Pier 60: Clearwater’s Sunset Stage and the Sea Beyond
A boardwalk sunset, dolphin rides, and the best ways to experience Clearwater’s shores
You arrive at Pier 60 as the day makes its last quiet trade—heat for a softening breeze, glare for a long, honeyed light. Families haul wagons of beach gear across sugar-white sand; anglers rig rods along the pier’s edges, elbows white with salt and patience. Pelicans cruise low, like punctuation marks, while a string of kids chases a volleyball that the Gulf keeps nudging back to shore. This is theater with no script: an open-air ritual that locates itself between the endless horizon and a compact, friendly town. Pier 60 is both starting point and stage. You can stand on the planks and watch a pod of dolphins carve the waves, or you can trade the wooden railing for the bow of a Sea Screamer boat and feel the ocean answer you in a spray of wind.
Trail Wisdom
Time your visit for sunset
Arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset to find parking, explore the Sunset Celebration, and secure a good viewpoint on the pier.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen
Protect both your skin and local marine life—reef-safe formulas are increasingly required around nesting areas.
Bring a refillable water bottle
Shade is limited on the sand; staying hydrated keeps the afternoon comfortable, especially during heat spikes.
Book boats and flights early
Sea Screamer cruises and helicopter tours sell out on good-weather days—reserve ahead during spring and holiday weekends.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Sunset Celebration artisan stalls behind the pier (arrive early to meet makers)
- •Short ferry rides to Caladesi Island State Park for quieter beaches and shelling
Wildlife
Bottlenose dolphins, Loggerhead sea turtles
Conservation Note
Local groups and vendors promote reef-safe sunscreen and reduced single-use plastics; respect nesting-season rules to protect sea turtles.
Pier 60 evolved into a community gathering spot and hosts a nightly Sunset Celebration that highlights local crafts and performers.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: mild temperatures, dolphin watching, less crowded beaches
Challenges: variable spring storms, higher weekend crowds in March–April
Spring offers warm, comfortable days and clear water—ideal for boat cruises and helicopter views with lower hurricane risk.
summer
Best for: full beach days, water sports, extended daylight
Challenges: high heat and humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, peak visitor numbers
Long, hot days are perfect for swimming and boat rides, but bring shade, hydration, and plan around afternoon storms.
fall
Best for: calmer seas after summer, fewer crowds, good visibility for flights
Challenges: hurricane season lingers into October, variable water temps
Fall can be a sweet spot with thinning crowds and warm seas—watch forecasts during hurricane season.
winter
Best for: mild winter escapes, birdwatching, off-season prices
Challenges: cooler water, occasional chilly northerlies
Winters are mild compared with northern climates—excellent for beach strolls, yoga on the sand, and calmer crowds.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin and marine ecosystems—required in some nesting-season zones.
Wide-brim hat & sunglassesEssential
Keeps the sun off your face during beach time and while waiting on the pier.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Hydration is crucial in Florida heat and prevents unnecessary single-use plastic waste.
Light windbreaker or shawl
Useful for breezy evenings on the pier or choppier open-boat rides.
Common Questions
Is Pier 60 free to visit?
Yes—access to the pier, beach, and the daily Sunset Celebration is free; individual attractions (boat cruises, helicopter rides, yoga classes) require separate tickets.
When is the best time to see dolphins?
Dolphins are commonly seen on morning and late-afternoon boat trips; the Sea Screamer one-hour cruise has frequent sightings when conditions are calm.
Are there facilities and accessibility options?
The boardwalk and pier are largely accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; public restrooms and showers are available nearby.
Can I fly a drone around Pier 60?
Drone operations are regulated—check FAA rules and local ordinances; many operators restrict drone use near crowds and wildlife.
Is parking available at Clearwater Beach?
Paid public parking lots and metered street parking are available but fill up on peak days—arrive early or consider the Clearwater Beach Bus Express from Orlando-area pickup points.
When is sea turtle nesting season and how does it affect visitors?
Nesting generally runs May–October; nighttime beach lighting and gear can be restricted to protect hatchlings—follow posted guidelines.
What to Pack
reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hat and sunglasses, refillable water bottle, light windbreaker (for boat rides)
Did You Know
Clearwater Beach has been ranked among the top beaches in the U.S. on TripAdvisor, recognized for its white sand and family-friendly shoreline.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive early for parking or take the Clearwater Beach Bus Express; book Sea Screamer or helicopter tours in advance; bring cash for small vendors at the Sunset Celebration; observe sea turtle nesting rules May–October.
Local Flavor
Seafood shacks and waterfront cafes cluster near the pier—try a fresh grouper sandwich or conch fritters, and linger at the Sunset Celebration to sample work from local artisans.
Logistics Snapshot
Free public pier and beach access; paid parking; nearest airport: Tampa International (TPA) ~20–25 miles; book tours in advance during spring and summer; Sunset Celebration nightly.
Sustainability Note
Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid single-use plastics, and respect posted nesting-area rules to minimize your impact on this barrier-island ecosystem.