10 Best Things to Do in Clearwater

Clearwater Beach Island makes for an excellent day trip near the central city, as it has a long stretch of beach with powdery sand. You can unwind on a rented sunchair, dip into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, or rent a kayak to explore the island.

The island offers plenty of restaurants and beach bars, where you can sip on refreshments on a warm day. Head for Pier 60 if you’re into fishing or looking to admire pelicans waiting for a possible treat. Bait and fishing rods are available in the visitor’s center at the pier.

Moccasin Lake Nature Park is a 51-acre green oasis in the middle of Clearwater, ideal for a relaxing stroll surrounded by nature. You can explore the reserve via trails and boardwalks that meander through a dense oak forest. Along the way, you’ll pass by a colorful butterfly garden and a little lake that’s often flocked with aquatic birds.

Moccasin Lake Nature Park has a wildlife center that rehabilitees injured birds of prey. There’s a loop track through the park that’s about a mile long – it’s fully paved and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail winds its way from Tarpon Springs to St Petersburg, over a length of 38 miles. It’s one of the longest and most beloved urban walking routes in Florida. By following this route, you'll pass by many parks, rural residential neighborhoods, and beaches with stunning coastal views.

The part of the trail near Clearwater primarily covers the coastline. It's possible to travel on this trail by walking, jogging, and cycling. Leashed dogs are allowed to walk along on this track, so you won't have to leave your furry friends at home.

The Pelican Walk Plaza is on Clearwater Beach Island, less than 3 miles away from downtown. This shopping mall is an excellent spot to go for a shopping spree or sit down for a meal or beverages.

Sit down for an early lunch at Another Broken Egg Cafe, go for dinner in the cozy Frenchy's Original Cafe, or propose a toast in The Brown Boxer pub. The Pelican Walk Plaza is near the beach, so it's easy to combine sunbathing with a stroll through the shopping mall.

One of the most relaxing ways to spend your vacation in this area is by hitting a ball on one of Clearwater's golf courses. Within its city borders, Clearwater has 3 greens to choose from: Clearwater Country Club, The Landings, and Cove Cay Golf Club. These golf courses are wonderfully curated, with a couple of nice ponds and palm trees decorating the greens.

If it’s your first time to get involved in this game, both the Clearwater Country Club and Cove Cay Golf Club organize individual lessons and group lessons.

Sand Key Park is a hefty expanse of sand, ideal for families looking to spend the day on a beach with excellent facilities. With beach cabanas, bathhouses, a dog park, a playground and a seasonal lifeguard, the beach almost guarantees a stress-free day of basking in the sun.

Kayak or surf on the sparkling blue waters before or after settling down for lunch at one of the picnic shelters. For a bit of fun on dry land, explore the nature trails, where you can see a wide array of birdlife, such as ospreys, egrets and herons. 

With its sandy ocean fronts and Florida’s iconic sunsets, Clearwater is a great base for boat rides at sunset. These cruises show you Clearwater’s coastline in the calm Clearwater Bay and continue to the Gulf of Mexico if the weather allows. Some even offer chartered sailing trips, on which you’ll be accompanied by delicacies and beverages.

Most cruises depart from Clearwater Beach Island and last for about 2 hours. Apart from a stunning sunset and city views, chances are high that you’ll see a pod of dolphins playing around the boat.

Clearwater Brewing Company is one of the most popular places where locals love to pop in for a refreshing brew. The brewery was founded in 2017 in an old gas station in the northern part of town and is a fantastic place to share a local beer with fellow travelers.

Take a seat in the taproom, where you can see the hissing machinery of the brewery at work. You can pick from 15 beers on tap, all made in this brewhouse. The friendly bartenders are happy to share the brewery’s unique story and recommend a brew that suits your palate.

Cliff Stephens Park is an excellent area to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family in Clearwater. The reserve lies around 4 miles east of the city’s downtown, stretching out over 44 acres of lush greenery.

It has miles of cycling and walking trails, a disc golf course, and a large pond that’s often flocked by waterfowl. The pond is meant for leisure purposes, so you can hit the water in a paddleboat or canoe. If you're planning to stay fit during your vacations, Cliff Stephens Park has an exercise station. Tables and broils are available throughout the area, so it's very convenient for picnic parties on the lakeshore.

The Ruth Eckerd Hall is a modern theater in the eastern part of Clearwater. This center for the performing arts spans 73,000 sq ft, with a vast auditorium that can accommodate up to 2,200 spectators. Don't miss the opportunity to catch a cabaret or live music performance in this majestic hall.

You can buy snacks and beverages to go with the theater experience, but it's also possible to book a fine-dining and entertainment package for a great night out. After a performance, the Frenchy's Rooftop Terrace Lounge is the right place to chat about the show, with stellar views of Clearwater as a backdrop.