40 Best Things to do in Clearwater!

Clearwater is located on the stunning Gulf Coast, is a haven for travelers seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and abundant attractions, Clearwater promises an unforgettable getaway for every type of traveler. In this comprehensive guide, we showcase the top attractions and best things to do in Clearwater during your visit to Florida.

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1. Historic Attractions

Fort Harrison Hotel

Since 1926, the Fort Harrison Hotel has stood as a historic landmark and was originally built during Florida’s land boom and quickly became a popular destination for travelers. Over time, it hosted social events, concerts, and gatherings, even serving as military housing during World War II. The Church of Scientology acquired the hotel in the mid-1970s, transforming it into a religious retreat and training center. With 220 rooms, the hotel features three restaurants, a swimming pool, and a grand ballroom. A walkway links it to the Flag Building, serving as a key hub for the organization’s operations.

Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

Built in 1921, Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre is one of the oldest operating theaters in the state. Over the years, it has hosted vaudeville acts, silent films, concerts, and live performances, making it a key part of Clearwater’s entertainment scene. The theater has gone through several renovations, including 2019, which added private loge boxes, a rooftop terrace, and a VIP lounge. Managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall and continues to bring a variety of performances to the community. It has welcomed comedians, musicians, and theatrical productions, offering an intimate setting with 766 seats.

Old Pinellas County Courthouse

Designed by Francis J. Kennard, Old Pinellas County Courthouse is a historic building that has been part of the city’s landscape since 1918. The courthouse was built to replace an earlier structure and helped establish Clearwater as the county seat. It has a Classical Revival architectural style, which was common for government buildings in the early 20th century. The courthouse was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1992, recognizing its importance in local history. Visitors can admire its grand columns and historic details, which make it a standout structure in Clearwater.

Clearwater Historical Society

The Clearwater Historical Society preserving the city’s rich history, housed inside the Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center, a former South Ward School built in 1906. The museum features photographs and artifacts, that showcase Clearwater’s growth, along with exhibits highlighting local businesses, influential figures, and cultural changes. Visitors can explore the Plumb House Museum, a historic home offering workshops, lectures, and events to learn about the city’s past. It’s a great place to connect with local stories, learn about early settlers, and explore preserved landmarks.

2. Outdoor Activities

Dolphin Watching Cruises

In Clearwater, Little Toot Dolphin Adventure is a popular choice, known for its tugboat-style ride that creates waves dolphins love to jump through. Encounters With Dolphins, which combines sightseeing with dolphin spotting, giving guests a narrated tour of Clearwater’s harbor. For a thrilling experience, Sea Screamers of Clearwater offers a speedboat ride, guaranteeing dolphin sightings while cruising through the Gulf. Those looking for a private experience can book a trip with A Boat Day, which allows guests to customize their tour, including dolphin watching, island hopping, and snorkeling.

Boating Tours

The Clearwater Island Boat Tours offers shorter trips, ranging from two to four hours, perfect for those who want a quick but enjoyable ride. The Tropics Boat Tours operates a double-decker catamaran, providing dolphin exploration tours and sunset cruises, with guaranteed dolphin sightings. Clearwater Party Boats is ideal for groups looking for a fun atmosphere, offering trips to sandbars and islands for swimming and socializing. Flying Pelican Tours provides private charters with options for morning, afternoon, and evening trips, allowing guests to see dolphins or enjoy a sunset on the water.

Kayaking & Canoeing

In Clearwater, Sea Glass Kayaking specializes in clear kayak tours, allowing guests to see underwater life while paddling through the calm waters of Clearwater Beach. Visitors can enjoy a 2.5 hours of guided kayak tour with 727 Watersports, exploring the intracoastal waterway before reaching a nearby island to enjoy the surroundings. Paddle Out Adventures provides a mix of kayaking, paddleboarding, and eco-tours, giving guests a chance to see dolphins and other marine life. Chadillac Adventures offers kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals, allowing visitors to explore the intracoastal waterways.

Fishing Charters

Fishing charters in Clearwater, offer a great way to experience deep-sea and inshore fishing. Queen Fleet Deep Sea Fishing is another option, located at Clearwater Beach Marina, providing group trips for deep-sea fishing. BigAngler Fishing Charters offers scenic sunset dolphin cruises, offshore fishing adventures and shark excursions, welcoming both beginners and experienced anglers. Above Average Fishing Charters offers private offshore fishing experiences with all necessary equipment provided. Gulfstream Charters is ideal for large groups, offering private fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area.

