Clearwater

Known for its consistently ranked pristine beaches with powdery white sand and calm, clear Gulf waters ideal for swimming and water sports. The town offers a laid-back Florida beach lifestyle with excellent restaurants and the famous Marine Aquarium.

Things to do

• Clearwater Marine Aquarium — Visit this world-renowned facility to see rescued marine animals including dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays in interactive exhibits and shows.
• Clearwater Beach Swimming — Enjoy the consistently calm, clear Gulf waters and powdery white sand at this award-winning beach perfect for swimming and relaxation.
• Pier 60 Fishing and Sunset Viewing — Cast a line from this historic fishing pier or simply watch the famous nightly sunset celebration with street performers and vendors.
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kayaking — Explore mangrove-lined waterways and shallow Gulf coves on paddleboards or kayaks, ideal for spotting dolphins and manatees.
• Clearwater Beach Parasailing — Experience thrilling aerial views of the Gulf coastline and beach while towed behind a speedboat on a colorful parachute.
• Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise — Board a replica pirate ship for a fun-filled cruise featuring live entertainment, storytelling, and swimming stops in the Gulf.

Food to try

• Fresh Florida Stone Crab Claws — Savor the local delicacy of sweet, tender crab claws typically served chilled with mustard sauce during stone crab season.
• Grouper Sandwich — Try the iconic coastal sandwich featuring lightly breaded and fried local grouper fish served on a toasted bun with tartar sauce.
• Gulf Shrimp Scampi — Enjoy fresh Gulf shrimp sautéed with garlic, white wine, and lemon, reflecting the abundant local seafood harvest.
• Key Lime Pie — Indulge in this tangy-sweet dessert made with local key lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks in a graham cracker crust.
• Seafood Paella — Sample Spanish-influenced rice dishes loaded with local shrimp, scallops, mussels, and Gulf fish at waterfront restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Beach Casual Dress Code — Clearwater embraces a relaxed beach lifestyle, so wear light, breathable clothing, flip-flops, and always apply sunscreen due to strong Florida sun.
• Peak Season Timing — Visit during winter months (November to April) for ideal weather and fewer crowds, as summer brings intense heat, humidity, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
• Respect Marine Wildlife — Observe dolphins and manatees from a safe distance without feeding or touching them, as local waters are protected habitats for these endangered species.
• Sunset Celebration Tradition — Join locals and tourists at Pier 60 most evenings for the nightly sunset celebration featuring street performers, musicians, and a festive community atmosphere.