A guide to things to do in Clearwater

Sprawl out on Clearwater Beach

Clearwater’s namesake beach is undoubtedly the top draw to this sunny holiday destination. Lined with palm trees plus hotels, restaurants and bars, the beach overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and is carpeted by powdery white sands.

There are sunloungers and cabanas to rent, but if you aren’t in the market for sunbathing, there’s a waterfront promenade and a long pier extending out to sea. The views on this beach aren’t bad either, as sometimes dolphins appear on the horizon. And don’t even get us started on the sunsets.

Cheer on the Threshers at Bright House Networks Field

Whether or not you’re a fan of baseball, the Bright House Networks Field is a top spot for sport lovers. It’s the home field for the minor league team the Clearwater Threshers, and the spring training site for the major league team the Philadelphia Phillies.

Held in an intimate stadium with no bad seats in the house, games here feature craft brews, gourmet game food and even events, including fireworks on Saturdays. Who knows – you just might discover an affinity for America’s favourite pastime.

Browse the stalls at Pierce Street Market

The Pierce Street Market is a local outdoor market comprised of more than 100 vendors and food trucks. It’s basically souvenir central, held from 10am to 4pm every second and fourth Saturday from October to May. Here, you’ll find everything from jewellery to handmade artwork, clothing and trinkets, fresh flowers, fruit and artisan soap.

Head for the horizon on a boat tour

The warm waters lapping against Clearwater Beach make it an incredible place for hitting the waves. It’s also a top locale for spotting dolphins and whales swimming offshore, so expect a number of dolphin and whale-watching tours.

And the boating adventures don’t stop there. You can charter a catamaran for a private cruise around the Gulf of Mexico, join a fish-catching excursion or even set sail aboard a pirate ship.

Hike through Moccasin Lake Nature Park

The Moccasin Lake Nature Park is made up of 51 acres of protected land, featuring hiking trails, groves of trees and a five-acre lake. A wide array of wildlife calls its grounds home, including gopher turtles, raccoons and birds of prey.

You can see many of these critters while hiking on your Clearwater holidays, or in the park’s many wildlife exhibits, including one on aquatic wildlife, reptiles and amphibians and a butterfly garden. There’s also a birds of prey rescue centre, in which you can see rehabilitated hawks, vultures and bald eagles.

Hit the waves with watersports

With such an incredible beach on offer, it’ll come as no surprise that watersports are pretty much guaranteed here. Clearwater is packed to the gills – so to speak – with watersports of all shapes and sizes, so that when it comes to getting out on the open ocean, you’ll never get bored.

Rental facilities in this part of Florida offer up everything from jet skis to canoes, kayaks to water skis. You can embark on a windsurfing adventure or take up kite surfing, grab a paddle board or even take to the skies for a bit of parasailing. If it’s adrenaline you’re after, you’ll have no trouble getting your fix in Clearwater.