Things to Do in Clearwater Beach
About 1 hour and 45 minutes southwest of Ocala, Clearwater Beach offers some of the finest white sand and turquoise Gulf water in Florida, plus Pier 60 sunset celebrations, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and outstanding beachfront dining.
Clearwater Beach, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Ocala, is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. for its powdery white sand and turquoise Gulf water. Top activities include Pier 60 nightly sunset celebrations, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Beach Walk promenade, dolphin cruises, Sand Key Park, parasailing, and dining at beachfront institutions like Frenchy's and Palm Pavilion.
Clearwater Beach sits on a barrier island along Florida's Gulf Coast, approximately 100 miles southwest of Ocala. The drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes via I-75 South, making it a longer day trip than the Nature Coast beaches but one that rewards the extra time with some of the most beautiful sand and water in the state. Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States by TripAdvisor, USA Today, and other travel publications.
What sets Clearwater Beach apart is the combination of fine, white quartz sand and shallow, calm Gulf water that ranges from emerald to turquoise depending on the light. The beach is wide and well-maintained, with lifeguards on duty during the day and public restroom facilities along the shoreline. Beach Walk, a 2.5-mile paved promenade that runs along the beachfront, connects hotels, restaurants, shops, and parks in a pedestrian-friendly corridor.
Pier 60 is the focal point of Clearwater Beach. Every evening, the pier hosts a sunset celebration with street performers, artisan vendors, and musicians creating a festival atmosphere as the sun drops into the Gulf. The pier itself offers fishing, a bait shop, and views that stretch across the Gulf and toward Caladesi Island. It is one of the most popular sunset viewing spots on the entire Gulf Coast.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, made famous by the Dolphin Tale movies, is a rescue-focused facility that rehabilitates injured marine animals. The aquarium houses dolphins, sea turtles, otters, sharks, and pelicans, with educational programs and animal encounters throughout the day. It is one of the top family attractions on the Pinellas County coast and draws visitors from across Florida.
For Ocala residents, Clearwater Beach represents the premium Gulf Coast beach day trip — worth the slightly longer drive for the quality of the beach, the depth of dining options, and the range of activities from dolphin cruises and parasailing to sunset celebrations and waterfront dining. It pairs well with an overnight stay to make the most of the trip.
Pier 60 Sunset Celebrations
Must VisitEvery evening, Pier 60 transforms into a sunset festival with street performers, artisan craft vendors, musicians, and food carts lining the pier and surrounding beach. The celebration begins two hours before sunset and continues two hours after. The pier extends 1,080 feet into the Gulf, offering fishing access, a bait shop, concessions, and panoramic Gulf views. Watching the sun sink into the Gulf from the end of Pier 60 is one of the signature Florida experiences.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Must VisitMade famous by the Dolphin Tale movies, this rescue-focused marine facility rehabilitates and houses injured sea life. Residents include dolphins, sea turtles, otters, sharks, stingrays, and pelicans. Interactive experiences include dolphin encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and boat-based dolphin watching cruises. The facility expanded significantly in recent years with new exhibits, a rooftop observation deck, and a larger dolphin habitat. Plan 2-3 hours for a full visit.
Beach Walk
FreeA beautifully designed 2.5-mile paved promenade running along the Clearwater Beach waterfront. Beach Walk connects hotels, restaurants, parks, and public beach access points in a pedestrian-friendly corridor with native landscaping, public art, and beach showers. It is perfect for morning jogs, sunset strolls, biking, or simply walking between restaurants and the beach. The path is flat, wide, and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Dolphin Cruises & Boat Tours
Multiple operators run dolphin watching cruises from Clearwater Beach Marina, offering 1-2 hour trips through the intracoastal waterway and into the Gulf. Bottlenose dolphins are regular residents of the area and sightings are virtually guaranteed. Beyond dolphins, several operators offer sunset dinner cruises, pirate ship excursions (including Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise, a family favorite), and speedboat tours. Most tours depart from the marina near the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Sand Key Park
Located just south of Clearwater Beach across the pass, Sand Key Park offers the same beautiful Gulf sand and water with fewer crowds. This 95-acre Pinellas County park features a wide beach, picnic shelters, restrooms, nature trails through salt marsh and mangrove habitats, a dog park area, and ample parking. It is an excellent alternative to the main Clearwater Beach strip, especially for families who prefer a quieter setting with more space and easier parking.
