Heading to Clearwater Beach for a few days? We’ve got the perfect three-day itinerary for you!
Clearwater Beach is everything you expect from Florida, and a little more, so it’s a welcome surprise! You’ve got soft white sand, clear waters, dolphins and marine life that are easy to spot, and some of the most gorgeous sunsets. Plus, you’re only a quick drive from Dunedin, so you can squeeze in a bit of history between beach time.
Three days gives you enough time to explore the town, dine by the marina, head out on the water, and even visit the aquarium. This itinerary covers all the fun activities and places to eat and shop, so keep reading to learn more!
Don’t miss out!
Our Top Choice
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Clearwater was this sunset dolphin-watching cruise! We spent 2.5 hours cruising along the gorgeous Gulf Coast, spotting wild dolphins, and soaking up the sunset views. There’s no better way to end a day in paradise!
Itinerary Overview
🏖️ Day 1: Beach Time, Dolphins & Sunset Cruise
Start with breakfast and some beach time, head out on a dolphin-watching cruise at sunset, and finish your first day with a casual beachfront dinner.
🍺 Day 2: Dunedin, Boat Time & Sunset at Pier 60
Spend the morning exploring Dunedin, grab lunch at a local brewery, then relax on a private boat tour before sunset at Pier 60, followed by dinner by the water.
🛶 Day 3: Aquarium, Kayaking & A Final Night Out
Wrap up your trip with Clearwater Marine Aquarium, lunch at Kaia Bowls, a clear-kayak adventure, sunset drinks, and one last dinner by the beach.
Day 1
Breakfast – Another Broken Egg Cafe
It’s your first day here, so let’s kick things off properly. And by that, we mean a hearty breakfast at Another Broken Egg Cafe, a popular breakfast spot near the beach.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, go for the cinnamon roll French toast or Bourbon Street pancakes. And honestly, you can’t leave without trying the biscuit beignets. With sweet honey marmalade, they’re that good!
If you’re more of a savory breakfast person, try the sautéed shrimp and sausage or the poached egg over crab cakes with toasted English muffins. Either way, you won’t leave hungry.
The cafe opens at 7 am, and your next stop is just three blocks away, so you’ve got a little extra time with your coffee.
Midday – Hit the beach!
You can’t come to Clearwater Beach without spending some proper time on the sand. Clearwater Beach is one of the best beaches in the USA, often ranking in the top two. It’s famous for its soft white sand and clear, calm, shallow water, and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours there.
It can get pretty busy, especially around Spring Break, but that’s a trade-off we’re willing to make. It’s also super family-friendly, with a very gradual slope, a playground, an aquarium, and professional lifeguards to keep you safe.
Bring your own chairs and umbrella, or rent them right on the beach. You’ll find the rental areas between the jetty and north of Pier 60, with rentals available from 9 am to 5 pm. Two chairs with an umbrella cost $40 USD, and they’re first-come, first-served, so I’d get there earlier if you want a set. See the full price list here.
Sand Key Park is another stunning beach on the other side of Sand Key Bridge, and it’s more relaxed. Umbrella and cabana rentals are available here too, although prices can vary, so check at the park when you arrive.
For lunch, head to Beach Burger Shack for a juicy burger or shake, and dine with your feet buried in the sand.
Evening – Relax on a sunset dolphin spotting excursion
After some beach time, you can either head back to your hotel to freshen up or go straight to this sunset dolphin-watching cruise starting at 4 pm.
Dolphins are pretty common around Clearwater, so getting out on the water to look for them seemed like the perfect way to spend our first evening here. The tour leaves from Dunedin, about a 15-minute drive from Clearwater Beach, and takes you out on the 47-foot (14-meter) ParrotDise Express.
You’ll spend around 2.5 hours cruising around Clearwater and Dunedin, keeping an eye out for dolphins swimming and playing in the wild. Watching them pop up next to the boat never gets old!
We also love that this isn’t just about the wildlife! So, even if the dolphins decide to hide, you’ll still have plenty to see. The cruise takes you along the Gulf Coast, with views of the coastline and nearby islands from the water. And since this is a sunset tour, the scenery gets even prettier as the sky starts changing color.
Drinks are included, too, including beer, wine, sangria, soft drinks, and the boat’s own rum punch. With amazing views and flowing drinks, we definitely think it’s a fun addition to a Clearwater Beach trip.
Dinner – Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
Around 6:45 pm, you should be back from your evening activity. You can return to your hotel for a quick cleanup first, or head straight to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill for a casual beachfront dinner.