Water Sports

Clearwater is home to a wide selection of water sports, making it a great destination for all experience levels. ClearWake Watersports provides wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and tubing, making it a great spot for those who enjoy fast-paced activities. BouYah Watersports operates at multiple locations, including Hilton Clearwater, and offers jet ski rentals and parasailing for thrill-seekers. Clearwater Watersports provides easy access to jet ski rentals and parasailing, ideal for exploring the Gulf’s waters. Makin Waves is another popular option for visitors, offering jet ski rentals with direct beach access.

Golfing Courses

Clearwater has several golf courses that offer a mix of public and private options for players of all skill levels. Clearwater Country Club, established in 1920, is a semi-private 18-hole course designed by Herbert Strong. Just a short distance from the beach, this location includes a driving range, pro shop and practice facility for golfers of all skill levels. The Landings Golf Club is another option, offering a 9-hole course near Clearwater Airpark, making it a convenient choice for a quick round.

Belleair Country Club, founded in 1897, is one of Florida’s oldest golf clubs, featuring two championship courses designed by Donald Ross. Cove Cay Golf Club is a par-70 course, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for a round of golf with scenic views of Tampa Bay. Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf Club features a par-69 course with water hazards on 12 holes, providing an exciting challenge while still being an enjoyable experience for players.

Philippe Park

Covering 92 acres, Philippe Park is the oldest park in Pinellas County, offering a blend of history and nature. One of its most significant features is the Temple Mound, built by the Tocobaga people, making it the largest remaining Tocobaga structure in the Tampa Bay region and a designated National Historic Landmark. Named after Odet Philippe, who introduced grapefruit farming to Florida in the 1830s, the park provides visitors a picnic area and boat ramp for outdoor activities. The Temple Mound serves as a reminder of Florida’s Indigenous past, offering a glimpse into the lives of Tocobaga people.

Walsingham Park

Covering 354 acres, Walsingham Park is a nature preserve, offering plenty of outdoor activities. The park’s 100 acres lake is popular for fishing and boating, though only non-gas-powered boats are allowed. A 6 miles shared-use trail passing through the park, making it great for walking, jogging, or biking while enjoying scenic views. There are eight picnic shelters with grills, providing a convenient space for gatherings and outdoor meals. Families can spend time at the playground and fitness area, while fishing enthusiasts enjoy casting a line into the lake, hoping to catch bass and other freshwater fish.

George C. McGough Nature Park

The George C. McGough Nature Park, also known as “Turtle Park,” is a 26 acres nature preserve, offering nature trails, boardwalks, and wildlife viewing areas. A highlight is the Nature Center, which houses live animal exhibits, including rescued birds of prey like owls, hawks, and an eagle. Visitors can learn about these birds and their role in the ecosystem. A butterfly garden making it a charming place to enjoy nature. The boardwalk passing through salt marshes, providing scenic views of the Intracoastal Waterway. Families can take advantage of picnic pavilions, a playground, and shaded seating areas.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Clearwater History Museum

The Clearwater History Museum, part of the Clearwater Historical Society, is a place dedicated to preserving the city’s past. Nestled in the Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center, which was once the South Ward School, a historic building dating back to 1906. The museum features a large collection of photographs, yearbooks, phone books, plats, and historical artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into Clearwater’s history. Interactive exhibits highlight the city’s founding fathers, local businesses, and cultural evolution, helping visitors understand how Clearwater has changed over time.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a well-known marine rescue center focused on rehabilitation, education, and conservation. Dedicated to caring for injured marine animals and releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. It is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters, stingrays, and sharks, providing visitors with a chance to learn about marine life up close. The aquarium gained international attention for Winter the dolphin, who was rescued in 2005 and fitted with a prosthetic tail after losing hers in a crab trap accident.

Winter’s story inspired the movie Dolphin Tale, bringing awareness to marine animal rehabilitation. Today, guests can explore the Ruth & J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex, which features underwater viewing areas to observe dolphins in their habitat. Visitors can enjoy hands-on exhibits, boat tours and learning programs at the aquarium, making it a fun experience for both families and wildlife lovers. Visitors can take part in experiences like feeding stingrays, meeting rescued animals, and learning about conservation efforts.

Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary

Since 1990, Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary is a family-owned attraction offering hands-on experiences with a variety of animals. Visitors can watch live animal shows and get close to sharks, alligators, stingrays, turtles, and tarpon, with opportunities to feed them. Guests can also hold a snake or an alligator, making the visit interactive and exciting. The aquarium focuses on education and conservation, teaching visitors about marine life and native wildlife. With interactive exhibits, the aquarium gives visitors a deeper understanding of Florida’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Florida Botanical Gardens

Covering 120 acres, Florida Botanical Gardens offers a variety of Florida species with exotic plants, and allowing visitors to explore themed garden sections and seasonal displays. A 60 acres restoration area focuses on preserving Florida’s natural plant life, creating a habitat for local wildlife. Visitors can explore the butterfly garden, enjoy shaded pathways, and see seasonal plant displays. The gardens host educational programs, teaching about gardening, conservation, and sustainable landscaping. A popular event is the Holiday Lights in the Gardens, where festive decorations transform the space lively.

