12/3/2025
Things to Do in Clearwater, FL 🌴 | Guide to Clearwater & Clearwater Beach
Clearwater and Clearwater Beach offer one of the best combinations of walkability, beaches, live music, rooftop bars, waterfront dining, and family-friendly activities in Florida. This guide combines both sides of the city—Downtown Clearwater, Coachman Park, and BayCare Sound—along with the world-famous Clearwater Beach, Pier 60, and Sand Key Park.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Clearwater, FL include visiting Pier 60’s nightly sunset festival, walking Clearwater Beach and the Beachwalk, enjoying rooftop bars and waterfront dining, exploring Coachman Park and BayCare Sound concerts, and getting on the water through the Clearwater Marina. Whether you’re looking for beaches, nightlife, family activities, or walkable waterfront experiences, Clearwater offers one of the most complete coastal lifestyles in Florida.
Pier 60 & the Nightly Sunset Festival
Pier 60 is the heartbeat of Clearwater Beach and one of the most visited attractions on the Gulf Coast. The nightly Sunset Festival brings artists, musicians, performers, and a sunset celebration 365 days a year.
Expect street performers, craft vendors, live music, and some of the best sunset views in Florida.
Clearwater Beachwalk & Public Beach
The Clearwater Beachwalk stretches along the shoreline with easy access to restaurants, shops, hotels, and beachfront bars. It’s clean, wide, walkable, and ideal for biking, jogging, or people-watching along the Gulf.
The sand here is powder-soft and consistently ranked among America’s best beaches.
Best Sunset Dinner Spots on Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach has some of the top sunset dining experiences on the Gulf Coast. Here are the best options for waterfront views, great food, and a perfect sunset:
- Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill — Directly on the sand with open-air seating and live music.
- Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar — Iconic beachfront spot with panoramic Gulf views.
- Sea-Guini (Opal Sands Resort) — Upscale coastal cuisine with floor-to-ceiling Gulf views.
- Caretta on the Gulf (Sandpearl Resort) — Fine dining, craft cocktails, and one of the best sunset dining experiences in Florida.
- Marina Cantina — Rooftop sunset views over the marina with Mexican fusion cuisine and cocktails.
Explore top restaurant recommendations near Clearwater.
Rooftop Bars & Beachfront Lounges
Clearwater Beach has a growing rooftop and lounge scene perfect for sunset cocktails or late-night drinks.
Top Rooftops & Lounges
- Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest — 10th-floor rooftop overlooking the beach, marina, and Pier 60.
- Marina Cantina Rooftop — Fire pits, live music nights, and panoramic sunset views.
- Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar — Beachfront nightlife with DJs, live bands, and tiki cocktails.
- The Sandbar at Opal Sands — Relaxed beachfront cocktails with a luxury vibe.
BayCare Sound & Coachman Park Concerts
Downtown Clearwater recently completed a major redevelopment including the new BayCare Sound amphitheater along the waterfront. This venue hosts national touring acts, festivals, and community events in a modern open-air venue.
Coachman Park has also been transformed with expanded green space, waterfront trails, and a redesigned event lawn.
For more Clearwater insights, visit the Clearwater Area Guide.
Clearwater Marina: Fishing Charters, Boat Rentals & Jet Skis
The Clearwater Beach Marina is your launch point for everything on the water:
- Deep-sea fishing charters
- Dolphin sightseeing cruises
- Jet ski rentals
- Pontoon and boat rentals
- Pirate ship cruises for families
The marina is next to Pier 60, the Beachwalk, Marina Cantina, and the Clearwater Ferry.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Home of Winter the Dolphin, Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine hospital focused on rescue and rehabilitation. Visitors can see sea turtles, dolphins, otters, and educational programs.
Sand Key Park
Just over the bridge from Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park is quieter, wider, and surrounded by nature preserves. It’s a favorite for locals looking for calmer beaches with easy parking.
View official Sand Key Park visitor information.
Clearwater Beach Walkability
Clearwater Beach is one of the most walkable beach towns in Florida. Visitors can easily get around without a car:
- Pier 60
- Restaurants and rooftop bars
- Shops and ice cream spots
- Beachwalk promenade
- Clearwater Marina
- Public beach access
For more walkable-living insights, check out the St. Petersburg Walkable Neighborhoods Guide.
Family-Friendly Activities
- Pier 60 Sunset Festival
- Dolphin cruises
- Mini golf
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Playgrounds at Sand Key Park
- Biking or scootering the Beachwalk
MLS alerts for Clearwater homes
FAQ
Is Clearwater Beach worth visiting?
Yes. Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among the top beaches in the U.S. with soft sand, walkability, family activities, live music, and waterfront dining.
Is Clearwater or Clearwater Beach better?
Clearwater Beach is better for sand, sunsets, and restaurants. Downtown Clearwater is better for concerts, BayCare Sound, the library, and walking trails at Coachman Park.
Is Clearwater walkable?
Clearwater Beach is extremely walkable with hotels, restaurants, bars, and attractions all within a short distance.
Your Local Real Estate Advisor
Todd Howard, Realtor® | Charles Rutenberg Realty
GRI • RENE • PSA • SRS • ABR
Serving Pinellas County since 2018
Phone: (727) 304-3398
Email: toddhowardpa@gmail.com
Sources
- City of Clearwater – Parks & Recreation
- Sunsets at Pier 60 – Official Festival Website
- Visit St. Pete/Clearwater – Official Tourism Board
- Pinellas County – Sand Key Park
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Ruth Eckerd Hall – BayCare Sound
