Plan your trip to Clearwater, Florida — handpicked tours and activities, the best time to visit, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and a sample itinerary.
Top things to do in Clearwater
Clearwater Beach. Consistently ranked the number-one beach in Florida by TripAdvisor and among the top 20 in the world, Clearwater Beach dazzles with powdery white quartz sand and warm, emerald-green Gulf water. The broad shoreline accommodates everyone from competitive volleyball players to toddlers building sandcastles in the gentle…
Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival. Every evening, two hours before and after sunset, the 1,080-foot municipal fishing pier transforms into a free, family-friendly arts festival with jugglers, acrobats, chalk artists, and handmade-craft vendors. The tradition has run for more than 30 years and remains one of Florida's most beloved free nightly events.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A working marine-animal rescue hospital that has rehabilitated dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and sharks since 1972, the aquarium gained worldwide fame through the Dolphin Tale films inspired by Winter, the tailless bottlenose dolphin. Behind-the-scenes tours let visitors watch active veterinary and rehabilitation…
Caladesi Island State Park. Accessible only by private boat or a scheduled ferry from Honeymoon Island, Caladesi is an undeveloped barrier island whose three miles of pristine Gulf beach have repeatedly earned recognition as one of America's finest. Calm, gin-clear waters, a nature trail through mangroves, and a 108-slip marina make it a full…
Honeymoon Island State Park. One of Florida's most visited state parks, Honeymoon Island rewards visitors with four miles of unspoiled white-sand beach, a three-mile trail through a rare virgin slash-pine forest, and reliable sightings of osprey, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, and manatees. Unlike many Gulf barrier islands, it is reachable by…
Dolphin-Watching and Sunset Cruises. A fleet of tour boats departs from Clearwater Beach Marina daily, offering everything from 90-minute dolphin-spotting excursions to champagne sunset sails on the open Gulf. Bottlenose dolphins are frequently spotted year-round riding boat wakes, and the sky over the Gulf routinely turns vivid orange and pink at dusk.
Sand Key Park. This 95-acre Pinellas County park sits just south of Clearwater Pass and offers a quieter, less-commercial alternative to the main beach strip. Amenities include a fenced dog park, nature boardwalk, covered picnic pavilions, and cabana rentals — all for a $5 parking fee with free beach entry.
Beach Walk Promenade. Stretching along the Gulf side of the island, this landscaped pedestrian promenade links Pier 60 to the North Beach hotels and is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and open-air bars. It doubles as the social spine of Clearwater Beach — equally suited to a sunrise run, a mid-day shopping stroll, or a late-night…
Best time to visit Clearwater
Early March to early May, or late October to early December. Early March–May offers warm beach weather (75–85°F highs), low rainfall, major events (Sugar Sand Festival, spring training), and manageable crowds outside spring break peak. Late October–early December brings lower humidity, fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures (72–83°F), and the Clearwater Jazz Holiday in October
Clearwater weather by month
Month
High (°F)
Low (°F)
Notes
Jan
66
56
mild & mostly dry
Feb
68
58
mild & mostly dry
Mar
71
61
mild & mostly dry
Apr
76
67
warm & mostly dry
May
81
72
warm & mostly dry
Jun
84
77
warm & wet
Jul
85
78
hot & wet
Aug
86
79
hot & wet
Sep
84
77
warm & wet
Oct
81
72
warm & mostly dry
Nov
74
64
warm & mostly dry
Dec
70
60
mild & mostly dry
Getting to Clearwater
The Jolley Trolley runs seven days a week between downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and communities north to Dunedin and Tarpon Springs for $2.25 per ride — a far easier option than hunting for beach parking during peak season. The Clearwater Ferry also connects the downtown marina to the beach in about 15 minutes.
TPA Tampa International Airport — 30 min drive
PIE St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport — 20 min drive
SRQ Sarasota Bradenton International Airport — 60 min drive
Where to stay in Clearwater
Where to base yourself, by neighborhood.
