For the best things to do in Clearwater, our helpful guide helps you to enjoy your vacation to the max! From classic beach days and sightseeing boat tours to soaking up incredible sunsets, golf fairways, and attractions, Clearwater is the perfect place to switch off and have fun.
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1) Clearwater Beach
Easily the No.1 thing to do in Clearwater is to head to its award-winning beach! With breathtaking views across the Gulf of Mexico and pristine sugar-white sand to dip your toes into, you’re in for an effortless beach day. Its enduring appeal is why families, couples, and groups alike all enjoy this 2.5-mile stretch of paradise.
Unwind on the beach under a rented parasol/ small cabana and savor those views. Swimmers will love chilling in the clear, clean water — with beach showers at the ready. Or why not enjoy a scenic stroll or bike ride along the beach? You’ll also find a host of resort-style facilities to enhance your beach day. Tuck into a meal at one of the many nearby restaurants and take in the sunsets and lively buzz along the boardwalk.
2) Watersports in Clearwater, FL
The best things to do in Clearwater usually involve getting out on the water! It’s easy to see why. You’ll be able to soak up your favorites and try some amazing new watersports. For those into speed, why not hire a Waverunner for 30 minutes or on an hourly basis, from Clearwater Watersports. Offshore you’ll be able to spot dolphins, birdlife, and the occasional manatee in their natural setting. The rental company also offers the chance to enjoy parasailing and stand-up paddleboarding with your family and friends.
Kids, teenagers, and big kids alike will love the wet and wild tube rides at Totally Tubular Watersports. Safe and fun, you pick the speed! You can also get out on the water and enjoy all levels of waterskiing and wakeboarding. Jet skiers will love the chance to soak up the ocean at the We Get You Wet Watersports rental company on the Cove Cay side of Clearwater. Wet Rentals & Tours meanwhile offer a great range of water-based activities, from jet ski and paddleboard rentals to fishing charters and boat tours.
Snorkeling fans will find some amazing spots to explore in Clearwater. The best times of year to snorkel in Clearwater is from April through to October. Away from the organized excursions, snorkelers can head to the three state parks of Clearwater — Honeymoon Island State Park (which features 4 miles of beaches and kayak rentals), Caladesi Island State Park (for an unspoiled setting of sandy white beaches and mangrove forests) and the Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge and State Park (located on a barrier island with beach dunes, coastal grasslands, and coral reefs).
3) Boat tours in Clearwater
As another fun, sea-based thing to do in Clearwater, enjoy a boat tour from the endless offering here. Avid anglers will enjoy embarking on a memorable fishing charter, whilst nature fans will relish the opportunity to go on one of many whale watching and dolphin encounter boat tours. Those looking to rev things up will go crazy for the Sea Screamer Boat Cruise. Combining the best of both worlds, you’ll soak up a thrilling boat ride on the world’s largest speedboat, whilst taking in the friendly dolphins who love to swim alongside!
For a swashbuckling adventure, families will love boarding Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise. This pirate-themed boat tour offers 2 hours of escapism, with dolphin spotting, treasure hunts, water gun games, and more! Couples staying in Clearwater meanwhile, won’t want to miss out on the popular sunset cruises. Enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz as you take in the sights and scenery of the Gulf of Mexico.
Those searching for a unique sightseeing day on the water should board the Calypso Queen Tropical Party Buffet Cruise. Take in the sights from this fully commentated boat tour, as you tuck into a lunchtime or evening buffet and sip unlimited rum punch, beer, and wine. The evening buffet also includes a live DJ and dancing, making it the perfect choice for letting your hair down. If you and your friends are looking for a more intimate way to drink in the views, why not hop on a one-of-a-kind floating Tiki boat cruise!
4) Golf in Clearwater
If golf is more your thing, Clearwater won’t disappoint! You’ll find 10 golf courses (2 of which are municipal) to tee off your vacation. The most popular golf clubs in Clearwater include the well-maintained, public Chi Chi Rodriguez Golf club. Located in 140 acres of wooded upland, this par-69 course is a great spot to enjoy a game. The course features over 70 sand traps, two-tiered greens, water hazards, and fairways covered with Bermuda grass. You’ll also find a driving range and a pro shop stocked with supplies, drinks, and snacks. If you’re with the kids, 6-15-year-olds play at a reduced rate too.
Other popular golf courses in Clearwater include the scenic Cove Cay Golf Club (home to a challenging 18-hole Championship Golf Course, a golf academy, and waterfront restaurant) and the semi-private Clearwater Country Club (which dates back to 1920 and features an 18-hole Herbert Strong-designed golf course, PGA instructors and a kitted out golf shop).
After exhausting the resort’s collection of fairways, you’ll find 61 more golf courses within 20 miles of Clearwater.
5) Catch a sunset
With epic sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, this daily occurrence in Clearwater is an experience in itself!
Aside from the dedicated Sunset Cruise boat tour, locals and visitors alike enjoy flocking to Pier 60. Offering a superb visual spot to take in those sunsets, you’ll also find a buzzing evening out. Local artisans sell souvenirs, whilst street entertainers beguile the crowds. Pier 60 is kitted out with vendors and you’ll find plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues all within a short stroll. Enjoy ice cream and spot the local fishermen feeding the resident pelicans.
Family things to do in Clearwater
With its clear, shallow waters and soft white sand, families will naturally flock to Clearwater beach. With so many activities to enjoy on the beach, it may prove difficult to pull yourselves away. If you somehow manage to, then the Clearwater area offers more great family activities.
Away from Clearwater Beach, families will love a classic day trip to Sandy Key Park. Its endless pearly white sandy beach offers a superb spot for enjoying a picnic, some surfing, and shell hunting. Parents can also enjoy lounging on a rented chair or under the shade of a cabana. The boardwalk offers a great nature trail for families too, whilst the kayak and bike rentals offer the opportunity to explore the 95-acre barrier island. You’ll also find a kid’s playground, a dog park, and a host of welcome beachside facilities.
Families into baseball will love a trip to watch the Phillies at Spectrum Fields, their spring training ground. The state-of-the-art ballpark and community sports facility offers a superb fan-friendly atmosphere. The picnic area and kids’ playground also add to the strong family appeal.
Book with Top Villas
When staying in Clearwater, you’re guaranteed a first-class service with Top Villas. Our ocean-view condos and beachfront villas with pools all promise a luxury vacation. You’ll find our Concierge team on hand to help enhance your stay.
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