Welcome to the Clearwater Beach Collection, a portfolio of award-winning hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the heart of Florida’s most beloved beach town. Our collection offers unique experiences and unforgettable stays, connecting you to the best of Clearwater Beach. Looking for the best things to do in Clearwater Beach in 2026? This Gulf Coast favorite is known for its sugar-white sand, calm blue water, and blend of relaxation, family fun, and outdoor adventure. Clearwater Beach is full of attractions, cruises, restaurants, and scenic spots, making it one of Florida’s most enjoyable beach destinations for couples, families, and solo travelers.
If you plan to stay near the heart of the action, Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel is a strong home base. Clearwater Beach Collection lists it at 101 Coronado Dr., next to the marina and a short walk from Pier 60, making it easy to enjoy sunsets, dining, cruises, and nearby attractions without extra time in transit.
1. Watch Sunset at Pier 60
No Clearwater Beach trip is complete without spending time at Pier 60. The city and tourism board highlight Sunsets at Pier 60 as a signature experience, with nightly entertainment from artisans and street performers starting two hours before sunset and continuing two hours after, weather permitting. The pier area is also a great place to slow down, enjoy the ocean breeze, and capture some of the best beach views.
2. Spend a Relaxing Day on Clearwater Beach
The main beach is the star attraction. Clearwater Beach is known for its soft white sand, calm Gulf waters, and laid-back atmosphere ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, and family time. The beach is open 24/7, with lifeguards on duty daily and public parking and access points throughout the area. For visitors wanting a beautiful beach day, this is the easiest and most rewarding place to start.
3. Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium
For a meaningful indoor-outdoor experience, visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The aquarium is a working animal hospital focused on rescue, rehabilitation, and release, with a mission that includes education and conservation. Visitors can see rescued and resident dolphins, sea turtles, otters, pelicans, harbor seals, sharks, and stingrays, making it a top family-friendly stop that blends entertainment with a closer look at marine life care.
4. Take a Dolphin Cruise or Sunset Sail
Clearwater Beach is one of the best places in Florida for water-based adventures, and dolphin cruises are a favorite for good reason. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater recommends sightseeing and dolphin cruises, along with sunset sails, parasailing, paddleboards, and kayaks as popular ways to enjoy the Gulf. Because the water is calm and the views are wide open, these trips are ideal for couples seeking a romantic outing or families looking for a memorable water experience.
5. Explore Sand Key Park
For a quieter beach experience, Sand Key Park is a great escape just south of Clearwater Beach. Pinellas County describes it as a 95-acre park with two distinct areas: beach and park. It features white sand, seasonal lifeguards, benches for marsh viewing, and sea turtle nesting from April through October. Visitors choose this place for a slower pace, fewer crowds, and a more natural coastal setting.
6. Ride the Clearwater Ferry
The Clearwater Ferry is a fun and convenient way to travel between Clearwater Beach, downtown Clearwater, and Dunedin. The official route includes Clearwater Beach Marina near Pier 60. The city describes it as a safe waterborne transportation option that helps visitors avoid traffic and parking stress. For travelers wanting a scenic ride, the ferry turns transportation into an adventure.
7. Try a Pirate Cruise for Family Fun
Families with kids often love adding a pirate cruise to their itinerary. Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise offers a family-friendly 2-hour voyage from Clearwater Beach Marina, with entertainment, pirate-themed activities, and onboard fun designed for children and adults alike. It is one of those experiences that feels playful, interactive, and just different enough to become a vacation highlight.
8. Cool Off at Splash Harbor Water Park
A short drive from Clearwater Beach, Splash Harbor Water Park in Indian Rocks Beach adds more family fun. Official listings describe it as a public water park with two giant twisty slides, a kids’ splash zone, a winding lazy river, on-site dining, and public access. It is a smart choice when you want to trade beach sand for slides, shade, and a more structured day of activities.
9. Dine, Shop, and Enjoy the Nightlife
Clearwater Beach also delivers on dining and evening entertainment. The Clearwater Beach Collection site highlights popular local spots like Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, Jimmy On the Edge, Jimmy Fish House & Iguana Bar, and Jimmy Guana’s. The destination is known for beachfront restaurants, casual bars, rooftop views, and easy shopping near Pier 60. Whether you want seafood, sunset cocktails, or a lively end to the day, there are plenty of options close to the beach.
10. Plan Around the Best Time to Visit
Clearwater Beach is a year-round destination, but spring is often one of the best times to visit. Visit Florida says March through May offers warm weather, lower humidity, and fewer crowds than summer, while fall is also comfortable. For 2026 visitors, planning ahead is useful to catch seasonal events like the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, scheduled for March 27 to April 12, 2026.
Final Thoughts
Clearwater Beach offers a bit of everything: world-famous beaches, sunset celebrations, marine life experiences, cruises, family attractions, and easy waterfront dining. That makes it a strong choice for a quick getaway or a longer Florida vacation. If you stay with Clearwater Beach Collection, Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel puts you close to the marina, Pier 60, and many of the area’s best experiences, helping you make the most of every day on the coast.
