Clearwater Beach
The Clearwater Marina harbors a large sport-fishing fleet of deep-sea charter boats and a variety of sightseeing cruise boats. The Tropics Boat Tours' Dolphin Exploration Tour offers an opportunity to view dolphins and feed seabirds on a 2-hour excursion (dolphin sighting is guaranteed or next trip is free); for schedule and fare information, phone (727) 442-7433.
Nightlife
While enjoying an early evening stroll on the Beach Walk, you’re apt to find yourself immersed in the goings-on of Sunsets at Pier 60. Snap a few shots of the resplendent coast at sundown while conversing with local artisans along the beach umbrella-festooned walkway. You’ll also encounter bold street entertainers posing for photos with gaggles of giggling teenyboppers, as well as solo perfomers, break-dancers and a juggling fire-breather. Two playgrounds and a variety of carnival-style amusements edge the bustling pier, with young children sliding, bouncing and swinging into the night. The daily event begins 2 hours before dusk and ends 2 hours after dusk (weather permitting).For dinner and drinks, head to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, about .5 miles north of Pier 60 at 7 Rockaway St. This beachfront oasis is popular with locals and visitors, so arrive early to snag a table overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; phone (727) 446-4844. Next door at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, operating since 1926, patrons relish seafood, steak and tropical drinks, cheer televised touchdowns and home runs and enjoy live music outside on the wraparound deck; phone (727) 446-2642.
Shephard’s Beach Resort, 601-619 S. Gulfview Blvd., (727) 442-5107, offers two bass-thumping party spots for sand and surf lovers. Although uninhibited spring breakers certainly stir up the scene, live reggae and rock bands harmonizing with the stunning surroundings make this seaside retreat appealing year-round. Wade through a sea of bikinis and boardshorts at the Tiki Beach Bar & Grill, which stays packed with piña colada-sipping locals and visiting undergrads from mid-afternoon to after dark. Well-groomed twentysomethings let loose Friday through Sunday evenings at The Wave, a two-story nightclub swathed in chrome and metallic hues.