Ruth Eckerd Hall

The Ruth Eckerd Hall is a popular performing arts venue known for its top-quality acoustics and welcoming vibe. It features a 2,500 seat theater that hosts concerts, Broadway shows, dance performances, and comedy events. Managed by Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., the venue plays a key role in Clearwater’s arts and entertainment scene. It has welcomed well-known artists, touring productions, and local performances, making it a go-to spot for live entertainment. Throughout the year, Ruth Eckerd Hall organizes workshops and educational programs, helping to promote and support the arts in the local area.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

Covering 1.5 acres, Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is home to over 100 native birds, including pelicans, owls, hawks, and shorebirds. It operates as a nonprofit organization, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and orphaned birds. The sanctuary features an Eco-Discovery Center, where visitors can learn about Florida’s bird species and conservation efforts. One highlight is the Pelican Pavilion, where guests can watch educational presentations and take part in daily pelican feeding sessions. Guests can climb the three-story observation tower, offering scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Pier 60 Park

The Pier 60 Park is a lively waterfront destination known for its white sandy beaches, fishing pier, and daily entertainment. Located on Clearwater Beach, the park is home to the Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival, featuring street performers, live music, and local vendors. The 1,080 foot fishing pier is a favorite among anglers, providing plenty of space to cast a line and a bait house nearby, that supplies fishing gear, along with souvenirs for visitors. Water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and parasailing are available nearby, and birdwatchers often spot seagulls and pelicans while strolling along the pier.

Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise

The Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is a 2 hours cruise that takes visitors on a pirate-themed adventure along the Intracoastal Waterway. The pirate-themed crew brings excitement to every trip with treasure hunts, water gun battles, face painting, and engaging pirate stories. Kids can enjoy games and activities while adults relax with complimentary beer, wine and lemonade. The cruise features cannon firings, a dance party, and the dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves. The ship, called The Pirate’s Ransom, is designed to look like a classic pirate vessel, making the trip even more special.

Clearwater Ice Arena

The Clearwater Ice Arena is a popular spot for ice skating, hockey, and figure skating in Clearwater, offering a full-size NHL rink that is open throughout the year for skaters. The facility is part of Tampa Bay Ice, which operates multiple skating centers in the area. Skaters can join public skating sessions, hockey leagues, and figure skating classes, making it a great place for all skill levels. The arena offers learn-to-skate programs, welcoming beginners who want to build confidence on the ice. The venue also hosts birthday parties, summer camps, and private events, adding more ways to enjoy skating.

Splash Harbour Water Park

The Splash Harbour Water Park features two large water slides, including Smugglers Run Tube Slide and Pirates Plunge Body Slide, both standing 42 feet tall. The lazy river stretches 600 feet, letting visitors float through gentle currents and waterfalls. Kids can enjoy the Treasure Cove Splash Zone, which has interactive water features and play areas. The Blue Lagoon Pool offers a relaxing space to swim, with shaded seating nearby for guests who want to take a break. Food options include Jimmy Guana’s Waterfront Restaurant, serving casual meals, and Cruzan Rum Shack, offering refreshing drinks.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

The Sky Zone Trampoline Park is an exciting indoor space offers open jump sessions, where guests can bounce freely across interconnected trampolines. The park features dodgeball courts, allowing players to jump and compete at the same time. For a challenge, the Ninja Warrior Course tests agility and balance with obstacle courses. Foam pits provide a safe landing for flips and tricks, making them popular among thrill-seekers. Little Leapers, a special program for toddlers, allows young children to play safely. The park also hosts birthday parties and group events, with private party rooms available.

Celebration Station

The Celebration Station is a fun-filled entertainment center offering both indoor and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. It features a two-story arcade, packed with a variety of video and redemption games. Outside, guests can enjoy go-karts, bumper boats, and miniature golf, making it a great place for families and groups. The batting cages provide options for both baseball and softball, with different pitch speeds available. Laser tag is another exciting attraction, offering a fast-paced game in a themed arena. Children can explore Playland, which includes small rides specially designed for kids.