Definitely start with their rich, creamy house-made crab soup, then dig into a grouper sandwich or seafood pot pie. If you’re vegetarian, go for the black bean burger, veggie quesadillas, or one of the salads. Either way, you won’t leave hungry.
We absolutely loved the lively atmosphere. A rock band was playing, Rum Runners and Mai Tais kept flowing, and it started to feel like a proper Florida vacay!
They’re open every day until 10 pm, and until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. Since they don’t take reservations, you might have to wait, but grab a drink at the beach bar and enjoy the view while you wait. You can also check the live “Peek Inside Rockaway” webcam on the official Frenchy’s website before you go.
Day 2
Morning – Explore charming Dunedin
Start the day in downtown Dunedin, about a 15- to 25-minute drive from Clearwater Beach, depending on traffic. Dunedin is just as laid-back as Clearwater Beach, with a charming historic center, so I recommend waiting to eat until you get here. Sandpiper is excellent if you love bagel sandwiches and specialty lattes.
If you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday morning, head towards the open-air market in Pioneer Park and browse the stalls. You’ll find everything from fresh-baked pastries to local crafts, and you’ll definitely leave with something you didn’t plan on buying. Happens to me all the time!
Then, spend some time on Main Street, checking out the independent boutiques and galleries. When you’ve had enough shopping, wind down with a walk along the waterfront near Dunedin Marina and Edgewater Park. Or find a bench and watch the boats come and go. You’ve got the whole morning here, so there’s no need to rush through anything.
Lunch – Dunedin Brewery
After a whole morning exploring Dunedin, it’s time for lunch. If you love craft beer, check out Dunedin Brewery. It’s a cozy taproom with indoor seating, barrels doubling as tables, comfy corners with benches, and seriously good food.
Their fried chicken wings are something else, crispy and perfectly seasoned! If you’re craving something different, go for the Dunedin-style poutine or their signature tacos. But you can’t go wrong with the smashburger and pub fries either. Yum!
If your lunch falls on a Tuesday, you’re in for a treat! They host a weekly Taco Tuesday special with $2 USD beef tacos all day. Pair that with one of their house-brewed ales or lagers, like the Apricot Ale, and you’re all set.
They open at 11 am, so you’ll have plenty of time for lunch and a quick pint before meeting your boat tour.
Afternoon – Relax on a private boat
After lunch, it’s time to get out on the water! Gorgeous islands and waterways surround Clearwater Beach, and this private boat tour is the best way to explore beyond the main beach! The meeting point is only about a 10-minute drive from Dunedin, so plan to arrive at 12 pm.
It lasts four hours and is completely private for groups of up to six people, so you’ll have the boat and a captain all to yourselves. Sounds good, right?
The route can include Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island, and Three Rooker Island, each worth a visit for its own reasons.
Caladesi is one of the most untouched islands on this stretch of the Gulf Coast. You can only get there by boat, so it feels SO much quieter than Clearwater Beach. Honeymoon Island, meanwhile, has more than four miles of beach, plus a three-mile trail through one of Florida’s last remaining virgin slash pine forests.
Then there’s Three Rooker Island, a teeny-tiny sandbar island that’s only formed relatively recently. It’s the perfect spot to jump in for a swim, or paddle in the shallows and hunt for shells.
What I love most about this tour is that there’s no rigid itinerary. Your captain tailors the day around what your group wants to do, whether that’s looking for dolphins or even popping into a beach bar. (Or both – you’ve got hours, after all!)
And if you need any more convincing, just take a peek at the glowing five-star reviews. Clearly, we’re not the only ones who think this is an amazing way to explore Clearwater!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
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Evening – Experience Pier 60 at sunset
Once you’re back from the boat tour around 4 pm, return to your hotel for a quick refresh, then head to Pier 60 for sunset. This is probably the liveliest part of Clearwater Beach, with shops, restaurants, street vendors, and lots of people out enjoying the evening. Every day, Pier 60 hosts its famous sunset celebration, with local artists and artisans selling their work, performers, and live music.
The celebration usually runs from 4 pm to 8 pm, so you’ve got lots of time to look around before the sun goes down. Grab a drink, check out the stalls, shop, and find a good spot by the water. There’s a giant playground, too, so if you’re traveling with kids, that will definitely keep them busy.
But honestly, the sunset is the star of the show. It really is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Not a bad way to finish the day!
