand. Shaded pavilions offer respite from the sun, and there are telescopes available for use any time of day. As the sun sets, the pier comes alive with artisans selling their wares and street performers juggling, walking on stilts, or even breathing fire. Free movie screenings are a treat on select summer nights.

3. Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park, situated just an 11-mile drive north of downtown Clearwater Beach, was once the honeymoon destination for winners of Life magazine's newlywed contest in the early 1900s. To this day, it remains a romantic getaway thanks to its pristine white sand beaches. The protected section of the island, Honeymoon Island State Park, stands as one of Florida's most-visited state parks. Here, you'll find more than 4 miles of unspoiled beaches and a 3-mile nature trail for those who seek an authentic encounter with nature. The park boasts an educational nature center, bike and kayak rentals, and a rich variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, and bald eagles, which nest in the surrounding trees from October to May. Ospreys, great horned owls, herons, egrets, and songbirds can be spotted along the Osprey Trail or the Pelican Trail.

4. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a mission-driven facility dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating marine animals. The organization's trained staff and volunteers work tirelessly to improve the lives of injured and endangered creatures, releasing them back into their natural habitats. Visitors to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium can observe the facility's rescued animals, including sharks, dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, otters, and birds, while also learning about their behaviors.

5. Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi Island State Park, located north of Clearwater Beach and south of Honeymoon Island State Park, is a nature lover's paradise and a haven of tranquility. Recent visitors have been captivated by the park's untouched natural beauty and less crowded beaches, which are consistently ranked among the best in the area. Beyond the picturesque beach, Caladesi Island State Park offers excellent fishing, hiking, and picnicking opportunities. Designated fishing areas are known for thriving trout, redfish, and snook populations. The Caladesi Island Trail, a 3-mile loop that traverses mangrove swamps and other unspoiled habitats, is a favorite among hikers. The park also boasts a large marina for day or overnight docking, a gift shop, a concession stand, a playground with educational nature guides for kids, and picnic pavilions, public restrooms, and a shower station.

6. Sand Key Park

To escape the hustle and bustle of Clearwater Beach, take a short drive down Gulf Boulevard to Sand Key Park. This 95-acre beach park offers a serene white sand beach and a park with ample space for picnicking and wildlife viewing. A highlight of the park is a salt marsh with benches for relaxation and bird-watching. Bird enthusiasts can spot herons, roseate spoonbills, and great horned owls in this area. Sand Key Park is adored by visitors for its manageable waves, making it ideal for surfers of all skill levels. Most notably, the park is cherished for its peaceful atmosphere and uncrowded surroundings. On-site amenities include cabana and kayak rentals, showers, bathhouses, public restrooms, beach wheelchairs, grills for cooking your own food, and it's located less than 3 miles south of Pier 60.

7. Spectrum Field

Sports enthusiasts converge in the Clearwater area, particularly at Spectrum Field, to watch their favorite Philadelphia Phillies players during MLB's spring training season. But Spectrum Field caters to more than just Phillies fans. If you prefer to support a local team, catch a game with the Clearwater Threshers, a minor league baseball team that typically plays 70 home games from April to September. You can find Spectrum Field just 7 miles east of Pier 60.

8. Moccasin Lake Nature Park

For a nature-centric experience, Moccasin Lake Nature Park stands as a preserved natural haven and an environmental education center. Visitors have the opportunity to connect with nature, learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem, and explore various attractions. Nature trails offer excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. Take a stroll through the native plant garden to discover Florida's indigenous flora, or climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the park. Don't forget your camera, as this park offers numerous breathtaking photo opportunities.

9. Dolphin Tours

Embark on a thrilling dolphin cruise and get up-close and personal with some of the friendliest locals in Clearwater's waters. Set sail on a relaxing cruise along the Gulf, keeping a keen eye out for wild dolphins leaping and diving in the boat's wake. You can opt for thrilling Dolphin Tours with Little Toot Dolphin Adventure, Mega Bite Dolphin Tour Boat, Shark Teeth and Shells, and Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour. 

10. Busch Gardens

Located just a 40-minute drive from Clearwater, Busch Gardens is a renowned amusement park that promises an array of exciting experiences. The park features thrilling roller coasters, refreshing water rides, a cable car offering sweeping panoramic views, and a train journey that takes you through the Serengeti Plain®. A visit to Busch Gardens offers a perfect blend of adrenaline and adventure for the whole family.

11. Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise

For a family-friendly adventure, set sail on Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise. The journey begins when you board the big red pirate ship at the Clearwater Beach Marina, embarking on a merry 2-hour odyssey along the Intracoastal Waterway. While on this cruise, soak up the sun and take in the scenic views of Clearwater, all while scanning the waters for local marine life, including playful dolphins. A spirited crew stays in full pirate character, regaling children with pirate tales, treasure hunts, and interactive games. Kids can enjoy small water gun battles, face painting to transform into pirates, and end the cruise with a lively dance party.

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