18+ Fun Things to Do in Clearwater Beach, Florida (Local’s Guide)

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Clearwater Beach is one of those Florida beach towns that really does have something for everyone. It’s known for its soft white sand, gorgeous Gulf waters, and beautiful sunsets. What makes it even easier to love is there are so many fun things to do in Clearwater Beach packed into such a small area!

You can spend the morning on the beach, walk to lunch, hop on a boat tour, catch sunset at Pier 60, and still have plenty of options for dinner and drinks nearby.

It’s also not just a family beach destination, even though there are tons of kid-friendly activities close together. Clearwater Beach has plenty of bars, waterfront restaurants, boat cruises, and adults-only activities too, making it just as fun for friend trips, date nights, and weekend getaways.

Things to Do in Clearwater Beach

1. Boat Tour

If you do one paid activity in Clearwater Beach, I’d make it something on the water. There are so many different boat tours in Clearwater Beach, so it really comes down to your vibe: a scenic sunset cruise, an easy dolphin cruise, or a full family moment on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise.

If dolphins are high on your list, Little Toot is another popular pick. The tugboat-style boat creates a wake dolphins often play in, which makes it a fun option for families or anyone who wants that classic Clearwater dolphin-cruise experience.

If you want something faster, Sea Screamer is the speedboat option. It’s a better fit if your group wants wind-in-your-hair energy instead of a mellow sightseeing cruise.

For something more adult and low-effort, I love Cruisin’ Tikis. It’s basically a floating tiki bar where you bring your own drinks and snacks, then cruise around with music, salty air, and possibly dolphins popping up like they’re part of the itinerary.

2. Boat Rental

If you’re visiting with a group, A Boat Day is the kind of Clearwater Beach activity everyone will still be talking about later. It’s especially perfect for families, friend trips, birthdays, or bachelorette parties because you get the boat to yourselves instead of squeezing into a one-size-fits-all tour.

Depending on your boat and route, you can spend the day island hopping, snorkeling, shelling, swimming, sliding off the boat, or looking for dolphins. I’d book this earlier in your trip if it’s a must-do, just in case weather forces you to reschedule.

These book out especially during the busy seasons, so be sure to book in advance!

3. Pier 60

Pier 60 is touristy, but it’s touristy in the way Clearwater Beach is supposed to be. During the day, it’s an easy spot for beach views, strolling, and fishing.

In the evening, the Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration brings in local vendors, performers, music, and that little bit of beach-town chaos that makes vacation feel like vacation.

The celebration is typically held around sunset (weather permitting). I love this as a first-night activity because it takes almost no planning: wander the pier, people-watch, grab dinner nearby, and let the Gulf do her thing.

4. Beach Walk and the Marina

If you want something easy and free between Clearwater Beach activities, stroll along Beach Walk, the palm-lined promenade that runs along the main stretch of the beach. It’s great for people-watching, grabbing ice cream, popping into beach shops, and getting your bearings.

I’d also wander over toward the Clearwater Beach Marina, especially if you’re still deciding on a boat tour. This is where you’ll see dolphin cruises, fishing charters, pirate ships, dinner boats, and private charters all clustered together, which makes it easier to compare the vibe before you book.

5. Bar Hop

Clearwater Beach has a bar for every version of vacation mode: rooftop cocktails, frozen drinks, live music, sports-bar energy, and sandy-footed “we just came from the beach” stops. The rooftop options are especially fun if you’re trying to catch sunset with a drink in hand. Jimmy’s on the Edge has sweeping Gulf views, and Crow’s Nest is close to the pier, making it an easy stop before or after the sunset celebration.

If you’re building a whole night around it, my guide to fun Clearwater Beach bars breaks down more spots by vibe. And if beer sounds better than beach cocktails, there are some Clearwater breweries worth working into your plans too.

6. Scavenger Hunt

I created this adults-only scavenger hunt for my 30th birthday, and it turned the whole day into a ridiculous, hilarious little adventure. It’s such a good fit for bachelorette parties, birthdays, spring break trips, or any group that wants something more interactive than just posting up at one bar.

The challenges are playful and adults-only, so I’d save this one for a group that can fully lean into the silliness.

7. Jet Ski

If your beach day needs a little more adrenaline, rent a jet ski. Makin’ Waves by Shephard’s is one of the easiest options if you’re staying on the south end of the beach, and it’s especially convenient if you want to pair a rental with lunch, drinks, or beach time nearby.

