Things to do in Clearwater
Clearwater is the kind of place where most days are spent outdoors, with the beach and waterfront parks setting the pace.
Neighborhoods
Clearwater is the kind of place where most days are spent outdoors, with the beach and waterfront parks setting the pace. The food scene leans heavily on seafood and casual spots, and there’s enough family entertainment and nightlife to fill evenings after a day in the sun.
Pier 60 Park and Sand Key Park are the go-to beachfront spots, with picnic pavilions and playgrounds at Pier 60, and wide-open sand at Sand Key. For a different pace, Moccasin Lake Nature Park offers quiet trails, while Coachman Park hosts concerts and festivals along the shore. Families can spend a day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of the Dolphin Tale dolphins, or race go-karts at Tampa Bay Grand Prix. Seafood is everywhere—Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a longtime favorite for grouper sandwiches, and Crabby’s Dockside serves up casual American fare. When the sun goes down, catch a show at Ruth Eckerd Hall or dance at Amorama Latin Night Club.
Frequently asked questions about Clearwater
What are the best outdoor things to do in Clearwater?▾
Start with the beach parks. Pier 60 Park has palm trees, picnic pavilions, and a playground right on the sand. Sand Key Park offers a wide, less crowded stretch of white sand good for picnics and surfing. For a quieter walk, Moccasin Lake Nature Park has oak-lined trails and a wetlands boardwalk. Coachman Park is another option, with paved walkways along the shore and a calendar of concerts and festivals.
What can families with kids do in Clearwater?▾
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a top pick—it’s home to the dolphins from Dolphin Tale and also has sea turtles. For active kids, Tampa Bay Grand Prix has indoor electric go-karts that reach 50 mph, and Celebration Station offers bumper boats, mini-golf, and an arcade. Congo River Golf is another family-friendly stop, with waterfalls and gator feedings alongside the mini-golf course.
Where can I get good seafood in Clearwater?▾
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a longtime local spot known for grouper sandwiches, served in a colorful, festive setting. Crabby’s Dockside serves a mix of seafood and American classics, with outdoor seating and a family-friendly vibe. For something with a view, Crabby’s Beachside Pavilion has picnic tables and gulf views, though it’s a bit more laid-back.
What are some good date-night ideas in Clearwater?▾
Catch a show at Ruth Eckerd Hall, which hosts music, comedy, and Broadway productions, or see a more intimate performance at the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, an art deco venue with a mix of events. For dinner, try Rumba Island Bar & Grill for Jamaican dishes and live music on a tiki deck, or Kobé Japanese Steakhouse for hibachi cooked at your table. Afterward, head to Wave Nightclub at Shephard’s for dancing.
Are there free things to do in Clearwater?▾
Yes, the parks are free. Pier 60 Park and Sand Key Park are open to the public, and you can watch the sunset at Pier 60 without spending anything. Crest Lake Park has lakeside trails and a dog park, and Coachman Park is free to walk through, though some events may charge admission. The Clearwater Main Library is another no-cost stop for a quiet break.
Things to do in Clearwater
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Clearwater Mall
Outdoor retail complex with a well-known warehouse club, department store, specialty shops & dining.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
Grouper sandwiches are the specialty at this longtime seafood shack with colorful, festive decor.
Lenny’s Restaurant
Venerable eatery is an unpretentious staple for all-day country breakfasts & American lunch fare.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Home of the inspiration for "Dolphin Tale," this aquarium exhibits marine mammals & sea turtles.
Kobé Japanese Steakhouse - Clearwater
Chefs put on a show at this Japanese chain offering hibachi items, traditional dishes & sushi.
Costco Wholesale
Members-only warehouse selling a huge variety of items including bulk groceries, electronics & more.
Pier 60 Park
Beachfront green space with palm trees, multiple picnic pavilions & a playground.
Rooms To Go
Retail chain for home furniture, decor & mattresses, plus dedicated locations for children's items.
Ruth Eckerd Hall
Roomy, modern setting for a slate of music, comedy & Broadway shows, plus arts education.
Crabby's Beachside Pavilion
Laid-back beachfront hangout dishes seafood & drinks amid picnic tables, a deck & gulf views.
Pier 60 Clearwater
Lively boardwalk, popular for sunset views & fishing, with entertainers & artisanal craft stalls.
Rumba Island Bar & Grill
Jamaican recipes & drink specials in an island atmosphere with a tiki bar, deck & live music.
Sand Key Park
Expansive white-sand beach offering plenty of room for picnics, surfing & other outdoor activities.
Countryside Mall
Crabby's Dockside Clearwater
Family-friendly choice for American faves including lots of seafood, plus beer, wine & cocktails.
Crabby's Bar & Grill Clearwater
Casual, beach-themed seafood, steak & sandwich spot with daily happy hour & monthly drink specials.
Clear Sky Cafe
Located near the beach, this no-frills cafe offers a seafood-focused menu & live music.
Walmart Supercenter
Badfins Food + Brew
Easygoing standby with patio seating offering brews on tap, tacos, classic pub fare & live music.
Columbia Restaurant Sand Key
Traditional Spanish restaurant, a branch of a long-standing local chain dating back to 1905.