Things to Do in Clearwater, FL:
Activities & Attractions
Clearwater isn’t just a place to live- it’s a place to play! From its world-famous beaches to its vibrant local events, there are countless things to do in Clearwater, Florida for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, sports fan, or culture enthusiast, you’ll find activities and attractions here to fill your days with fun. Let’s explore some of the top Clearwater activities and destinations that make this city such an exciting place to call home.
Iconic Attractions & Tourist Favorites
Clearwater, Florida, boasts a variety of attractions that make it a must-visit locale. Major draws include Clearwater Beach, its iconic Pier 60, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Outdoor Recreation & Beaches
Life in Clearwater naturally centers around the sun and sea. Residents enjoy year-round outdoor activities thanks to the balmy climate – from boating and fishing on the Gulf and Tampa Bay to biking and jogging through local parks. Of course, Clearwater Beach itself is a playground: you can swim, play beach volleyball, or just relax on soft sand that Travel + Leisure named among the “15 Best White-Sand Beaches in the World” in 2025​. Just south of Clearwater Beach lies Sand Key Park, a 95-acre park with pristine shoreline and walking trails​, and to the north you can venture to Caladesi Island State Park (accessible via ferry) for an unspoiled island beach experience often ranked among America’s best. Beach lovers here really can catch an iconic Gulf Coast sunset on a weeknight and still sleep in their own bed shortly after – a true perk of living in Clearwater.
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Beyond the beaches, Clearwater boasts an array of parks and nature preserves. A local favorite is Moccasin Lake Nature Park, a 51-acre preserve where you can hike under oak canopies, observe birds of prey, and even attend nature programs​. For those who love to stay active, the area is a cyclist’s dream – the 45-mile Pinellas Trail runs through Clearwater, part of Pinellas County’s extensive 950-mile network of bike lanes and multi-use trails​. It’s common to see residents biking or rollerblading along the Trail or waterfront causeways. Water sports are another big part of life: the calm, protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and Tampa Bay are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, and many locals take up sailing as well. The Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key offers sailing lessons and boat rentals for all ages, so you can learn to harness the wind and enjoy the bay. From parasailing high above the shoreline to paddleboarding through tranquil bayous, the opportunities for outdoor fun are endless.
Sports & Special Events
Sports fans will feel at home in Clearwater and the greater Tampa Bay area. Right in Clearwater, you can catch professional baseball each spring – the city has been the proud spring training home of the Philadelphia Phillies since the late 1940s​. Every March, Phillies players and fans descend on BayCare Ballpark for Grapefruit League games, creating a fun, buzzworthy atmosphere (the Phillies have trained in Clearwater every spring since 1948, forging a strong bond between the team and the city​). During the minor league season, the Clearwater Threshers (the Phillies’ affiliate) play at the ballpark, offering affordable family nights out at the game.
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Throughout the year, Coachman Park on Clearwater’s downtown waterfront is a hub for festivals and events. With its new 4,000-seat amphitheater “The Sound,” Coachman Park hosts frequent open-air concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations. In addition to the Jazz Holiday mentioned earlier, the city comes alive for events like Clearwater Celebrates America (a huge 4th of July concert and fireworks show) and Sea-Blues Festival (a free blues music and seafood festival). Nearby in Tampa and St. Petersburg, big-league sports are within easy reach – from NFL football and NHL hockey to the Tampa Bay Rays MLB games just across the bay – but many Clearwater residents are content with the wealth of local sports and recreational leagues. Golf is another popular pastime; Clearwater is home to several golf courses, and the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook (just north of the city) hosts the PGA’s Valspar Championship annually. Whether you’re cheering on a team, running a 5k on the beach, or joining a local softball league, there’s always something happening for sports and recreation in Clearwater.
Arts, Culture & Family Attractions
While Clearwater is a beach town at heart, it also provides plenty of cultural and family attractions. In downtown Clearwater, the historic Capitol Theatre hosts concerts, comedy shows, and classic films in an intimate venue dating back to 1921​. For larger performances, residents head to Ruth Eckerd Hall, a renowned performing arts center that draws major concerts and Broadway tours year-round​. Arts and culture are further enriched by events like the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, a signature annual music festival that takes over the waterfront Coachman Park each fall with four days of live jazz, R&B, and rock (an event that has been a Tampa Bay tradition for over 40 years).
One of Clearwater’s most treasured attractions is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a must-visit for animal lovers and families. This working marine rescue center is famous as the home of Winter the dolphin – star of the movie Dolphin Tale – and is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals. Visiting the aquarium allows you to see dolphins, sea turtles, and otters up close and learn about marine conservation. Kids (and adults) are inspired by Winter’s story of resilience and love seeing the animal care work in action. The aquarium and its mission-oriented work are a point of pride for the community.
Family Fun
For family fun, there’s no shortage of activities. In fact, boredom is never an option – sightseeing and dolphin-watching cruises set sail from the marina daily, pirate ship adventures bring swashbuckling entertainment on the water, and you can even take a floating tiki bar or sunset dinner cruise for a uniquely Clearwater experience​. At Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 festival offers free family entertainment, with street performers, artisans, and music creating a carnival-like atmosphere every evening as the sun goes down​. Each April, the Pier 60 area also hosts the Sugar Sand Festival, where world-class sand sculptors transform the beach’s powdery sand into incredible art displays, accompanied by live music and fireworks​. Between the beach activities, water parks, mini-golf courses, and nearby attractions like the Florida Botanical Gardens and Splash Harbour water park (in adjacent towns), families will find no shortage of weekend adventures.
Unlock Endless Fun and Adventure as a Clearwater Local!
From sunrise yoga on the beach to sunset festivals on the pier, life in Clearwater is packed with things to see and do. The activities in Clearwater, FL , truly cater to every interest, making it a paradise for those who love an active and engaging lifestyle. Why just visit this Gulf Coast gem when you can live in the heart of the action?
