Activity Overview
Sitting on a barrier island in the Gulf, Clearwater Beach stretches on for 2.5 miles. It's no surprise that Clearwater is Tampa's most visited beach. Everything you need for an enjoyable beach vacation is here: white sand, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, lots of water activities, and plenty of establishments ranging from the fancy dining options to budget-friendly ones.
Things to Do
- Bring your own chairs and umbrellas or rent by the beach. You can sunbathe all day long (remember to put on sunscreen) or stroll along the beach and pick shells. The water here is usually calm so kids can swim and enjoy in the warm Gulf water.
- Do water activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, beach volleyball, or go for a round of life-sized chess. In the winter, sign up for the Dolphin Tour and the Pirate Ship Cruise.
- Walk towards the boardwalk at Pier 60 and catch the sunset. Join both tourists and locals in what has become "Sunsets at Pier 60" tradition. Bring your fishing gear with you (or rent at the pier) and try to catch a few before the sun sets.
Clearwater Insider Tips
- The place is always packed. If you want to stay away from crowds, avoid summer season and school holidays.
- Parking is a challenge especially on weekends. Try to come early but if you can't find any within a few blocks of the beach, you can park (for a fee) at Hilton Hotel.
