Things to Do in Clearwater

Beach-loving families (and anyone else looking for accessible white sands with great wildlife-watching opportunities) can find it at Clearwater’s Sand Key Park. Situated on the northern end of the barrier island Sand Key, this small park boasts ample amenities, including a playground, bathrooms, and lifeguards during the summer season. On the Gulf of Mexico side, visitors can find a wide, welcoming white sand beach where sea turtles sometimes lay their eggs. The park also includes a salt marsh where birdwatchers can spot herons, roseate spoonbills and great horned owls, among many other bird species. Beach loungers and water sports fans can find equipment rentals on-site—everything from cabanas and beach umbrellas to kayaks and bicycles.

At Clearwater’s Sim Center, you’ll find cutting-edge technology in the form of incredible simulator programs that make it possible experiencewhat it’s like operating otherwise out-of-reach vehicles like jetliners, race cars and fighter planes. The simulators are highly realistic; in fact, the Boing 737 simulator is like the ones used to train actual pilots and Sim Center even offers airline interview preparation programs. Some of the most popular simulators among visitors are the fighter jets and a 360-degree 3D space simulator that lets you pilot a virtual spacecraft form an orbital carrier and fly through the solar system. Sim Center also has kid-friendly activities, including an electric race car track.