In high season, Clearwater's long stretch of smooth, white sand becomes a scrum of sun-baked coeds and extended families. Hotels, resorts and raucous beach bars line the sand, particularly near Pier 60, where sunset is 'celebrated' each night with a festive menagerie of musicians, magicians, performers and trinket stands hawking their wares. On Coronado Dr across from the pier, activity booths offer parasailing, fishing, cruises and so on.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Clearwater Marine Aquarium

0.67 MILES

The home of Winter the dolphin, this nonprofit aquarium rescues and rehabilitates injured sea animals, such as dolphins, sea otters, fish, rays, and…

2. Sand Key Park & Beach

1.2 MILES

If you want a less-crowded beach day, free of commercial folderol, head to this 65-acre, family-friendly beach park. It's at the northern tip of the…

3. Caladesi Island State Park

3.69 MILES

Directly to the south of Honeymoon, this park is accessible only by boat and is virtually as nature made it: unspoiled and pristine. Consequently, it…

4. Nature Center

5.73 MILES

Honeymoon Island's Nature Center offers exhibits on local habitats and wildlife, and hosts monthly presentations from wildlife experts, artists and other…

5. Honeymoon Island State Park

5.81 MILES

This park, so named in the 1940s when marketeers pitched the island as the perfect getaway for newlyweds, is graced with the Gulf Coast's legendary white…

6. Indian Rocks Beach

5.88 MILES

This quieter, family-oriented beach appeals to day-trippers looking for their own stretch of sand. Most of the action is clustered around 17th Ave, where…

7. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

9.69 MILES

The largest wild-bird hospital in North America, this sanctuary has more than 100 sea and land birds for public viewing, including a resident population…

8. St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral

12.51 MILES

Erected in 1907, this historic cathedral doubles as a Greek American community center and host for the yearly Epiphany celebration. With a stately dome,…