Clearwater, a seaside city, is located along the Gulf of Mexico.
Clearwater is an area to rest and unwind with sun, sea, and sand.
Part of the Tampa Bay Area, it is separated from Clearwater Beach by the Intracoastal Waterway, and many of its main attractions revolve around the lovely seas. Aside from relaxing on white sand beaches, Clearwater has a lively pier, an exceptional aquarium, and numerous waterfront restaurants and cafes.
Summary of the 15 best things to do in Clearwater
From its marina, you may take sightseeing excursions around the coast or participate in fun things to do in Clearwater. These are kayaking jet skiing, and parasailing.
1. Sand Key Park
Despite being only a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Clearwater, Sand Key Park feels like a planet apart.
It is both a park and a beach, with landscape and sun-kissed sands covering the northern end of the same-named barrier island.
Aside from relaxing on the white sand beach, tourists can swim and surf in the sea, kayak, or enjoy breathtaking views of the glistening Gulf of Mexico. The salt marsh region of the park has pathways, picnic spaces, and a playground where you may see many birds.
2. Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens on Tampa Bay (approximately a 40-minute drive from Clearwater) is one of the things to do in Clearwater to go for an exciting day trip.
Ride the first Dive Coaster in America and enjoy African-themed entertainment.
Discover African creatures while gliding down a zipline, and much more.
Busch Gardens offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. During the busy summer months, a skip-the-line ticket is worth the additional few dollars!
3. Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Moccasin Lake Nature Park is about a 15-minute drive east of the city center.
In addition to ponds and creeks, It consists of green trees and a flood plain, with hiking routes and a boardwalk winding through them.
The scenic park has the name of the big lake in its southwest corner. a
Visitors can explore unique exhibits such as a bat house, turtle pond, and butterfly garden.
Furthermore, the environment center routinely hosts educational programs and camps for children.
4. Clearwater Ferry
The beach is beautiful, but any visitor would be stupid to overlook the other things to do in Clearwater.
The greatest way to experience the entire region — without the burden of road traffic — is on board the legendary Clearwater Ferry, with stops including Dunedin, North Beach, Downtown Clearwater, and Clearwater Marina.
If you want a 45-minute trek (and have comfy shoes), you may walk along the Causeway Bridge between Downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach instead.
5. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise
Setting sail on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is an excellent way to observe the skyline and explore the surrounding seas.
The two-hour sightseeing cruise is a pleasant, family-friendly event with plenty of activities for adults and children.
Since 1993, the dashing pirate ship has navigated the serene waters of Clearwater Bay and the sparkling waves of the Gulf of Mexico.
Once aboard, you can enjoy pirate stories, games, treasure hunts, and water gun skirmishes before returning to Clearwater Beach.
6. Westfield Countryside Mall
The vast Westfield Countryside Mall, one of the best places to shop, dine, and party, houses many shops and restaurants.
It is one of the best things to do in Clearwater, a twenty-minute drive northeast of the city center, and is quite popular among locals and tourists.
Since its inception in 1975, the complex has grown significantly, today housing over 150 diverse boutiques, flagship stores, and fashion outlets split across two floors.
The mall also features excellent restaurants, cafes, an ice rink, and a cutting-edge movie theater.
7. Calypso Queen
If you enjoy cruising, the well-known Calypso Queen should be at the top of any Clearwater bucket list.
After enjoying the all-you-can-eat buffet and seeing the colorful sunset, dance the night away at the Caribbean-themed party, which includes limitless wine, beer, and rum punch.
It is like a party on the water!
These two-hour ocean cruises depart and dock at the Clearwater Beach Marina and can be throughout the day or evening. As you cruise the Clearwater shoreline, look for playful dolphins!
8. Ruth Eckerd Hall
Ruth Eckerd Hall is among the best things to do in Clearwater, well-known for hosting live music events.
Many great and renowned people have performed here throughout the years, including Pink, The Allman Betts, Travis Titt, and Jake Shimabukuro, and there are plenty more Big names to come.
