If adult-friendly outings around Clearwater Beach are on your vacation list, you’re in the right place. Clearwater Beach and its surrounding barrier islands are known for their white sandy beaches and family-friendly attractions, but there’s plenty here for adults, too. Whether you’re craving outdoor adventure, planning a day date, shopping with friends, or looking for somewhere unique to eat, the area offers plenty to explore with the laid-back atmosphere Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for.

1. Hike secluded beaches at Caladesi Island State Park

Looking for a quieter escape from the busier stretches of Clearwater Beach? Caladesi Island State Park is often thought to be accessible only by ferry, but you can also reach it on foot by walking north along the beach. For a shorter walk, we recommend starting from one of the public beach accesses in North Clearwater Beach. One of our favorites is near Laurel Street, tucked into the residential side of the island.

2. Take a surf lesson in Indian Rocks Beach

3. Eat and drink at Grove Surf Cafe in Indian Rocks Beach

After much anticipation, Grove opened its second location in Indian Rocks Beach a little over two years ago under the name Grove Surf Cafe. The sister shop to its original St. Pete location brings over Grove’s longtime beloved coffee while expanding the menu with local beers and wines, fresh burritos, sandwiches, and other breakfast and lunch options. It’s become more than just a morning coffee stop; it’s an easy place to grab a genuinely good meal while exploring Indian Rocks Beach. We especially love the nods to our area’s past and present, from nostalgic old postcards to funky decor that captures the personality of our beach community. It’s also the kind of local spot where you’re almost guaranteed to run into someone you know.

4. Shop local treasures at Johns Pass in Madeira Beach

If shopping is on your vacation agenda, make your way south to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach. This waterfront fishing village is packed with boutiques, beachwear and souvenir shops, specialty retailers, and plenty of places to stop for a bite or something sweet along the way. Take your time wandering through the village and out along the boardwalk, where you can watch boats come and go through the pass between shops. With more than 100 merchants throughout John’s Pass, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours picking up something to bring home while getting another taste of the laid-back character of our Gulf beach communities.

5. Dine at Snapper’s Sea Grill on St Pete Beach

Snapper’s Sea Grill is one of my favorite spots for dinner after a sun-filled day, whether I’m out with the girls, on a date, or gathering with family. It’s an easy go-to for an enjoyable meal in a laid-back beach setting, with great service, generous portions, and beautifully plated dishes. My favorite part of their dining experience comes before the main meal: every entrée is served with flatbread and hummus, with sides and a salad depending on what you order. So, put on your heels, head out for the evening, and let your taste buds taste fresh seafood.

6. Treat yourself to dinner and drinks at The Columbia Restaurant Sand Key

Have you been looking around Clearwater Beach for a great dinner and drinks with a waterfront view? Look no further than the Columbia Restaurant on Sand Key, just south of Clearwater Beach. Overlooking the Intracoastal, this longtime Florida favorite serves Spanish and Cuban dishes rooted in generations-old family recipes, with plenty of seafood, tapas, and classics like its famous “1905” Salad.

Make an evening of it with a pitcher of sangria and a table overlooking the water, especially if you’re looking for somewhere that feels a little more special without losing the laid-back atmosphere of the beach. The outdoor deck is one of my favorite spots to settle in for dinner, share a few tapas, and enjoy the waterfront views as the evening winds down.

And save room for dessert. If you want something that will knock your socks off, I highly recommend the guava turnover, Carmita, pictured above on the far right. It’s the kind of dessert I’d go back for all on its own.

7. Stroll, shop, and play at Pier 60 in Clearwater Beach

If you’re spending the afternoon or evening on Clearwater Beach, make some time to wander over to Pier 60, one of the area’s most recognizable waterfront spots. Browse the local pop-up vendors, grab a drink or snack, and take in the Gulf views right from the heart of the beach.

Adults who are still kids at heart can get in on the fun too. Try the bungee trampoline or Fishpipe Hydro Rush, cool off on the giant Hippo waterslide, or check out some of the other rides nearby.

My favorite time to visit is later in the day, when the Florida heat starts to ease and the sunset begins to take over the sky. Browse the local artisans, catch a street performer, and stick around for one of Clearwater Beach’s famously colorful sunsets before heading out for dinner or drinks nearby.

8. Rooftop cocktails with views of the Intracoastal and Clearwater Beach at the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin

For an evening that feels a little more dressed up without getting too formal, head to Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar at the Fenway Hotel in Dunedin. Perched above the waterfront, the rooftop pairs craft cocktails with sweeping views toward Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands—making it an especially good stop around sunset.

I ordered the truffle Parmesan fries alongside a couple of craft cocktails! The fries are the perfect savory treat and make for a great shareable size while you settle in with a drink and watch the sky change over the water. 

This is one of my favorite picks for a date night, girls’ night, or simply an excuse to put on something cute and enjoy a cocktail somewhere with a view. Come before sunset, grab a rooftop seat, and let the scenery do the rest.

9. Get Lost in the Colorful Mosaics at Whimzeyland in Safety Harbor

If your idea of sightseeing includes finding the wonderfully weird places that make a town memorable, add Whimzeyland in Safety Harbor to your list. Nicknamed the “Bowling Ball House,” this colorful home and art environment was created by artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda and has grown into one of the area’s quirkiest local landmarks.

Wander the grounds and you’ll find mosaic-covered walkways, bottle trees, sculptures, glittering installations, and hundreds of hand-painted bowling balls tucked throughout the property. Visitors are welcome to walk around and take photos, making it an easy stop when you’re exploring Safety Harbor. Docent-led tours are also available if you want a closer look at the story behind the art.

It’s colorful, eccentric, and completely different from your typical Clearwater-area attraction—the kind of hidden gem that makes for an especially fun afternoon and some seriously good photo opportunities.