The Exit Games FL | Escape Room Clearwater

The Exit Games FL is a family-owned escape room, offering interactive puzzle experiences with unique themes. It features original escape rooms designed by its owners, ensuring visitors team up to crack puzzles, reveal hidden details, and accomplish their task before the clock runs out. Popular rooms include “Servants of Sleight,” a 90 minutes magician-themed adventure, and “Pins and Needles,” set in a tattoo shop. Each escape room encourages teamwork and problem-solving, making it ideal for families and friends, and is known for well-crafted puzzles, to keep players engaged throughout their visit.

5. Natural Attractions

Honeymoon Island State Park

Spanning 2,785 acres, Honeymoon Island State Park offers visitors 4 miles of sandy beaches, a 3 miles of hiking trail, and is one of Florida’s few remaining virgin slash pine forests. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, shelling, hiking, and bicycling, with plenty of space to relax and explore. The Rotary Centennial Nature Center provides information about the island’s history and unique ecosystem. The park also serves as the ferry terminal for Caladesi Is land, another untouched state park nearby. Café Honeymoon offers kayak tours and bike rentals, making it easy to explore the island’s natural beauty.

Moccasin Lake Nature Park

The Moccasin Lake Nature Park is a 51 acres nature preserve that offers walking trails, boardwalks, and shaded paths beneath large oak trees. It is home to injured birds of prey, including hawks, owls, and eagles, which are cared for at the park’s sanctuary. Visitors can explore the Moccasin Lake Discovery Center, which provides educational exhibits about Florida’s wildlife and ecosystems. The park also has a butterfly garden, turtle pond, and small creeks, making it a great spot for nature lovers. Guests can participate in classes, workshops, and guided tours to learn more about conservation efforts.

Sand Key Park

Covering 95 acres, Sand Key Park offering a peaceful coastal escape with a white sandy beach and a nature preserve featuring a salt marsh. The park offers swimming, sunbathing, and shelling, with seasonal lifeguards on duty. It is also a protected nesting site for sea turtles, especially from May to October. Visitors can explore nature trails and boardwalks, where they might spot herons, egrets, and other coastal birds. Visitors can enjoy picnic shelters, outdoor showers and grills, making it a convenient spot for families looking to relax, alongside kayak rentals provide an option for exploring the water.

Eagle Lake Park

Spans 162 acres, Eagle Lake Park offering visitors a mix of walking trails, boardwalks, and paved paths through scenic landscapes. The park sits on land that was once used for citrus farming, with remnants of its agricultural past still visible. Fishing is allowed in designated areas and the park is home to gopher tortoises, otters, and bald eagles, which inspired its name. The wetlands section has been restored with native plants, supporting local ecosystems. The trails are well-maintained and connect with different parts of the park, offering options for both short walks and longer outdoor adventures.

Boca Ciega Millennium Park

Spanning for 186 acres, Boca Ciega Millennium Park provides a quiet space for nature trails, outdoor activities and wildlife observation. The park features boardwalks, nature trails, and a 35 foot observation tower, providing scenic views of Boca Ciega Bay. Guests can explore pine flatwoods, coastal oak forests, mangrove swamps, and salt marshes, showcasing Florida’s diverse habitats. Fishing is allowed in designated areas, and there is a canoe and kayak launch for those looking to get on the water. Seasonal programs are held throughout the year, helping visitors learn about conservation efforts.

Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve

The Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve is a 9 acres coastal park in Indian Rocks Beach, offering a peaceful escape into nature. A large wooden boardwalk stretches through wetlands, wooded areas, and alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, offering plenty of opportunities to observe local wildlife, birds, and small marine creatures while exploring the trails. The preserve is home to mangrove-lined pathways, which protect the shoreline and support local ecosystems. Along the trails, informational signs help visitors learn about the local ecosystem, highlighting the importance of plants and animals.

Weedon Island Preserve

The Weedon Island Preserve is a 3,190 acres coastal nature area known for its boardwalks, trails, and paddling routes that explore mangrove forests and salt marshes, with opportunities to spot variety of wildlife and small mammals. The Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center highlights the history of the Tocobaga people, Indigenous groups who lived in the area for centuries. Visitors can climb the observation tower for stunning views of Tampa Bay, a favorite spot for photography. The preserve is also popular for kayaking tours, with water trails passing through scenic wetlands.

