Written by: Stephanie Lafleur
Among the Gulf Coast beaches, Clearwater is super popular among American travelers as well as foreign visitors, and this travel guide from a local gets you all the insights on the best things to do in Clearwater Beach Florida.
This is one of the best beaches in the entire state of Florida, even winning multiple awards for its qualities, and it is also said to be home to pink sands, but is that really true?
I will get back to that later. So why is this beach winning awards and attracting visitors from all over the world?
The author of this article, Stephanie Lafleur, lives around here, and she knows all about this, so you are in safe hands with her when planning your travel to Clearwater.
Here are all the amazing things to do and amazing reasons Clearwater Beach is on the top list!
1. Best Things To Do On Clearwater Beach
While enjoying the day on the sands, you will not need to go far or make a big effort to take advantage of the fun activities that are offered right from the sands.
Here are 7 things you can jump on in Clearwater just by getting up from your sunbed:
- Parasailing tours
- Jet Ski rental
- SUP stand-up paddleboarding
- Banana boat rides
- Beach yoga classes
- Fishing trips
- Sunset cruises
2. Visit The Iconic 1000 Feet Long Pier 60
Reaching out over 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico is Pier 60.
This iconic fishing pier is a great place to cast your fishing line or view wildlife. The bait house has live bait, rental gear, T-shirts, souvenirs, and snacks.
Pelicans and seagulls often perch along the pier’s railing, making a great photo op.
At the base of the pier is a covered playground for the kiddos to burn off some energy. Relax with a view of the perfect beach while the kids have fun on an old-fashioned play set.
Cool down with a ride down the large inflatable waterslide. The young, and young at heart, enjoy hurtling down this iconic slide.
Sunsets at Pier 60 are a nightly tradition, starting 2 hours before sunset and wrapping up 2 hours after.
This is one of the best places to enjoy a variety of musicians, dancers, performers, and over 30 local vendors selling their wares. This is a popular event, so expect it to be crowded.
During the spring break, be sure to get your tickets for the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival.
Professional sand sculptors come from all around the world to transform the white sand into amazing works of art. The festival is vibrant with live music, amusements, various bars, sand sculpting classes, and fireworks.
3. Join Clearwater Beach Marina Tours
The marina in Clearwater Beach has every kind of boat ride and experience you can imagine!
The marina space will undergo a massive construction project starting in 2024, but the commercial docks will still be available for tours and excursions.
Three Top Rated Tours From Clearwater Marina
Dolphin Tour
Dolphin Tours – This shark-themed boat takes guests on a 1-hour boat ride in the belly of the “beast.”
The boat produces a huge wake that the dolphins love jumping and playing in. This boat offers plenty of shade, sun, padded seats, and a restroom.
Sailing Trip
Schooner Clearwater – Hop aboard this sailing vessel and view the coastline from a different point of view.
Keep an eye on the water, as dolphins and manatees are often spotted during the sail!
Bring your own alcohol or enjoy the complimentary sparking water on board. The captains are USCG-licensed professionals. Gratuities are not included.
Kayak Tour Up Close And Personal
Clear Kayak Tours – Experience the Clearwater Beach area like never before on a guided clear kayak tour.
Paddle along the scenic neighborhoods and sandbars of Clearwater Beach, a popular spot for watching birds and other wildlife from your clear kayak.
One of the best things about the Clearwater Beach Marina is that it also offers para-sailing, personal watercraft rentals, a pirate ship excursion, fishing charters, sightseeing boats, and dinner cruises.
4. Enjoy The “Clearwater Sound”
“The Sound” is a brand new concert venue on the waterfront in Coachman Park, downtown Clearwater.
National recording artists such as Ringo Star, Chicago, and Sammy Hagar have been lined up to perform at The Sound, so make sure you check the program for the period you are staying.
5. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
This is a family attraction that has been rescuing and rehabilitating ill and injured wildlife for more than 50 years!
