Planning a getaway to Clearwater Beach, Florida? There are a lot of things to do in Clearwater, FL! Read more for my top recommendations.
I’ve been traveling to Florida for many years. While Bonita Springs has some beautiful beaches, Clearwater Beach is quickly becoming a personal favorite.
One of my favorite things to do in Florida is nothing. Yes, sometimes I travel to do nothing. Ok so maybe I do some things but the truth is, I go to Florida to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate my soul. I truly enjoy sleeping in and sitting on the beach.
Since I can’t really just sit all day, there are a few things I’ve enjoyed doing when I need to get out and move.
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1. Mini Golfing at Captain Blight’s Landing
If you like Mini-golf, Captain Blight’s Landing is a great way to spend time outside without being on the beach and one of the best ways to spend a could hours after a long day on the beach. The 18-hole pirate-themed mini-golf course is complete with a pirate ship green halfway through.
I was surprised an 18-hole course could fit into the small footprint but Captain Blight’s Landing has done just that by putting some greens in “caves” and other greens to the top of a “cliff” but it does not feel cramped.
I’m not a golfer but do enjoy hitting the mini-links which is why I think Captain Blight’s Landing is a fun thing to do on Clearwater Beach.
2. Visit a Craft Brewery at 3 Daughters
3 Daughters is hands down one of our favorite things to do on Clearwater Beach. 3 Daughters is a craft brewery with two locations in Florida one being across the street from Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. The brewery is on the third floor over Hooters Restaurant and Ron Jon Surf Shop.
They have anywhere from 10-14 different beers and 3-5 ciders on tap all brewed by their 3 Daughters brew masters. Some are brewed with tropical flavors like pineapple or lime but they also have amazing non-fruity beers too.
The location is great too with a perfect view of Clearwater Beach and the amazing sunsets!! The covered patio seating area is completely open so you can feel the warm breeze while still covered from the intense sun. The beach views are amazing but I have to admit we also love to sit and watch the cars attempt to navigate the roundabout.
3. Catch an MLB Baseball Game
I have to admit, in addition to traveling and food, watching sports is one of my favorite things to do. Part of the reason I love going to Bonita Springs in the spring is the close proximity to Fort Meyers which is where the Major League Baseball holds half of the spring training camps including my beloved Minnesota Twins.
When we decided to check out Clearwater I was worried I’d miss seeing some baseball. As luck should have it, the Twins played the Tampa Bay Rays while we were there. To make it even better, they played on my birthday that year!! Yes, I’m a woman who would rather spend the day at a baseball game on her birthday than laying on the beach. As long as it’s my Twins…
Tropicana Field is an easy Uber/Lyft ride from Clearwater Beach. The stadium itself could use some upgrades but it’s still fun to see the tank of rays swimming in the outfield and of course, watching some good baseball.
4. People Watch Everywhere and Anywhere
I understand this may sound creepy to some people but it can be very entertaining people watching. On Clearwater Beach, you will find all walks of life and sometimes it’s just fun to sit back and watch.
The VRBO apartment we like to rent has a private deck on the 6th floor. It overlooks a public parking lot. There is something fascinating about watching cars get towed, people wandering around looking for their cars, and very intoxicated people stumbling over the uneven pavement.
The truth is many people who live and vacation on Clearwater Beach don’t care about what other people think and they truly act like themselves. In a world of fakes, it’s nice to watch people actually being themselves.
5. My 2nd favorite thing to do on Clearwater Beach – Watch an Amazing at Sunset at Pier 60 Event
I’ve seen a lot of sunsets in my life and nothing compares to a sunset on a beach in Florida. They are fantastic! And while the sunset is the main attraction, Sunset at Pier 60 takes it to a new level. Every night they have local artisans and entertainers set up two hours before sunset and they don’t tear down until two hours after sunset.
The pier itself is lined on both sides with arts and crafts vendors selling everything from jewelry to paintings, candles, and cutting boards. All are handcrafted and local.
The sidewalks are filled with people watching street performers and musicians. I’ve seen everything from break dancers to fire eaters and even an aerial hoop performance.
Everything of course stops about 30 minutes before the sunset. How can you not sit back and enjoy the beautiful colors as the sun crosses below the water? Absolutely breathtaking.
6. Go Shopping
I have to admit, Clearwater Beach is NOT known for fabulous shopping but there are several fun shops. Hit up the usuals like Surf Style or Ron Jon but also check out a few of the shops north of Pier 60.
Mostly you will find beachy souvenirs but if you look in the right places you will find some fun swimsuits, t-shirts, and cute clothes. Check out Freaky Tiki Surf Shack.
7. EAT GREAT FOOD!!!
I could write a ton of posts about all of the fantastic restaurants and amazing food they serve near Clearwater Beach. I’m a firm believer in making mealtime part of my adventure. Many people look at food as a source of energy and needed to keep moving. While that is true, food can also be just as much a part of adventure as going to a museum, beach, or event.
As a foodie finding good food and a fun atmosphere is one of my top activities to do on any trip, close to home or far away. If you want to know a culture or a people, eat their food!
For more details on different restaurants on Clearwater Beach, check out this post; Clearwater Beach Restaurants: Where to eat on Clearwater Beach and I’ll be honest, on my last adventure to Clearwater I found even more fantastic places to eat. I’ll write about the new places soon. Sign up for my email list to get notified when I add more.
8. Enjoy an Ice-Cold Drink
Enjoying a frozen cocktail or an ice-cold beer is also one of the fun things to do on Clearwater Beach. Every good restaurant is also known for at least one or several signature cocktails.
I’m normally a cold beer on a hot day kind of person but when at the beach, I tend to order more cocktails. Pina Colada’s, Mai Tai’s, Mojitos… I know this sounds clique but it’s what a crave to cool me off.
Frenchy’s, Jimmy’s, Crabby’s, Tacos, Tequila and Rum, Palm Pavilion… you can’t go wrong anywhere. They all have their own twist on the classics and unique concoctions of their own.
9. My top choice of things to do on Clearwater Beach – Relax on the Beach
This may go without saying but when going on a beach vacation, you need to make relaxing on the beach something to do and Clearwater Beach is one of the best. The white sand is soft on your feet and the sunshine is warm on your shoulders.
I love to rent one of the signature cabanas for a little shade but mostly for some privacy. Not that they are truly private but at least you have somewhere to put your bag and won’t feel like you are on display.
Things to do on Clearwater Beach
While I just listed my favorite things to do on Clearwater Beach, you need to do what sets your soul on fire. Pick and choose what you like to do. This is your adventure! No matter what you decide to do on your next trip to Clearwater Beach, just remember to relax and enjoy life.
Happy travels and remember the world is full of adventures all around you.
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