Clearwater Beach, FL
Clearwater Beach events and things to do, including Pier 60 Sunset Celebration, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, dolphin cruises, Caladesi Island and rainy-day ideas.
Clearwater Beach Events & Things to Do: Pier 60 Sunsets, Dolphin Cruises & Family Fun
Quick answer: The best things to do in Clearwater Beach include relaxing on the white sand of Clearwater Beach, watching the sunset at Pier 60, visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, taking a dolphin cruise or sunset sail, and exploring Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island state parks. Coming up: the Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October 15 through 18), Sunset to Sparkle New Year's Eve at Pier 60 (December 31), and Phillies Spring Training (starting February 20, 2027).
Planning things to do in Clearwater Beach with kids, as a couple, or on a rainy day? Clearwater's soft white sand regularly ranks among the best beaches in the US, and the nightly Sunset Celebration at Pier 60 brings street performers and crafts. Visit the rescued dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, take a dolphin-watching cruise, ferry to Caladesi Island, or head to Tampa and St. Pete for games and concerts.
Start Here: Your Clearwater Beach Trip Planner
- Sand Key Park Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Pier 60 Tours & Tickets: Boat trips, beach time, and water tours.
- Clearwater Food, Wine & Nightlife: Browse food, wine & nightlife in Clearwater.
- Clearwater Food Tours: Browse food tours in Clearwater.
- Clearwater Seasonal & Special Occasions: Browse seasonal & special occasions in Clearwater.
- Clearwater Outdoor Activities: Browse outdoor activities in Clearwater.
- Clearwater Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours: Browse cruises, sailing & water tours in Clearwater.
Quick Links: Clearwater Tours & Activities • Clearwater Sunset Cruises • Clearwater Night Cruises • Clearwater Art & Culture
Upcoming Clearwater Beach Events in 2026 and 2027
- Clearwater Jazz Holiday: The 47th festival brings four days of music to Coachman Park, October 15 through 18, 2026.
- Sunsets at Pier 60: Street performers, artists, and live music every evening, from two hours before until two hours after sunset, weather permitting.
- Sunset to Sparkle: Clearwater Beach's New Year's Eve celebration at Pier 60 Park on December 31, 2026.
- Phillies Spring Training: The Phillies open their Grapefruit League home schedule at BayCare Ballpark on February 20, 2027.
Find Tickets: Pier 60 Tours & Tickets • Clearwater Kayaking & Canoeing • Clearwater Sailing Trips
What Is There to Do on Clearwater Beach?
Clearwater Beach is known for soft white sand and calm Gulf water, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and parasailing. Walk the Beach Walk promenade, grab lunch at a beachfront grouper spot, and end the day at the Sunsets at Pier 60 festival, held year-round, weather permitting.
Explore: Clearwater Dolphin Watching • Clearwater Speed Boats • Pier 60 Tours & Tickets
What Are the Best Boat Tours in Clearwater?
- Dolphin cruises: Spot wild bottlenose dolphins in Clearwater Harbor and the Gulf.
- Sunset sails: Catamaran and tall ship cruises timed for the Gulf sunset.
- Pirate ship cruises: Family-friendly adventures with games and water guns.
- Island ferries: Boat over to Caladesi Island State Park, open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.
- Fishing charters: Inshore and deep-sea trips from Clearwater Marina.
Explore: Clearwater 4WD ATV & Off Road Tours • Clearwater Attraction Tickets • Clearwater Outdoor Activities
What Is There to Do at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium?
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working marine rescue center where visitors can see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and more. It is open daily from 10 a.m. and closed on Thanksgiving. Combine a visit with a boat tour for a full day of marine life.
Explore: Clearwater Seasonal & Special Occasions • Clearwater Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours • Clearwater Kayaking & Canoeing
Clearwater Food, Drink & Nearby Beaches
Order a grouper sandwich, fresh Gulf shrimp, and stone crab in season, then explore nearby beaches like Honeymoon Island State Park, open 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year, and Sand Key Park just south of the pass.
Explore: Sand Key Park Tours & Tickets • Clearwater Food, Wine & Nightlife • Clearwater Sailing Trips
Things to Do in Clearwater Beach With Kids
Traveling with kids? Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, take a pirate ship or dolphin cruise, play at Pier 60 Park's playground, watch the street performers at sunset, and catch a spring training game at BayCare Ballpark.
Explore: Clearwater Sunset Cruises • Clearwater Night Cruises • Clearwater Dolphin Watching
Free Things to Do in Clearwater Beach
- Clearwater Beach: Wide, powder-soft sand with lifeguards and calm Gulf water.
- Sunset Celebration at Pier 60: Street performers, artists, and sunset views every evening, weather permitting.
- Beach Walk: A winding promenade with shade, benches, and ocean views along South Gulfview Boulevard.
- Downtown Clearwater's waterfront parks: Coachman Park hosts concerts and events on the bay.
Things to Do in Clearwater Beach for Adults & Couples
- Sunset dolphin cruise: Many boats offer cocktails and sunset timing.
- Beachfront bars and seafood: Frenchy's and waterfront patios are Clearwater staples.
- Caladesi Island escape: A quiet state park beach reached by ferry.
- Concerts at The BayCare Sound: An outdoor amphitheater downtown on the bay.
Things to Do in Clearwater Beach This Weekend & Today
Clearwater weekends are built around the beach, a boat ride, and sunset at Pier 60. Rainy day? The Clearwater Marine Aquarium and nearby museums in St. Pete and Tampa are easy backups.
Browse Now: Clearwater Tours & Activities • Clearwater Speed Boats • Clearwater Sightseeing • Clearwater Unique Experiences
Popular Clearwater Beach Questions
What are the best free things to do in Clearwater Beach?
Free favorites in Clearwater Beach include Clearwater Beach, sunset Celebration at Pier 60, Beach Walk, and Downtown Clearwater's waterfront parks. See the free things to do section above for details.
What are the best things to do in Clearwater Beach for adults and couples?
Popular picks for adults and couples in Clearwater Beach include sunset dolphin cruise, beachfront bars and seafood, Caladesi Island escape, and concerts at The BayCare Sound.
When is the Clearwater Jazz Holiday 2026?
The 47th Clearwater Jazz Holiday runs October 15 through 18, 2026 at Coachman Park.
What time is the sunset celebration at Pier 60?
Sunsets at Pier 60 runs daily from two hours before until two hours after sunset, weather permitting.
Is there a New Year's Eve event on Clearwater Beach?
Yes. Sunset to Sparkle takes place at Pier 60 Park on December 31.
When does Phillies Spring Training 2027 start in Clearwater?
The Phillies play their first home game at BayCare Ballpark on February 20, 2027 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
When is the best time to visit Clearwater Beach?
Spring brings spring training and warm, dry days, fall brings the Jazz Holiday and fewer crowds, and summer brings calm, warm Gulf water.
What is there to do in Clearwater Beach this weekend?
Browse Clearwater tours and activities for dolphin cruises, sunset sails, and experiences you can book for your dates.
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Plan Your Clearwater Beach Trip
Relax on the white sand, watch the sunset at Pier 60, meet the rescued animals at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, take a dolphin cruise, visit Honeymoon Island, and catch Phillies Spring Training.
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