This is not just for kids; everyone should put this amazing place on their itinerary for a wonderful learning experience, and by visiting, you are also supporting their work, which is important.
At the Marine Aquarium, you will see dolphins, sea turtles, otters, sharks, stingrays, and a variety of other marine wildlife. The interactive displays will educate you on the ecosystems and habitats of our local marine life.
Did you know: This was also the home of the beloved Winter the Dolphin before she fell ill and passed away in 2021. She is still celebrated at the Aquarium.
6. Take Top-Rated Day Trips From Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is just a small portion of the Greater Tampa Bay Area, and there are a wide variety of activities to do within just a short drive of Clearwater Beach.
Visit St. Petersburg City
Just south of Clearwater Beach is the wonderful City of St. Petersburg.
You’ll find miles of beautiful and popular beaches perfect for avid beach lovers here, too, as well as top-notch museums and a wonderful downtown area.
Downtown St. Petersburg is bustling with sidewalk dining and has a brand new Pier District a short walk away. So there are plenty of things to do!
Swim With Manatees In Crystal River
Another fantastic experience nearby is swimming with the manatees in Crystal River. This quaint Florida town offers this as a complete, unique activity that is only available here.
Join a charter boat that takes you to the freshwater springs, where you can simply get in the water and swim with the manatees. It will be a full-day trip about 90 miles North of Clearwater Beach to meet this marine animal up close.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, but remember to listen to your guides, respect the wildlife, and appreciate the time you are allowed to spend with them!
7. Awesome Dining Along The Beach
There are maaany options for dining in Clearwater Beach.
Any of the seafood you find on the menus will be fresh and delicious around here, and I highly recommend the Grouper, prepared any way you like it!
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on the Beach – 7 Rockaway Street
This is a wonderful place to grab lunch or dinner. You can sit inside, at the bar, on the patio, or on the beach!
That’s right, kick off your flip-flops and kick up the sand with your toes while you’re enjoying an ice-cold rum runner and grouper sandwich. Delish!
Sharky’s Beach Bar – 411 S Gulfview
If you’re looking for a cold beer and sandwich, enjoy the patio of Sharky’s Beach Bar.
Their menu features burgers, pulled pork, and other handhelds. This newer establishment has great views of Clearwater Beach.
Shepherd’s Backyard Tiki Bar – 619 S Gulfview
The hottest spot on Clearwater Beach with live Reggae and Rock music, dancing, partying, cold drinks, and delicious food.
This iconic location attracts boaters that anchor just offshore and are just a short swim to all of the action. This is true Florida living! Shepherd’s Ocean Flame is the best for Breakfast and Brunch.
Kilwin’s Clearwater Beach Ice Cream – 391 Mandalay Ave
There is nothing better after a day at the beach than ice cream! Kilwin’s offers sweet confections, fudge, and their original recipe, ice cream.
Where To Stay In Clearwater Beach, Florida
Top-Rated Accommodations are plentyful!
Clearwater Beach is full of resorts, hotels, and small motels offering a wide variety of amenities, views of the beach, or basic accommodations.
Whether you’re looking for a place to stay in the heart of it all or off the beaten path, all types of accommodations can be found in and around Clearwater Beach.
3 Places I recommend to stay in Clearwater Beach!
📍Budget: Clearwater Beach Hotel – Located on the harbor, this property offers an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a private parking lot, and is steps away from the beach.
📍Mid-Range: Hilton Clearwater Beach – This prime location is adjacent to Pier 60, directly on the beach. Tommy’s Tiki Bar on site, private beach area, and room service are the popular amenities.
📍Luxury: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach – This 4-star property offers private balconies, a rooftop pool, and comfy beds. You’ll be steps away from the beach and all of Clearwater Beach’s attractions.
Stunning *Award-Winning* Clearwater Beach Florida
Best beach awards!
Clearwater Beach has a long list of awards and accolades for being the “Best Beach” for this and that, and after you arrive here, you will understand why.