Dinner – Bait House Tackle & Tavern
When you’ve had your fill of golden hour and sunset photos, walk along the pier to Bait House Tackle & Tavern. This is a super casual but well-loved dinner spot, and honestly, it’s tastier than it looks! Don’t let the “bait shop” facade fool you. We almost didn’t go in.
The menu is all about seafood. Go for the sautéed shrimp or fish tacos, or try the local catch of the day if you can’t decide. You can thank me later!
I loved the wooden open-air deck over the water, and you can even spot wild dolphins, pelicans, and manatees from here. They definitely made my night a lot more fun!
They don’t take reservations, and seating is limited, so prepare for a bit of a wait. But it’s all worth it, scout’s honor! The restaurant stays open until 10 pm, so you’ve got plenty of time for dinner and a good night’s sleep before your big day tomorrow.
Day 3
Breakfast – Caffeinated Bakery
Rise and shine, it’s your last day in Clearwater Beach! If you love scratch-made pastries and HUGE breakfast sandwiches, Caffeinated Bakery is the place to fuel up. It’s small and works more like a grab-and-go spot, but there’s a lovely outdoor patio if you want to eat there.
I had to try their massive cinnamon rolls, even though I’m not usually a fan of sweet breakfasts, and I definitely don’t regret it. They sell out fast because they’re one of the most popular items, so arrive early if you want one. If you prefer something savory, the spinach feta pastries are just as good, or go for a full breakfast burrito or a classic egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich on a flaky croissant.
They open at 8 am and are just a five-minute drive from the aquarium, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast before your first activity.
Morning – Check out the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
After breakfast, drive or walk to Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This isn’t your typical aquarium. It’s also a working animal rescue and rehabilitation center, so you’ll get to see rescued animals and learn more about the work they do here.
If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll probably love this stop. You can see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, and other Florida native marine life. Watch them play and interact with their caretakers through a massive underwater viewing window. There’s also a shallow pool where you can touch stingrays, plus river otters, and a deep pool home to the resident shark, Thelma.
Adult admission is $42 USD, and I’d plan on spending around 2 hours here. It opens at 10 am, so there’s no need to rush through breakfast before coming over.
Lunch – Kaia Bowls
Around noon, it’s time for some refreshing lunch before your big activity for the day. Head to Kaia Bowls, a healthy and pretty cheap spot in the lively Pelican Walk Plaza. As the name suggests, you’ll find all sorts of bowls here, from Hawaiian poke bowls to fruit-packed bowls. It’s all bowls!
I went for the salmon bowl with rice and zucchini noodles because I wanted something more filling than fruit, but you can completely customize your bowl. I also couldn’t resist their house bowl with an açai base, granola, and bananas, so I grabbed one to go! You can eat inside or take your lunch right across the street and have a picnic on the beach.
The tour meeting point is right in this area, too, so you’ll have some downtime before heading to your 2 pm kayak tour. Check out the plaza or dip your toes in the sand while you wait.
Afternoon – Paddle around Clearwater Beach on a clear kayak
After lunch, it’s time to get back on the water, but this time you’ll be doing the paddling! Kayaking is already a fun way to explore Clearwater, but doing it in a completely transparent kayak is even better. We love this 2.5-hour clear kayaking tour because it takes you around Clearwater Beach with a local guide, giving you a chance to spot wildlife both around and underneath you.
You’ll head out in a tandem kayak while keeping an eye out for dolphins and manatees. The route can also take you past sandbars and small islands, where you might get the chance to stop and hunt for shells. Sounds fun, right?
We just think the clear kayaks make the whole thing SO much more fun. There’s something so cool about looking straight through the bottom of your kayak while you’re paddling, especially when you’re surrounded by this much marine life.
You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker either. Your guide will give you a quick introduction before you head out, and groups are kept small, so it feels very personal. Just make sure to arrive by 1:45 pm to check in before the 2 pm departure! It’s also more active than the boat tour earlier, so you’ll get a decent workout.
Sunset – Grab drinks at Jimmy’s Crows Nest
I love a good sky bar with sunset views, especially when it’s right by the beach! After your kayaking tour ends around 4:30 pm, you’ve got time for some aperitivo before dinner, and I think Jimmy’s Crows Nest is just the place. You get panoramic views of Pier 60, Clearwater Marina, and the Gulf of Mexico!
But best of all, they even have a live countdown to sunset, and when it hits zero, you get a complimentary shot to toast the moment. How about that for a final evening?
