Clearwater Beach, Florida | Boating Destination

The World-Class Beaches of Clearwater

Before 1906, Clearwater was known as Clear Water Harbor — the “clear water” moniker traces back to the freshwater springs found in the area by the American settlers who began farming the region in the 1840s. Today, visitors swim the Gulf of Mexico’s crystal clear waters at Clearwater Beach. The city of Clearwater, located northwest of St. Petersburg, straddles the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The mainland side is known as Clearwater, and the barrier-island side on the gulf is called Clearwater Beach.

Downtown Clearwater has ample activities for boaters of any age. The Capitol Theatre offers movies and live events all year long, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium gives visitors up-close and personal interactions with dolphins, otters, pelicans, sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. The Cleveland Street Saturday Morning Market features fresh local produce, baked goods and flowers.

The most popular reason to go to Clearwater is to hang out on the beach. Whether you like to lie in the sun, take long walks along the shoreline or while away the hours beachcombing, Clearwater Beach’s world-class sand will not disappoint.

Things to See & Do

Clearwater Marine Aquarium – Go beyond a typical aquarium experience and explore the world of marine life rescue. CMA is home to Winter the dolphin, star of the Hollywood-produced Dolphin Tale movies that tell her story of survival after losing her tail to injury. Both movies were filmed on location, where you can see actual movie set areas and props. See rescued dolphins, sea turtles, otters and more. Discover the working animal hospital. Be inspired and educated by presentations, educational games and exhibits.

Clearwater Beach – Clearwater Beach is the main beach in the Clearwater area and many locals flock here as the sun goes down to catch one of the gorgeous sunsets here. The beach has even been voted one of the best beaches in Florida and you can expect a stretch of warm sand and picturesque waters. Families, couples, residents, and visitors will all find something to entertain them at the beach, and you can indulge in some beachside activities such as fishing or simply strolling along the sand. Clearwater Beach is also popular for being close to Pier 60 and the neighboring Beach Walk.

Pier 60 – As the name suggests, Pier 60 is a fishing pier and something of a Clearwater powerhouse. The pier measures an impressive 1,080 feet and comes with a park, bait hours, telescopes, and picturesque viewing pavilions. At the bait house you can stock up on everything you need for a successful day’s fishing and then fish off the end of the pier for local species like Spanish mackerel, spotted trout, snook, snapper, and jacks. The pier is also open and lit at night, so you can even enjoy some night fishing. Sunset is a great time to visit, not least because of the views, but also because of the entertainment options that set up along the pier such as musicians and jugglers.

Capitol Theatre – If you want a bit of history and culture at the same time then head on over to the Capitol Theater which dates back to 1921. This means that this is one of the oldest theaters still in operation in the Florida area. It may not be the largest venue in the state, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in period charm. There are a variety of performances here that include genres such as music nights, standup comedy evenings, dance recitals, and even movie showings.

Ruth Eckerd Hall – Known for being one of the premium performing arts venues in Clearwater. If you want to take in a show while you are in town, then this is the place to do it, and you can choose from a variety of genres that includes orchestral pieces, Broadway plays, dance recitals, children’s performances and theatrical pieces. Clearwater Farmers Market

The World-Class Beaches of Clearwater

Events in Clearwater Beach, Florida

Things to See & Do

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