11 Awesome Day Trips From Clearwater Beach

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There are so many fun things to do in Clearwater Beach, but sometimes it’s nice to mix things up and explore a little beyond your usual spots. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing day trips from Clearwater Beach that are totally worth the drive—whether you’re in the mood for a cute small-town escape, a nature-filled adventure, or a full-on theme park day!

From charming coastal towns just down the road to hidden gems tucked away in central Florida, these day trips all bring their own kind of magic.Some are just 30 minutes away, others might take you closer to two hours—but every single one is worth the drive. Below, I’ve listed them in order from closest to farthest to make planning super easy.

So if you’re ready for a little change of scenery (without going too far), these are hands-down some of the best day trips from Clearwater Beach to add to your list!

Fun Day Trips from Clearwater Beach

1. Indian Rocks Beach

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 15 mins

If you love Clearwater Beach but want something a little more lowkey, Indian Rocks Beach is the perfect escape. It’s got that chill beach town vibe—less hustle, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed pace—but still plenty to do (check out my full IRB guide here).

Just because it’s laid back doesn’t mean it’s boring! You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, hop on a boat day with one of my favorite local charters, or set up a beach picnic (fun fact: most picnic companies skip Clearwater Beach because parking is tricky, so Indian Rocks is the go-to spot).

Before or after the beach, grab a coffee from Grove Surf Cafe, which is genuinely one of the best coffee shops in Indian Rocks Beach (and the entire Tampa Bay area). And if you want to squeeze in a little nature time, swing by the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve for an easy boardwalk trail through mangroves and coastal views.

Grab lunch from Guppy’s on the Beach or one of the other amazing restaurants on Indian Rocks Beach!

2. Dunedin

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 20 mins

Dunedin is one of my favorite nearby towns and one of the top day trips from Clearwater Beach! it’s small, walkable, and packed with charm. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll along Main Street, pop into local boutiques, grab an ice cream, and just enjoy that cozy coastal vibe.

Start your day with brunch or coffee at one of the cute cafes downtown, then walk or bike the Pinellas Trail, which runs right through the heart of town. If you’re a beer lover, you can’t miss Dunedin Brewery, Florida’s oldest craft brewery, or Cueni Brewing Co. for something more laid-back (check out more of the best breweries in Dunedin!).

And if you’ve got time, hop on the ferry to Caladesi or Honeymoon Island—both are absolutely stunning and make for a peaceful beach day away from the Clearwater crowds.

For food, there are so many amazing restaurants in Dunedin! When Remi and I go, we always like going on a self-guided foodie tour and popping in several different places and trying a nibble at each spot.

For more on Dunedin, check out my full guide here.

A great thing about Dunedin, is you can just take the Jolley Trolley from Clearwater! It’s an affordable and convenient way to get there, especially if you don’t have a rental car.

3. Tarpon Springs

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 40 mins

Tarpon Springs is such a fun and unique spot for a day trip—it feels like you’ve been transported straight to Greece! The town is known for its Greek heritage and historic sponge docks, and you’ll definitely want to spend time wandering along Dodecanese Boulevard, where you’ll find cute shops, bakeries, and authentic Greek restaurants.

Be sure to grab lunch at Hellas Restaurant & Bakery or Rusty Bellies. After you eat, check out the sponge docks, where you can learn about the town’s history of sponge diving or even hop on a short boat tour to see the process in action.

If you’re in the mood for something outdoorsy, head to Fred Howard Park for a beach walk or Sunset Beach to end your day with (you guessed it) an amazing sunset. You can also check out some adorable coffee shops in Tarpon Springs or some of the areas best breweries!

4. Tampa

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 40 mins

Tampa has so many different sides to it, which makes it such a fun place for a day trip from Clearwater Beach. Whether you want to stroll through a historic district, hang out by the water, or shop and grab drinks at cute spots, Tampa’s got you covered. The three areas I listed are great, because they’re all pretty walkable!

Downtown Tampa

Downtown Tampa has this polished but still laid-back city feel. Walk or bike the Tampa Riverwalk, where you can stop at Armature Works for food and drinks (the rooftop bar is a must) or check out Sparkman Wharf for more good eats and waterfront views. Plenty of great restaurants in downtown Tampa to choose from, it’s going to be tough!

If you’re into museums, the Tampa Museum of Art and Glazer Children’s Museum are both right along the river (check here for more Tampa museums). The Florida Aquarium is also great, and one of the best family friendly activities in Tampa.

If you want a fun and unique way to get around the area, check out the Pirate Water Taxi! For more things to do, check out my Tampa guide!

Ybor

Then there’s Ybor City, which is all about history and character. It’s known for its Cuban roots, vintage charm, and lively nightlife. During the day, grab one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Tampa from La Segunda, or browse local shops and cigar lounges.

You can also visit a meadery, do a ghost tour, or visit one of the best speakeasies in Tampa! Check out my full list on fun things to do in Ybor.

Hyde Park Village

For a completely different vibe, head to Hyde Park Village, a walkable area filled with tons of shops, trendy restaurants, and shaded courtyards. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, window shop, and just enjoy the atmosphere. Forbici and On Swann are both great spots for lunch or dinner, and if you’re a dessert person, Oddfellows is one of the best dessert spots in Hyde Park!

Check here for more Hyde Park Village activities!

5. St. Pete

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 45 mins

St. Pete is one of my favorite day trips because it’s got a little bit of everything—art, history, and gorgeous beaches.