Water Sports & Parasailing
Clearwater Beach supports a full range of water sports. Parasailing operators launch from the beach, taking riders 400-800 feet above the Gulf for panoramic views of the barrier islands and coastline. Jet ski rentals, paddleboard rentals, kayak rentals, and banana boat rides are available from multiple beachfront vendors. The calm Gulf waters make Clearwater ideal for beginners trying water sports for the first time.
Beachfront Dining
Clearwater Beach has one of the best restaurant scenes of any Florida beach town. Frenchy's Rockaway Grill is a local institution for grouper sandwiches with beachfront seating. Bob Heilman's Beachcomber has served fine dining since 1948. Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill offers casual oceanfront fare with toes-in-the-sand dining. Columbia Restaurant in Sand Key serves upscale Spanish-Cuban cuisine. Cooters Restaurant & Bar is a casual waterfront favorite for stone crab and frozen drinks.
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise
A family-friendly pirate ship cruise that has operated out of Clearwater Beach Marina for over 40 years. The brightly painted pirate ship takes passengers on 2-hour cruises through the intracoastal waterway and Gulf, with pirate-themed activities for kids including face painting, water gun battles, and treasure hunts. Sunset and champagne cruises cater to adults. It is one of the most recognizable attractions in Clearwater Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Clearwater Beach from Ocala?
Clearwater Beach is approximately 100 miles southwest of Ocala, about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive via I-75 South to SR-44 West, or through Tampa via I-75 to I-275. Traffic on the Courtney Campbell Causeway or Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard approaching the beach can add time, especially on weekends. Plan for a 2-hour drive during peak season.
How much does parking cost at Clearwater Beach?
Public parking at Clearwater Beach ranges from $2 to $5 per hour depending on the lot and proximity to the beach. The main city garage near Pier 60 fills quickly on weekends. Metered street parking is available but limited. The free Jolley Trolley runs between parking areas and the beachfront. Arriving before 10am on weekends is recommended to secure a spot close to the beach.
What are the best restaurants at Clearwater Beach?
Popular Clearwater Beach restaurants include Frenchy's Rockaway Grill for grouper sandwiches and beachfront seating, Bob Heilman's Beachcomber for fine dining since 1948, Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill for casual oceanfront fare, and the Columbia Restaurant in Sand Key for upscale Spanish-Cuban cuisine. Cooters Restaurant & Bar is a casual waterfront spot known for stone crab and drinks.
Is Clearwater Beach family-friendly?
Clearwater Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida. The calm, shallow Gulf waters are safe for young swimmers. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of Winter the dolphin from Dolphin Tale) is a major family draw. Pier 60 hosts nightly sunset celebrations with street performers and craft vendors. Beach Walk provides a safe, paved promenade for strollers and bikes. Multiple beach rental operators offer chairs, umbrellas, and water sport equipment.
Is Clearwater Beach worth the longer drive from Ocala?
Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among the top beaches in the United States for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise Gulf water, and family-friendly atmosphere. While the drive is longer than Gulf Coast alternatives like Crystal River or Yankeetown, the beach quality, dining options, and range of activities make it a worthwhile destination, especially for a full day or overnight trip.
What is the best time to visit Clearwater Beach?
The best time to visit is spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) when temperatures are warm, crowds are smaller, and hotel rates are lower. Summer is the busiest season with larger crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers pleasant temperatures in the 60s-70s but the water is cooler. Weekdays are always less crowded than weekends year-round.
Plan Your Clearwater Beach Day Trip
From pristine white sand and Pier 60 sunsets to dolphin cruises and world-class dining, Clearwater Beach is worth every minute of the drive from Ocala.