And yes, bring the kids, too! They even have viewing telescopes, so the kids can look out for dolphins swimming around the marina. Order a Piña Colada, Rum Runner, Mai Tai, or whatever your favorite drink happens to be, and settle in for some seriously gorgeous views.
They don’t take reservations, so I’d arrive 60 to 90 minutes before sunset if you want to grab a good spot.
Dinner – Your choice!
It’s your last night in Clearwater Beach, so I’m leaving dinner up to you! Keep it casual with your feet in the sand, or dress up and go somewhere more upscale.
For something a bit fancier, head to Seaguini on Clearwater’s south side. This is a more high-end spot, perfect if you want your last dinner to feel a little special. They serve fresh seafood, house-made pastas, and Tuscan brick-oven pizzas, so there’s something for everyone, even picky kids. Book a table in advance to avoid the wait!
If you’d rather have a more casual dinner, I’d pick Crabby’s Beachside Pavilion. It’s right on the beach, so you can grab a table, order some seafood or plates to share, like gator nuggets or chargrilled oysters, and finish your trip with your toes practically in the sand. They also take reservations, so secure your table and skip the wait.
Both spots are open until 10 pm, so you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy one last meal in Clearwater Beach. Whether you’re toasting your trip with a fancy dinner or digging into seafood with your toes in the sand, it’s the perfect way to end your Clearwater Beach getaway. Enjoy your last night!
Related Read: Looking for even more ways to enjoy Clearwater? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Clearwater for more fun activities and must-see spots!
Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach
Now that you have your 3-day Clearwater Beach itinerary sorted, you just need somewhere to stay! We’d recommend staying close to the beach itself, especially on a first visit, as you’ll have the sand, Pier 60, restaurants, and plenty of activities within easy reach. Below, we’ve picked three options for different budgets.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Suites – $$$
If you want the full Florida vacation experience, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Suites is our luxury pick. You really can’t miss its huge pink building, and it sits just steps from Clearwater Beach’s white sands.
The rooms are super spacious, and many come with private balconies overlooking the Gulf. Some of the larger suites even have full kitchens and separate living areas, which is amazing if you’re staying more than a couple of nights.
Then there’s the eighth-floor heated pool overlooking the Gulf, an on-site spa, seafood restaurant, and rooftop cantina. Rooms typically start at around $270 USD per night, although you can expect to pay more during peak season. Read the amazing reviews and book your stay at the Hyatt Regency here!
Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel – $$
For something a little more affordable without sacrificing location, Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel is an ideal middle ground. It sits right between the marina and Clearwater Beach, with Pier 60 just a short walk away, so you’ll be right in the middle of the action.
But our favorite part is Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, the hotel’s 10th-floor rooftop bar. It has panoramic views over the marina and Gulf, plus a nightly sunset celebration complete with a complimentary sunset shot. We’re suckers for a rooftop bar at the best of times, but throw in a Florida sunset, and we’re SOLD.
Rooms can start from around $200 USD per night, making this a great middle-ground option for such a central location! Check availability and book your stay at Pier House 60 here!
Gulfview Hotel – On the Beach- $
If you’d rather save your dollars for dolphin tours and cocktails, Gulfview Hotel – On the Beach is our budget pick. And even though it’s the cheapest of the three, you still get something pretty important: your own little slice of Clearwater Beach!
The hotel has a private beach, a heated outdoor pool, and a hot tub, while every room comes with a private balcony and a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop. That’s especially handy if eating three meals a day in beachside restaurants is starting to damage your bank account.
This is definitely the no-frills option of the three, but if you want to be by the water and keep accommodation costs down, we think it offers great value. Rooms can start from around $170 USD per night, which is fantastic value for a hotel with its own private beach! Find the best prices and book your stay at Gulfview Hotel here!
If you didn’t find what you’re looking for, check out more hotel listings for Clearwater Beach here!
Book your Airport Taxi in advance
Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You’ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won’t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?
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Clearwater Beach sure knows how to make a splash! Between dolphins stealing the show, paddling over marine life in clear kayaks, and hopping between gorgeous islands, these three days are packed with fun. Throw in Dunedin’s small-town charm, fresh seafood, and sunsets that practically demand a round of applause, and you’ve got yourself one unforgettable Florida getaway!
Got room for one more adventure? We’ve explored so many incredible places across the country, and we’re always excited to share our favorites! You can find more inspiration in our other USA travel guides here, or check out some of our favorite blogs below to see where to head next. Happy travels!
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The Services We Recommend
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