Most recently, USA Today named Clearwater Beach “The Best Beach of the South,” and Travel + Leisure gave a top nod as one of Florida’s Best Beaches.
You find the main reasons for this along the nearly 3-mile-long stretch of white powder sand and shallow waters.
There are a variety of water sports, clear warm waters, and bright sunshine that make Clearwater Beach an iconic place to spend getaways like Spring Break, summer vacations, or a weekend getaway.
You will find many cabanas and chair rentals along the beach that you can rent to chill on the sands for various time slots. Bars and restaurants are only a couple of minutes away, and many activities area available right there on the sands.
It is an excellent place to enjoy the water, but as this is the Mexican Gulf territory, remember to stay within the marked swimming area during your swim.
Lifeguards are stationed along the beach for your safety along the sand dunes, but still, be careful.
Don’t forget your sunscreen! The Florida sun can ruin your vacation if your skin is not protected and you get a sunburn.
Also read: When Is Hurricane Season In The Caribbean?
SO: Pink Sand Clearwater Beach Florida, Myth Or Truth?
For many decades, the so-called pink sand Clearwater Beach in Florida has been something that spring breakers and visitors from around the world want to see.
The rumor is still that there are pink sand beaches in Clearwater, but unfortunately, this is not the case. It is simply not the home of the pink sand Clearwater Beach or pink sandy beaches at all.
To find some of the coveted pink sand beaches with their unique shades, you will need to travel to Harbour Island in the Bahamas, which is the one in the photo above.
However, Clearwater Beach is still an award-winning white sand beach situated on a small island outside Clearwater, Florida.
The sand here stretches for roughly 3 miles along Florida’s central Gulf Coast in the United States, not far from the Caribbean Sea. It is famous for its white, fluffy, sugary sand and crystal-clear waters.
Now that we have that sorted out, why should you visit Clearwater Beach, Florida?
FAQs Visiting Clearwater Beach, Florida
Clearwater Beach is a popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world, and you definitely will not regret becoming part of this crowd.
Don’t keep dreaming about it; make it happen!
What is unique about Clearwater Beach, Florida?
Clearwater Beach is a world-renowned destination with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, award-winning beaches, and swaying palm trees everywhere you look.
There is a daily evening sunset celebration you don’t want to miss, delicious dining options, and an active marina for fun boating excursions.
Is Clearwater Beach Worth Visiting?
The short answer is yes!
Vising award-winning Clearwater Beach will be one of your most memorable vacations. It is an ideal destination for Insta-worthy sunsets with high beach vibes!
How Do I Get To Clearwater Beach, Florida?
You can fly to Tampa International, TPA, which is 21 miles away
Secondly, to St. Petersburg/Clearwater International, PIE, which is 12 miles away
Where Do I Park If I’m Not Staying On Clearwater Beach?
There are many parking options if you are coming to the beach for the day. Street parking, surface lots, and covered garages are located throughout Clearwater Beach.
Conclusion: Pink Sand Clearwater Beach
While there is no infamous pink sand Beach Clearwater Beach, in this location in Florida, you will still enjoy a stunning award-winning beach, fresh seafood cuisine, and various fun water activities and excursions.
You’ll definitely make wonderful memories on your beach vacation!
Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for Spring Break, summer vacations, winter holidays, and long weekend getaways.
This year-round destination with beautiful scenery has activities throughout the year for your enjoyment, both in the cooler winter months and hot summer months.
Related blog posts:
21 Best Beaches In Southwest Florida For Happy Summer Days
9 Best Places For Snorkeling in Marathon Florida By A Local
Snorkeling with Sharks in Florida: The Ultimate Adrenaline Experience
About Stephanie Lafleur
Stephanie Lafleur is the author and creator of the FleurtyGirlTravels blog and has called the Tampa Bay Region ‘home’ for more than 25 years.
She has worked in the hospitality and travel industries for nearly 30 years and enjoys being a tour guide for friends and family who visit the Tampa Bay Region!
Follow her on Instagram.
