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An aerial view of The Sound at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida.
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An Insider’s Guide to Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida

Since its opening in June 2023, Coachman Park has quickly become a centerpiece of Clearwater’s cultural and recreational scene. Here’s everything you need to know about getting there, staying up to date on the latest events, and insider tips for maximizing your visit.

All Coachman Park photos: courtesy of City of Clearwater


Located along the downtown Clearwater waterfront, set in view of the marina and the Memorial Causeway Bridge, Coachman Park is a 19-acre waterfront oasis that is a product of a recent $84 million makeover. What used to be an asphalt parking lot and lawn is now a lush public space and outdoor venue that features a state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and walking paths. The park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including music festivals, food and wine events, cultural celebrations, and more.

WHAT TO DO AT COACHMAN PARK

Coachman Park offers a variety of amenities, all of which make up a perfect way to spend your day.

The Sound at Coachman Park

A concert at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida.

The centerpiece of the park, The BayCare Sound is a state-of-the-art outdoor music venue, offering world-class acoustics and a stunning backdrop for live performances. While the venue accommodates up to 9,000 people – 4,000 in the covered seating area, 5,000 more on the lawn – it’s designed to feel intimate with a layout that ensures good sightlines to the performers. In fact, after just a year of being opened, it was awarded the fourth-highest-grossing boutique concert venue (right behind Red Rocks). In the first year alone, it attracted such high-profile artists such as Gavin DeGraw, Ringo Starr, and Colbie Callait.

The Lake

This 320-foot-long picturesque body of water features two impressive fountains and is spanned by an overhead pedestrian bridge for a birds-eye view of the water. It’s flanked by two beloved family attractions: a pirate-themed playground and a year-round splash pad with four vertical fountains.

The Green

Located adjacent to The Sound is an open, rolling four-acre grassy space – simply known as The Green – that is the place for picnics, pick-up games, and local events. On the second Saturday of each month, it’s also the hub of The Market Marie, an outdoor market to shop local handmade goods from 125 area vendors. Edging the eastern edge of The Green, Coachman Gardens is a lush strolling area with walking paths peppered with palms and classic Florida vegetation.

The Baywalk Promenade

Strolling paths meander through Coachman Gardens at Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida.

Overlooking the Clearwater Harbor Marina, this wide pedestrian area is home to public art and one of the best views of the sunset staining the sky over the Intracoastal.

Check Out the Roster of Events at Coachman Park

From live concerts featuring big-name artists to local cultural festivals and free fitness classes, there’s always something happening at the park. To stay in the loop, sign up for email or text updates through the park’s official website.

GETTING TO COACHMAN PARK

The Jolley Trolley transporting visitors to Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida.

Driving and Parking at Coachman Park

If you’re going to Coachman Park for a concert or other big event, like a movie on the lawn or festival, we definitely recommend planning ahead for parking and traffic. There are plenty of nearby parking options within a five-minute walk, but a good place to try is “Lot 11” at 224 Pierce Street. Just steps from the park and with 153 spaces, it’s only $2 per hour to park between the hours 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (after, it’s free) and there are also EV charging stations here. Additionally, street parking is available, but it can fill up quickly during events.

Take the Clearwater Ferry

If you’re staying in Clearwater Beach, for a more scenic and stress-free option, consider taking the Clearwater Ferry. The ferry operates to and from Coachman Park, Clearwater Beach, and Dunedin. The boat drops passengers off steps away from the main entrance to The BayCare Sound. Reservations are encouraged.

Take the Jolley Trolley

For that added “I’m on vacation” feeling, take the public trolley to Coachman Park. You can disembark at either the Osceola Cleveland Street stop or the Park Street Terminal, both of which are within walking distance of the park.

INSIDER TIPS FOR A PERFECT VISIT TO COACHMAN PARK

To make the most of your time at Coachman Park, here are a few insider tips:

An aerial view of Coachman Park in Clearwater, Florida.

Get There Early for Events

Popular events can draw large crowds, so arriving early not only secures you a good spot but also gives you time to explore the park’s amenities before the festivities begin.

Bring a Blanket or Lawn Chair

While there is seating available in the amphitheater itself, bring your own blanket or lawn chair for the lawn. Make sure your chairs are low-lying and don’t exceed 30 by 60 inches.

Check the weather

Floridians know: the weather can be unpredictable during summer evenings. We recommend checking the weather and packing a compact poncho or raincoat if there’s a chance of rain.

Coachman Park is Cashless

Save your cash for another day. Coachman Park operates as a cashless venue, meaning that all transactions for food, beverages, and other purchases must be made using credit or debit cards, or mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Stay Hydrated

Despite the nice bay breeze coming off of Clearwater Harbor, it can still get pretty hot, especially during summer events. Be sure to bring water or refillable bottles – there are hydration stations available throughout the park.

WHERE TO STAY NEAR COACHMAN PARK

Sandpearl Resort

Kids splash in the pool at Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

With recently renovated guest rooms and suites, this Clearwater beachfront icon is perched along 700 feet of exquisite shoreline with signature amenities like elevated dining at Caretta on the Gulf, an Opal Spa, and a lagoon-style zero-entry pool that is the heart of the resort.

Opal Sands Resort

An aerial view of the pool at Opal Sands in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Featuring panoramic Gulf views and standing as a beacon of modern design, this contemporary Clearwater Beach retreat features generously-sized guest rooms and suites and restaurants and event venues overlooking stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Opal Sol

A rendering of Opal Sol in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

Coming in 2025, Clearwater Beach’s most exciting new hotel is an airy and inviting sanctuary offering several restaurant outlets, a full–service luxury Opal Spa, three pools, and direct access to the white sand beach that has been rated by USA Today as the “Best Beach in Florida. 

Belleview Inn

The exterior of Belleview Inn near Clearwater, Florida.

Located in beautiful Belleair minutes from Clearwater, this thoughtfully restored inn features timeless design and world-class amenities – and once served as a vacation spot to royalty, former presidents, celebrities and more.

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