For more of a guided experience, H2O Jet Ski Rentals runs tours around the Intracoastal and Gulf from the Pier 60 side of the beach. Either way, check current specials and weather before you go because water conditions can shift fast.

Important: Florida requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to have a boating safety education ID card to operate a motorized vessel of 10 horsepower or more. Many rental companies can walk you through the temporary certificate process, but don’t save it for the last second if you’re on a tight schedule.

8. Paddleboard or Kayak

If you want to get on the water without going full throttle, kayaking or paddleboarding is such a sweet middle ground. It’s peaceful, still active, and gives you a totally different perspective than you get from the sand.

Divine Sunshine Kayak and Paddle offers eco-tours, including sunset excursions, where they transport you to your launch spot. If you’d rather do your own thing, you can rent a paddleboard or kayak for the day and have it delivered to you.

Makin’ Waves, behind Shephard’s, also has shorter rentals if you just want to test it out. For something more unique, Paddle Out Adventures takes you to more secluded spots by pontoon boat. I’d aim for the morning when the water is usually calmer and the heat is less dramatic.

9. Parasail

Parasailing is one of those activities that looks way more intimidating from the beach than it usually feels once you’re up there. You get lifted above the Gulf, float around with the prettiest views of Clearwater Beach, and then come back down feeling like you did something adventurous without actually having to work that hard.

Popular options like BouYah Watersports and Chute ‘Em Up Parasail are close to the main beach action near Pier 60. Pricing, flight time, and photo packages can vary, so compare the details before booking. Also, keep an eye out for discounts in local hotel coupon books to save a little!

10. Go Fishing

If you want something low-key, fishing from Pier 60 is the easiest place to start. You can rent what you need on-site and stay right in the middle of the Clearwater Beach action, which is nice if not everyone in your group wants to commit to a full fishing trip.

For deep-sea fishing, options like Double Eagle and Queen Fleet offer larger group trips. If you want a more private experience, charter boats like Above Average Fishing or Charter Boat Two C’s II are better for a custom half-day on the water.

Some charters can even fillet and clean whatever you catch if you plan to keep it. A few local restaurants may also cook your catch for a fee, but ask the charter and restaurant ahead of time so you’re not walking around with fish and a dream.

11. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the move when you need a break from the sun, have kids in the group, or want something meaningful that still feels connected to the beach. It’s deeply tied to Winter and Hope’s Dolphin Tale story, but the bigger reason to go is the aquarium’s mission around rescue, rehab, release, and conservation.

Inside, you’ll find rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters, stingrays, and exhibits that show the real work behind marine animal rescue. It’s not as flashy as a giant theme-park aquarium, and that’s kind of the point. It feels more educational and mission-driven.

On clear days, you can also add the Sea Life Safari Boat Tour, a 90-minute eco-boat trip where you’ll learn about local sea life up close. I’d consider it if you want the aquarium stop to feel a little more active.

12. Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise is a fun way to turn sunset into more of an event, especially if you’re celebrating or want a plan that doesn’t require hopping between multiple spots. The Calypso Queen tropical buffet cruise is the more casual, lively option with buffet dining, drinks, narration, and DJ entertainment depending on the sailing.

For a more polished date-night feel, the Yacht StarShip Dinner Cruise is worth comparing. For something more laid-back, the Starlite Dinner Cruise lets you enjoy the views with dining as an option instead of the whole point.

I’d choose based on the night you want: party buffet, dressier dinner, or sunset cruise with drinks. Either way, book around sunset if you can.

13. Mini Golf

Captain Bligh’s Landing Mini-Golf is perfect when you need a family-friendly activity, a break from the sun, or a low-key thing to do after dinner. The 18-hole course has caves, waterfalls, and a giant pirate ship, so it feels more playful than a basic beach-town mini golf stop.

There’s even a game room and arcade to enjoy. Hours can shift, so check their latest updates before promising the kids a post-beach round.

14. Sand Key Park

For a more laid-back beach day, Sand Key Park is a great escape just over the bridge from Clearwater Beach. You still get that beautiful Gulf shoreline, but it usually feels calmer and less packed than the main beach by Pier 60.