South Clearwater Beach (Pier 60 Corridor). The island's entertainment hub, clustering the highest concentration of resorts, waterfront bars, beach-access points, and the Sunsets at Pier 60 festival at the foot of the pier. Walking distance to virtually every major attraction on the island; best… Good for: First-time visitors, couples, nightlife seekers, travelers without a car.
North Clearwater Beach (Mandalay Avenue Corridor). Quieter and more residential than the southern strip yet still fronted by the same award-winning white-sand beach. Mandalay Avenue provides boutique shopping and laid-back dining while the Sandpearl Resort anchors the upscale end of the market. Ideal for… Good for: Families, couples seeking a calmer atmosphere, boutique-hotel travelers.
Downtown Clearwater. The mainland cultural and commercial core sits just a short Jolley Trolley ride or Clearwater Ferry crossing from the beach. Home to the historic Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Coachman Park on the bluff above the bay, and a growing restaurant scene.… Good for: Budget travelers, culture-seekers, visitors combining Clearwater with Tampa or St. Pete.
Sand Key / Belleair Beach. The southern end of the barrier-island chain south of Clearwater Pass, Sand Key and adjoining Belleair Beach offer a decidedly quieter Gulf-front experience anchored by Sand Key Park. Single-family vacation rentals, fewer crowds, and a dog-friendly county… Good for: Repeat visitors, families with pets, self-catering travelers seeking a local feel.
Where to eat in Clearwater
A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Caretta on the Gulf. Clearwater Beach — Mandalay Avenue (Sandpearl Resort) · New American / Floribbean — Clearwater's only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant and named among the top 25 fine-dining destinations in the U.S. by…
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber. Clearwater Beach — Mandalay Avenue · American Seafood / Steakhouse — A Clearwater Beach institution since 1948, blending white-tablecloth elegance with retro charm and live piano. Renowned for the…
The Mystic Fish Seafood Grill and Bar. Palm Harbor (north of Clearwater, ~15 min drive) · Creative Seafood / American — Consistently rated among Tampa Bay's top 30 restaurants since opening in 2001, with an imaginative menu spanning…
Rumba Island Bar & Grill. 1800 Gulf To Bay Blvd · 4.5★ (7,386 reviews)
Crabby's Bar & Grill Clearwater. 333 S Gulfview Blvd · 4.4★ (7,360 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
Ocean Seven. Clearwater Beach — South Gulfview Boulevard (The Hiatus Hotel, 7th floor) · Floribbean / New American — Rooftop dining with sweeping Gulf panoramas and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.…
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill. Clearwater Beach — Rockaway Street (beachfront) · Florida Seafood / Casual — The flagship of the beloved Frenchy's family of six Clearwater Beach restaurants, famous for its open-air Gulf-front…
Shephard's Tiki Beach Bar and Grill. Clearwater Beach — South Gulfview Boulevard · American / Bar & Grill — One of the liveliest beachfront bars on the Gulf Coast, with live music most nights, frozen cocktails, and a casual seafood and…
Lenny's Restaurant. Clearwater (mainland — Seminole Boulevard) · American Diner / Breakfast — A beloved old-school diner open since 1969 and still drawing lines on weekends for its massive omelets, pancake stacks, and…
Columbia Restaurant — Sand Key. Sand Key / Clearwater Beach south end · Cuban / Spanish — A satellite of the celebrated 1905-founded Tampa original, this waterfront location delivers flamenco shows on select evenings alongside the…
Cafe de Paris Bakery. 2300 Gulf Blvd · 4.6★ (2,393 reviews)
Wildflower Cafe. 1465 S Fort Harrison Ave Suite #105 · 4.6★ (1,558 reviews)
A 7-Day Clearwater Plan
Day 1 — Clearwater Beach First Impressions. Arrive at Clearwater Beach and settle in, then take a leisurely stroll along the Beach Walk Promenade, soaking in the Gulf views and the white-sand shoreline that consistently ranks among America's best beaches. Spend the afternoon on the sand at Clearwater Beach, renting a…
Day 2 — Marine Life and Ocean Wonder. Spend the morning at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter and Hope the dolphins (stars of the Dolphin Tale films). The interactive exhibits and rescue-and-rehabilitation mission make it a meaningful and engaging visit for all ages. After lunch at the nearby Frenchy's…
