Experiences

Although “America’s Best Beach” deserves its accolades, being on the water – not just beside it – is an equally captivating to-do in Clearwater. And there’s so many ways to get on the waves, everything from jet ski rentals and fishing charters to schooner tours and floating tiki bar cruises.

Located on the northern tip of Clearwater Beach, Caledesi Island is only reachable by boat, but the extra effort to reach this 600-acre undeveloped barrier island is more than worth it. Home to enormous live oaks, tropical mangroves, and an unspoiled stretch of beach rated among the best in the nation, it’s an untouched paradise offering a unique glimpsed into one of few remaining natural islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

For more than 25 years, the nightly sunset celebrations at Pier 60 have provided a playground for the arts and busking community to showcase their talents. Watch the pier transform into an evolving expression of arts and culture while experiencing the magic on the ground and in the sky. Enjoy this year-round, weather permitting event, operating two hours before and two hours after sunset every evening.

While there are family-friendly boat tours galore – including Little Toot Dolphin Tours and Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruises – one of the most unique may just be Mega Bite Tours. That’s because the one-of-a-kind 50-foot boat is designed to resemble that of a shark with big nasty teeth. You’ll feel like you’re stalking Clearwater’s calm waterways as you search for frolicking dolphins.

Whether you’re casting your line from its famous pier, chartering a boat for deep-sea excursions, or opting for inshore fishing adventures, the options are as varied as the species you can catch. With experienced guides and a year-round fishing season, it’s no wonder Clearwater is a top destination for both novice and seasoned anglers looking for their next big catch.

For two weeks each April, Clearwater pays tribute to the feature that has brought it renown: its sugar sand beach. Sugar & Sand Festival is a beach-wide celebration headlined by The Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit, a 21,000-square-foot tent filled with sculpted sand art crafted by world-class sculptors. If the sand art inspires you, sit in on one of the sand sculpting classes, speed sand demonstrations, or the master sand sculpting competition.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium may be the best-known place to get up-close and personal with dolphins, sea turtles, otters, pelicans, sharks, and more. But don’t forget that you can see local wildlife in their natural habitat, too, thanks to eco-tours like Sea Life Safari Nature Cruises and The Dolphin Exploration Tour.

Unlike most simulation centers, SimCenter Tampa Bay, located in Clearwater, is open to not just racers, pilots, and other professionals, but the public. That means families can try the venue’s seven real-size simulators, which include a Boeing 737 jetliner, an F-16, and an F-35 fighter jet, plus two full-motion Formula 1 race car simulators, no experience needed!