There is so much to see and do in downtown St. Pete thanks to a ton of adorable boutiques, fun bars, an amazing selection of restaurants, some awesome breweries, and the cutest coffee shops—not to mention the art scene, from colorful murals to the Dali Museum. 

If the weather’s nice, hit up the St. Pete Pier or Vinoy Park along the waterfront for a picnic or just to enjoy the view of Tampa Bay. Or head over to St. Pete Beach and check out some of the fun beach bars—Coconut Charlie’s is my fave! Or experience one of the many fun boat tours in St. Pete!

6. Busch Gardens

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 1 hour

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is technically in Tampa, but it’s close enough to make a full-day adventure out of it from Clearwater Beach. This park is the perfect mix of roller coasters, animal encounters, and shows.

For adrenaline junkies, rides like SheiKra and Montu will get your heart racing. Animal lovers, I highly recommend doing the Serengeti Safari Tour. It costs extra, but it’s so worth it! You get up close and personal with African wildlife and even get to hand-feed giraffes!

And if water parks are more your thing, check out Adventure Island next door for its waterslides, pools, and lazy rivers.

7. Weeki Wachee Springs

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 1.5 hours

One of the most unique day trips from Clearwater Beach has to be Weeki Wachee Springs. This magical spot feels like stepping into another world—the crystal-clear spring water stays a constant 72°F year-round.

Manatees love to hang out here during the colder months, usually from November through March, so if you’re hoping to spot these gentle giants, plan your trip then. While you are not able to touch them, they have no problem swimming right along or under your kayak. A few times, I was actually outside of my kayak taking a dip in the water when a momma and a baby swam right past me.

The water is so clear you can see all the way to the bottom, which makes it ideal for swimming, kayaking, or just floating along the river. Especially if you’re going on a weekend, be sure to book your tour in advance! I really like this clear kayak tour.

Aside from spending the day on the river, you can also spend some time enjoying Buccaneer Bay Waterpark— three of the four water slides drop you off into the natural spring. And you absolutely can’t leave without seeing the famous Mermaid Show!

There are actually a ton of beautiful springs in Florida, but so far Weeki Wachee has been my fave! Wekiwa Springs is another good one, but you won’t see manatees there.

8. Anna Maria Island

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 1.5 hours

Anna Maria Island is one of those spots that’s technically doable as a day trip from Clearwater Beach, but honestly, I always find myself wishing I could stay longer (it’s one of my favorite weekend getaways!).

The island just has this laid-back, old-Florida charm that makes it feel worlds away from the crowds. Unlike Clearwater, you won’t see high rises or big hotels lining the shore—just charming cottages, small resorts, and plenty of palm trees, which really adds to the laid-back vibe.

The beaches here are stunning—white sand and calm waters. Beyond lounging on the sand, there’s also check out the cute local shops, and waterfront dining that’s perfect for a slow afternoon. If you love sunsets, catching one from the beach or a pier here is magical and totally Instagram-worthy.

The water is so clear and inviting, it feels completely different from Clearwater. Beyond relaxing on the sand, there’s plenty of fun things to do on AMI like rent bikes and explore the island at your own pace, take a boat day to cruise the surrounding waters, grab a coffee at one of the cute local spots, stroll along historic Bridge Street, check out local shops, or even go parasailing for epic views.

That said, you really can’t go wrong just soaking in the sun and the beautiful scenery. For food, check out the best restaurants on Anna Maria Island.

9. Sarasota

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 1.5 hours

Sarasota has a mix of cultural charm, stunning beaches, and fun activities. It’s a little more urban than the smaller beach towns, but still has plenty of spots to unwind and enjoy the Florida sunshine!

Of course, Siesta Key Beach is the main draw—the sand here is so soft and powdery, and the water is beautiful and clear. Beyond the beach, there’s a ton to explore!

St. Armands Circle is perfect for strolling, shopping, and grabbing a bite to eat. If you’re into gardens and history, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a lush spot full of tropical plants, and Ca’ d’Zan & The Ringling are gorgeous for a peek at Sarasota’s artsy, historic side.

10. Disney or Universal

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 1.5-2 hours (depending on traffic)

I don’t care how old you are, Orlando’s theme parks are fun! At Disney, Animal Kingdom’s Avatar Flight of Passage is literally like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life—it’s thrilling, immersive, and just…wow. Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios each have their own vibes, so you could easily spend multiple days exploring.

Over at Universal, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must. Walking through Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, riding the rides, and sipping on butterbeer feels like stepping straight into the movies. And I have yet to experience Universal’s Epic Universe, but I hear that the name is very fitting, and it’s a must experience!

11. Devils Den

Distance from Clearwater Beach: 2.5 hours

Devil’s Den is an absolute must if you love unique outdoor adventures. This prehistoric spring is inside a dry cave and is famous for its crystal-clear waters, making it a top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The water stays a constant 72°F year-round, so it’s perfect no matter when you visit.

You can float, snorkel, or dive and admire the incredible rock formations, ancient fossils, and sunbeams streaming through the opening—it honestly feels magical. Even if you’re not diving, just visiting and taking in the scenery is unforgettable. Reservations are required!

Which of these day trips from Clearwater Beach are you taking first?!

No matter what kind of vibe you’re craving—chill beach days, hidden nature spots, or fun adventures—there are so many fun day trips from Clearwater Beach that make the perfect escape without having to go too far. Whether you want to relax, explore, or try something totally new, these trips are a great way to switch up your scenery and make some fun memories. Which one are you most excited to check out first?

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

Must-Visit Rooftop Bars in Clearwater Beach

Best Beachfront Hotels in Clearwater Beach, Florida

BEST Restaurants in Clearwater Beach