In 1962, a bottlenose dolphin swam into Clearwater Bay, rescued from crab trap lines. Locals named her Hope. Fifty years later, her story—and that of her prosthetic-tailed predecessor, Winter—inspired millions and put Clearwater on the map as more than just a beach town. Today, Clearwater is where Hollywood meets hermit crabs, and where every day ends with a celebration—literally.
This sun-drenched city on Florida’s Gulf Coast is part tropical paradise, part classic Florida kitsch, and part family dreamland. Think: sugary beaches, dancing street performers, pirate ships at sunset, and dolphins so frequent they seem scheduled.
Start your visit at the famous Clearwater Beach, regularly ranked one of America’s best. The sand is blindingly white, like sifted flour. The water? Calm, shallow, and the color of mint tea with a splash of sunshine. It’s a beach designed by a kind god for sandcastle contests and family wading.
And then there’s Pier 60—Clearwater’s pulse. Every evening, as the sun begins its theatrical descent into the Gulf, street performers roll out carpets, local artists pin up wind chimes, and tourists gather like moths to a flaming tangerine sky. It’s called the Sunset Celebration, and it happens 365 nights a year (weather permitting). Fire jugglers, breakdancers, caricature artists—it’s part carnival, part ceremony.
Behind the scenes of all that sparkle is a real, lived-in place. Head a few blocks inland and you’ll find the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to rescued marine animals and made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies. Winter the dolphin may be gone, but her legacy swims on in Hope, Apollo, and others. It’s not SeaWorld. It’s a rescue center, and the staff’s dedication is real. The rehab pools, the educational talks, the prosthetic tail exhibit—it’s low-key, hands-on, and surprisingly moving.
Feeling inspired? Hop aboard the Little Toot Dolphin Tour, a tugboat-style cruise with high success rates for spotting pods of bottlenose dolphins in the Intracoastal Waterway. The wake created by the boat often draws dolphins to leap and race alongside, thrilling kids and camera phones alike.
When you’ve had your fill of saltwater and sunscreen, head to Sand Key Park, just across the bridge. It’s Clearwater’s quieter, wilder cousin. Here you’ll find dune walkovers, seashells that haven’t been picked clean, and beachgoers more likely to read than pose. There’s a shaded playground, a salt marsh, and some of the best birdwatching on the coast.
Need a break from the beach? Take a quirky detour to the Oddities & Curiosities Museum, a cabinet of wonders featuring everything from taxidermy frogs to vintage medical devices. It’s weird, small, and surprisingly delightful. Or step into the pastel time capsule of Capitol Theatre, a 1920s-era venue where you might catch a jazz quartet, a family comedy act, or a movie night under velvet curtains and chandeliers.
Hungry? You’re in the right town. Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is the iconic beach bar—with fresh grouper sandwiches, frozen rumrunners, and toes-in-the-sand vibes. Sit under a thatched roof while seagulls negotiate overhead. If you want a more elevated view, head to Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, a rooftop bar at the Pier House 60 hotel with panoramic sunset views and a daily cannon blast at dusk.
For family-friendly dining, try Clear Sky Café, known for its global breakfast menu (lobster brie omelet, anyone?) and breezy patio. Or hit Tate Island Grill, tucked behind the Sandpearl Resort, for easygoing fish tacos and Gulf breezes with zero pretension.
If ice cream is mandatory (it should be), you’ve got options: Ice & Cream Creamery has bubble waffle cones and sprinkles by the scoop. For more adventurous flavors, Coneheads Ice Cream serves up rum raisin and key lime pie just steps from the sand.
Planning to stay overnight? Opal Sands Resort offers sleek, glass-walled rooms with ocean views that practically splash you. Its lazy river-style pool and beachfront access make it a no-brainer for families and honeymooners alike. Barefoot Bay Resort offers a more budget-friendly, Old Florida vibe with charming pink walls, dock access, and a five-minute walk to the pier.
There’s more inland too. Clearwater isn’t just beach—it’s nature trails, manatee habitats, and a 42-mile bike path. The Pinellas Trail connects downtown Clearwater to Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, and other Gulf towns by a paved, tree-lined path. Rent bikes at Clearwater Beach Pedals & Paddles, pack snacks, and take a family ride along mangroves, old train tracks, and pelican-flanked bridges.
One local gem? Moccasin Lake Nature Park—a peaceful 50-acre nature preserve tucked off the busy U.S. 19 corridor. It features boardwalks, butterfly gardens, and rescued birds of prey. Peacocks sometimes strut past your picnic table. Admission? Free. Reactions? Wide-eyed.
Clearwater also has one of the most unusual beach safety programs in the country: trained “beach wheelchair” teams. Call ahead, and they’ll help mobility-limited visitors reach the sand using custom wheelchairs that glide over dunes. It’s thoughtful, accessible tourism at its finest.
Locals will tell you: the real magic happens early and late. Get to the beach by 8:30 a.m., before the crowds roll in, and you’ll have glassy water, ghost crab tracks, and a soundtrack of nothing but seagulls and your own flip-flops. Or hang back after sunset, when most tourists head to dinner and the sand glows in moonlight. The water is warm, the stars are sharp, and it feels like the entire Gulf is holding its breath.
Clearwater also hosts some fantastic family events: the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival (April) is a sand sculpture extravaganza with towering art installations and hands-on kids’ zones. The Sea-Blues Festival (February) mixes live music with fresh seafood. And the Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October) brings top national acts to Coachman Park, with room for dancing toddlers and laid-back picnics.
Don’t miss the Caladesi Island Ferry, which departs from nearby Honeymoon Island State Park. This short boat ride leads to one of Florida’s last undeveloped barrier islands. There are no shops. No cars. Just miles of white beach, driftwood trails, and raccoons that seem to pose for photos. It’s a perfect half-day adventure, especially for nature-loving families.
Before you leave town, stop at Clearwater Historical Society Museum & Cultural Center. Located in an old 1906 schoolhouse, it’s packed with memorabilia, old photos, and stories about the days before the causeways and condos. It’s a reminder that Clearwater didn’t always glitter—and that its glow has always come from something deeper.
One last tip: check the rocket launch schedule. On clear nights, you can sometimes see Cape Canaveral launches streaking across the eastern sky, even from Clearwater’s west-facing shores. It’s a Gulf Coast bonus—a wink from the Space Coast, and a good reason to look up.
Clearwater is more than a beach town. It’s a ritual, a rhythm, a reel of sunlight and laughter. A place where dolphins leap like clockwork, where kids scream into the wind from the bow of a pirate ship, and where the sun sets not just in the sky—but in your memory.
