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Since there’s not much to do in downtown Clearwater, Florida, Clearwater Beach is the place to go. It has changed dramatically with huge luxury hotels popping up, but the white sand beach is still as beautiful as ever. Clearwater Beach has been a favorite destination for my family for several years, especially to visit my cousins who live there.
Clearwater Beach
The long stretch of beach features beach chairs and cabanas for rent in some areas. It’s perennially named as one of the best beaches in the US. What’s also nice is the path along the southern section of the beach.
Pier 60
Pier 60 is located right at the roundabout from Causeway Boulevard. There’s a small park and a visitor center. The pier itself lined with craft vendors and sometimes street performers are outside the entrance.
At the end of the pier is a fishing area. Adult admission is US$10 per day (as of November 2023), and no fishing license is required.
Sailing
A great activity is to go sailing on Clearwater Bay. The Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key rents sailboats, catamarans, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and more to non-members for a US$10 per person guest fee plus the hourly rental fee (as of November 2023). We went sailing one afternoon with my cousin Bessie.
Sand Key Park
Across from the sailing center is Sand Key Park. With a pristine beach and short hiking trails through a natural salt marsh, it’s a great place to spend a day. There are umbrellas and cabanas for rent, picnic shelters, a bath house with changing rooms, and a food truck. Parking is US$5 (as of November 2023).
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Finally, something we didn’t do was visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A marine biologist we met who once worked there told us it’s not worth it unless we’re interested in seeing rescue animals. There are also boat tours available. Adult admission is US$35.95 (as of November 2023). Note: We visited in January 2023. I’ll update when I have a chance.