Caladesi Island State Park

The Caladesi Island State Park is a barrier island known for its pristine beaches, nature trails, and kayaking routes, offering visitors a quiet escape. A ferry service from Honeymoon Island operates regularly, taking about 20 minutes to reach Caladesi. The 3 miles nature trail leads to the historic Scharrer Homestead, giving insight into early settlers of the island. The white sandy beaches provide a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shelling, with plenty of space to relax. Kayakers can paddle through mangrove forests along the shoreline, often spotting dolphins, manatees, and birds along the way.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Start a day trip to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park takes about 1.5 hours from Clearwater, is a great way to experience Florida’s natural beauty. The Weeki Wachee River, with its 72-degree water, is perfect for paddling, swimming, and spotting wildlife like manatees and turtles. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the 6 miles river route, which takes about 3 hours to complete. The park offers a 25 minutes river boat cruise, ideal for those who prefer a relaxed experience. The Buccaneer Bay Water Park features spring-fed water slides and swimming areas, making it a fun stop for families.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Located about 90 minutes from Clearwater, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park features an Underwater Observatory where guests can watch manatees and fish swimming in the spring, providing a close-up view of Florida’s aquatic life. The park’s educational programs and wildlife talks help visitors learn about conservation efforts and ecosystems. Walking trails passing through wetlands and forested areas, allowing guests to explore native habitats. Seasonal events and programs provide additional opportunities to learn about Florida’s wildlife with a customized boat tours available.

Fort De Soto Park

From Clearwater, a day trip to Fort De Soto Park takes about 1.5 hours drive, offers a great way to explore nature and outdoor activities. Stretches across 1,136 acres, linking five islands with diverse natural habitats. Visitors can enjoy 7 miles of waterfront, including North Beach and East Beach, both known for their soft sand and calm waters. Kayak rentals are available at Topwater Kayak Outpost, where guests can paddle through a 2.25 miles water trail, spotting manatees and dolphins. History lovers can explore the Spanish-American War-era fort, where old cannons and military structures remain.

Tampa

Planning a day trip to Tampa takes just 30 minutes from Clearwater, offers a mix of city attractions and cultural experiences. Visitors can start at The Florida Aquarium, home to sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, providing an interactive experience. The Tampa Riverwalk offers scenic views along the Hillsborough River, connecting parks, museums, and dining spots. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a popular theme park, features roller coasters, animal exhibits, and live entertainment, making it a fun stop for families. The city has plenty of waterfront dining options, with fresh seafood and local ingredients.

Orlando

Start a day trip from Clearwater and drive around 2 hours to reach Orlando, best known for its world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, each offering unique experiences. For those looking beyond theme parks, ICON Park features the Wheel at ICON Park, providing panoramic views of the city. International Drive is a lively area filled with a mix of dining and entertainment venues, making it a popular destination for visitors. Visitors can explore shopping districts like The Mall at Millenia and Orlando International Premium Outlets, offering a variety of stores.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park

From Clearwater, a day trip to Anclote Key Preserve State Park takes an hour drive off the coast of Tarpon Springs. The island features four sandy beaches, offering plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and shelling. The 1887 lighthouse, standing at the southern end, is a historic landmark that adds to the island’s charm. Visitors can wander through the 11,773 acres of preserve, a habitat for at least 43 bird species, including oystercatchers and piping plovers, with chances to see dolphins. Ferry services operate from Tarpon Springs’ historic Sponge Docks, with several tours offering trips to the island.

How to Reach Clearwater

Clearwater is easy to reach by air, car, or public transport, making it a convenient destination for travelers. The nearest major airport is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), located about 12 miles from Clearwater Beach. This airport serves a few airlines, including Allegiant and Sun Country, but most visitors fly into Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 30 minutes away and offers more flight options. From the airport, travelers can rent a car, take a shuttle, or use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to reach Clearwater.

Driving to Clearwater is simple, with Interstate 275 and U.S. Highway 19 providing direct access to the area. Visitors coming from Orlando can take Interstate 4, which connects to Tampa and then Clearwater. Public transportation options include buses and trolleys, which run between Tampa and Clearwater Beach. Once in Clearwater, most attractions are within walking distance, but bikes, rental cars, and local trolleys make getting around easy.

Local Transportation

The Jolley Trolley is a popular choice, running along Clearwater Beach, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs, making stops at key attractions. The Suncoast Beach Trolley connects Clearwater Beach to St. Pete Beach, offering an affordable way to explore the coastline. Way2Go Rides provides on-demand local transportation for a flat rate, making short trips convenient. Clearwater Ferry is a useful alternate option, offering water routes between downtown Clearwater, Dunedin and Clearwater Beach, helping visitors skip road traffic.

Several taxi services, including Clearwater Beach Taxi and Clearwater Yellow Cab, operate throughout the city, providing reliable rides. For those who prefer biking, bike rentals are available near the beach, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. In Clearwater, especially Clearwater Beach is pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions, restaurants and shops all within an easy walking distance. Public buses operated by PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) provide affordable transportation across the city and nearby areas.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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