Besides concerts, the venue also organizes theatrical and dance acts!
9. Clearwater Beach Marina
Clearwater Beach Marina, home to sleek yachts, shiny cruise ships, and salt-encrusted fishing boats, is only a five-minute drive across the bridge and bay from the city center.
Aside from fantastic boating and watersports, there are also some good restaurants and businesses to visit.
Plus, Pier 60 tempting activities are nearby.
The marina is a pleasure to walk around and boasts berths for nearly 200 vessels.
You may book deep-sea fishing expeditions, sightseeing outings, and dolphin-watching tours.
Jet skiing and parasailing are also available.
The marina also allows kayak or paddleboard to surrounding islands and beaches.
10. Pier 60
Pier 60, which juts out into the dazzling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the most popular Clearwater Beach tourist attractions.
In addition to fantastic fishing and perspectives, there is a park and playground, and the entire area takes on a festival vibe as the sun sets over the sea.
The pier, which extends over 300 yards into the gulf from Clearwater Beach, is popular with fishermen at virtually any time of day and is a pleasure to walk along.
Musicians and street performers perform live music or amusing acts, while artists offer souvenirs and jewelry.
11. Caladesi Island State Park
Caladesi Island State Park, which is gorgeous and tranquil, will thrill nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking are all available on its unspoiled beaches and mangrove swamps.
The lovely park is one of the best things to do in Clearwater, reachable by boat or walking kilometers from Clearwater Beach to the south, so its broad stretches of pristine white sands are nearly always desolate.
In addition to admiring the landscape and views, tourists can sail or canoe and spot small creatures and birds that live in the various ecosystems.
12. Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park, located fifteen minutes northwest of the city center, offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities.
The most popular state park in Florida covers the whole barrier island of the same name, with the majority of it comprised of unspoiled mangroves, woodlands, and beaches.
Because of its stunning beauty and some very clever advertising, the lovely island became a favorite honeymoon destination in the 1940s, hence the name.
Guests can go hiking, swimming, and fishing with dolphins, and they may also see manatees and bald eagles.
13. Spectrum Field
If you want an exciting event to attend while in town, watch a baseball game at Spectrum Field, around 10 minutes east of downtown.
The Clearwater Threshers, a local minor league team, play games here, and spectators gather to watch the Philadelphia Phillies spring training practices.
The small size creates an electric atmosphere, especially when the Phillies and legendary players hit the field.
The ballpark showcases appealing architecture with a beautiful plaza and remarkable baseball players on display.
14. Clearwater Beach
Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the picturesque Clearwater Beach is a pleasure, with brilliant white sands spanning as far as the eye can see.
Regularly named among the top beaches in Florida, clearwater has several good amenities and activities.
Things to do in Clearwater include a pier and an aquarium.
Its sun-kissed beaches stretch for two miles and are ideal for sunbathing or volleyball, while the quiet, shallow waters provide excellent swimming.
In addition, you may rent kayaks or go jet skiing and parasailing, with numerous trips departing from nearby. Clearwater Beach is a must-see with its fantastic oceanfront restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
15. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a location to visit, with a diverse collection of creatures and displays.
The aquarium is near the center and is well-known for its rescued and rehabilitated ocean species and essential research and conservation efforts.
Since its inception in 1972, it has captivated locals and visitors with its playful dolphins and adorable sea otters, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
In addition to learning about their natural behaviors and behaviors, visitors can touch starfish, feed pelicans, and sharks, and even meet Winter the Dolphin, the most well-known inhabitant, near the pool.
Final words
Clearwater has refreshing gulf air, calm white sands, and pure blue seas.
It is the ideal destination for all types of travelers.
Regardless of your age or interests, the sun-kissed city never runs out of exciting activities.
This Florida city, officially part of Pinellas County, has practically year-round sunshine.
It has borders of the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Tampa Bay to the southeast. Because of its beautiful weather, both locals and tourists enjoy outdoor activities.