There are bathhouses, picnic areas, grills, a dog park, and plenty of room to spread out. If Clearwater Beach is feeling a little too crowded, this is your “I need a reset” spot.

15. Visit Caladesi Island State Park

If you want to experience a more natural side of the area, add Caladesi Island State Park to your list. This barrier island sits north of Clearwater Beach and is known for shelling, soft sand, paddling, birding, and peaceful beach time.

The easiest way to get there is usually the Caladesi ferry from Honeymoon Island, though you can also reach it by private boat or kayak depending on conditions. If you’re comfortable with a longer beach walk, you can sometimes walk north from Clearwater Beach too, but check tides and bring water because it’s more of an adventure than a casual stroll.

For more nearby beach options, my guide to the best beaches near Tampa breaks down how Caladesi compares to Honeymoon Island, Fort De Soto, St. Pete Beach, and the other Gulf Coast favorites.

16. Enjoy the Fresh Catch

A Clearwater Beach trip is not complete without at least one seafood meal. There are so many amazing restaurants in Clearwater Beach, and the area is especially good for grouper, snapper, shrimp, oysters, and casual beach-bar bites.

Frenchy’s is the classic grouper sandwich move, while Crabby’s Dockside is where I’d go for royal red shrimp, crab legs, and a casual waterfront meal. If you want something a little more elevated, SHOR American Seafood Grill has a great redfish, and Coco’s Crush Bar & Grill is fun when you want something colorful and easy after the beach.

17. Watch One of the Famous Clearwater Beach Sunsets

Clearwater Beach sunsets are the kind of thing you think you’ll get used to, and then the sky turns hot pink, and you take 47 photos anyway. Whether you’re lounging on the sand, enjoying a rooftop bar, or heading out on a boat cruise, sunset is the one thing I’d build into every Clearwater Beach day.

Head to Pier 60 for the nightly celebration, book a sunset cruise, or grab a drink somewhere with a Gulf view and let the beach do its thing. Simple, but always worth it.

18. Take a Day Trip

If you have more than a beach weekend, Clearwater makes a great base for exploring more of Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. There are plenty of fantastic day trips from Clearwater Beach, but one of my favorites is Weeki Wachee Springs, where you can paddle crystal-clear water and maybe even spot manatees. Book one of these clear kayak tours if you want the easiest, prettiest way to experience it.

Closer to home, St. Pete Beach gives you a more relaxed beach-town feel, while downtown St. Pete is better for museums, restaurants, murals, and waterfront wandering. I also love Dunedin for coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and easy access to Honeymoon Island.

Getting Around Clearwater Beach

Once you’re parked, Clearwater Beach is easy to explore on foot. You can walk to the beach, restaurants, bars, shops, Pier 60, and the marina without needing to move your car every five seconds, which is ideal because parking can be the least charming part of the experience.

If you don’t want to drive around the beach area, check the current Jolley Trolley routes and fares. If you’re planning day trips to Dunedin, St. Pete, Tarpon Springs, or Weeki Wachee, renting a car will make your life a lot easier.

Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach

Staying directly on Clearwater Beach is convenient, but it usually isn’t the cheapest option in Tampa Bay. If you can, avoid peak season, book early, and compare your exact dates on Booking.com. If walkability matters, I’d pay attention to how close you are to Pier 60, the marina, or the quieter south end depending on your plans.

• Budget option: Pier House 60— A practical pick if you want to stay close to the beach, marina, and Pier 60 without jumping straight to luxury pricing.
• Mid-range option: Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach— A solid south-end option with waterfront views, a pool, and a tiki bar. I like this area if you want to be on the beach but slightly removed from the Pier 60 crowds.
• Luxury option: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach— One of my favorite beachfront hotels in Clearwater Beach. It’s the splurge for Gulf views, a gorgeous pool scene, a spa, and a prime location right near the beach action.

Check out all available accommodation options in Clearwater Beach for your dates here!

Ready to experience some of the best things to do in Clearwater Beach?

Clearwater Beach can be as lazy or as activity-packed as you want it to be, and that’s why it works for so many different trips. Whether you’re here for water adventures, a family beach weekend, or a fun group trip, I hope this guide helps you plan the kind of Clearwater Beach getaway you’re excited about!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:

Best Breakfast Restaurants in Clearwater Beach

Cute Coffee Shops in Tarpon Springs

Fun Bars in Dunedin