Day 3 — Island Escape by Ferry. Board the ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park to reach Caladesi Island State Park, one of Florida's few undeveloped barrier islands. Arrive early to walk the nature trail through pristine coastal scrub and spot shorebirds along the way. Spend the afternoon on Caladesi's secluded…
Day 4 — Thrills on the Water. Start the day with parasailing over the Gulf from Clearwater Beach, reaching heights of up to 500 feet for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the coast. Several operators on the beach offer tandem and solo flights with easy walk-up booking. Continue the watersports theme at Clearwater…
Day 5 — Culture, Arts, and Downtown Life. Explore downtown Clearwater and the surrounding area at a relaxed pace. Visit the Capitol Theatre (Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre), a beautifully restored 1921 venue on Cleveland Street that anchors the city's arts scene — check their calendar for daytime tours or…
Day 6 — Deep-Sea Adventure and Fishing. Rise early and join a Deep-Sea Fishing Charter departing from Clearwater Marina. Full-day trips head 30–50 miles offshore targeting grouper, snapper, mahi-mahi, and amberjack. All gear is typically provided and the crew will help beginners and veterans alike. Return to port by…
Day 7 — Sand, Sunsets, and Sweet Farewells. Dedicate the final morning to the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival if visiting during the spring event (typically April–May), where master sand sculptors create massive intricate works on the beach. Outside festival season, enjoy a final quiet morning walk along the Beach Walk…
Events & festivals in Clearwater
Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival (Late February to early March annually (2026 dates: February 28–March 1)). Free annual blues and seafood festival at Coachman Park in downtown Clearwater, presented by Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. Features national recording artists performing blues and soul music, local market vendors, craft…
Philadelphia Phillies Spring Training (February–March annually). The Philadelphia Phillies have held spring training in Clearwater every year since 1947. Games are played at BayCare Ballpark (formerly Spectrum Field). A major driver of winter/spring tourism.
Sunsets at Pier 60 — Nightly Festival (Year-round, nightly (founded March 17, 1995)). A free, nightly festival on Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach featuring artisans, street performers, and the world-famous Gulf Coast sunset. Runs from two hours before sunset to two hours after (summer hours approx. 6–10…
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival (Late March to mid-April annually (2026 dates: March 27–April 12)). Annual sand sculpture festival at Pier 60 Park featuring a 24,000-square-foot Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit with world-class sand sculptures, live music, and Gulf Coast sunsets. First held in 2013 in partnership with the…
Clearwater Jazz Holiday (Third week of October annually (2026 dates: October 15–18)). International multi-day jazz festival at Coachman Park, running since approximately 1980 (47th year in 2026). Free to attend; features national and international jazz artists. Organized by Clearwater Jazz Holiday…
Clearwater travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Clearwater?
Early March to early May, or late October to early December.
What are the top things to do in Clearwater?
Top experiences include Clearwater Beach, Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Caladesi Island State Park, Honeymoon Island State Park.
Which airport is closest to Clearwater?
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is the nearest, about 20 minutes away.
Where should I stay in Clearwater?
Popular areas to base yourself include South Clearwater Beach (Pier 60 Corridor), North Clearwater Beach (Mandalay Avenue Corridor), Downtown Clearwater, Sand Key / Belleair Beach.
How do I get around Clearwater?
The Jolley Trolley runs seven days a week between downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and communities north to Dunedin and Tarpon Springs for $2.25 per ride — a far easier option than hunting for beach parking during peak season.