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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Island Way Grill
Grill offering some Asian twists on seafood classics, plus a sushi bar, water views & Sunday brunch.
Frenchy's South Beach Cafe
Grouper sandwiches are the specialty at this longtime seafood shack with colorful, festive decor.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Celebration Station Clearwater
Amusement park with bumper boats, arcade, mini-golf, go-karts & more as well as American eats.
Abe's Place Tap & Grill
American grub, beer & TVs tuned to the game in big digs with sports memorabilia & outdoor seating.
Mr. & Mrs. Crab Juicy Seafood & Bar - Clearwater
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport
P.F. Chang's
Family-friendly chain offering creative takes on Asian fare in a striking space.
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Kid-friendly chain known for baked goods, breakfasts & other standards in dinerlike digs.
Clearwater Beach
Wide, sandy beach featuring water sports, rental umbrellas, dolphins & beachfront restaurants.
Congo River Golf
Adventure-themed mini-golf course with waterfalls, gator feedings, scavenger hunts & arcade games.
Papa's New York Diner
LongHorn Steakhouse
Casual steakhouse chain known for grilled beef & other American dishes in a ranch-style space.
Bascom's Chop House
Luxe pick for aged Angus beef with a choice of sauces & toppings, plus seafood & a vast wine list.
Coco's Crush Bar North Beach - Clearwater
Chill, oceanfront locale for shrimp, wings & grouper sandwiches, plus orange crush & key lime pie.
Duff's Buffet
Relaxed, family-friendly restaurant for American buffet eats such as pasta, fish, steak & salads.
Clearwater Beach (Clearwater, Florida)
This famous beach lent its name to the adjoining city & offers a space for sunbathing & swimming.
Frenchy's Saltwater Cafe
Grouper sandwiches are the specialty at this longtime seafood shack with colorful, festive decor.
OCC Road House & Museum
Garage-themed restaurant featuring a motorcycle museum, an easygoing bar & a venue for live acts.
Cristino's Coal Oven Pizza
Cozy trattoria offering thin-crust pizzas, pasta & panini with a verdant patio & warm vibe.