No trip to Clearwater would be complete without visiting Pier 60.
This 1,080-foot pier stretches into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a favored spot among anglers, but you don’t need a fishing pole to enjoy it.
A stroll onto Pier 60 will give you sweeping views of beautiful blue water, sparkling white shores, pelicans, and dolphins.
Shop for arts and crafts from local vendors, catch the Sunset Celebration with acrobats, street performers, and firebreathers, or slip into the waters beneath the pier for a cooling swim.
Clearwater Beach is one of my favorite beaches and the pier is one of the best spots to see the sunset!
There’s plenty to enjoy at this iconic Clearwater Beach attraction.
Update: As of March 2025, only the front section of the pier is open to the public. The fishing area is still closed.
Where Is Pier 60?
Pier 60 is located right in the center of Clearwater Beach at the west end of Causeway Boulevard.
Hours
The pier is open from 6 am to 9 pm daily. The Sunset Celebration starts two hours before sunset and lasts for four hours.
Parking Near Pier 60
There is a parking lot right at Pier 60, but there are also additional parking areas nearby.
There are about 400 street parking spaces. If they are full, try the Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina.
It’s just a short walk but I’ve always liked parking in the paid parking lot in front of Walgreens right off Poinsettia Ave.
If you’d like to leave your car in the shade, park at the Hyatt Regency.
Things To Do At Pier 60
Go Fishing!
Anglers love year-round fishing at Pier 60. Grab your gear or rent everything you need from the bait shop.
Purchase your fishing pass here, pick up live or frozen bait, and choose your spot on the final third of the pier.
Fishing here is wonderful in the morning or at night. Thanks to the underwater lights, you can see what’s snooping around your hook.
Snook, Black Drum, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Seatrout, Bluefish, Grouper, and Whiting are common catches at the pier.
Soak In The Views And Spot Wildlife
Although I’m not a big fisherman, I like to walk along the pier and enjoy beautiful views of the Gulf and sparkling shore.
Look over the water to see fish darting below. You might even spot dolphins and manatees.
Use the coin-operated telescopes for closer views of the sea creatures.
Enjoy The Sunset Celebration
Catch fire breathers, musicians, dancers, artisans creating glass sculptures, and painters in action during Clearwater’s four-hour-long Sunset Celebration. (It starts two hours before sunset.)
Enjoy live music from various buskers and snap photos with favorite characters such as Captain Jack Sparrow.
Then, nab some festival food and watch the sun vanish behind the horizon in a gorgeous display of color.
Fireworks add a rousing finish.
Shop For Souvenirs
Shopping during the Sunset Celebration is a great way to nab amazing souvenirs and artwork.
However, there are tons of boutiques and shops surrounding the pier which you can peruse at any time of day.
Swim
If the heat and sun are sapping your energy, it’s time for a refreshing plunge into the shady space beneath the pier. See how far out you can swim but be safe!
Alternatively, try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing.
Slide Down The Hippo
Want to win the “Most Popular Parent Award”? Have your kids slide down an enormous multi-lane waterslide known affectionately as “The Hippo.”
Dine On Delicious Foods
Swimming and shopping are hungry work, so once your bellies start rumbling, head to any number of nearby restaurants in Clearwater Beach.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is one of the most famous. Try their grouper sandwich and enjoy the beach views. I also love their selection of drinks. Come during slower times because Frenchy’s does get busy.
Clear Sky Café is ideal for pasta, sushi, and crab hushpuppies, while Crabby’s Dockside offers great seafood.
Treat yourself to a romantic dinner at the luxurious Caretta on the Gulf in the Sandpearl Resort or Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber.
Check Out The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
If you visit Clearwater Beach in the spring, count yourself lucky because the sands around Pier 60 transform into mind-blowing sculptures.
Live music, fireworks, play areas, and sand-sculpting classes round out the fun.
Me taking a sunset photo at Clearwater Beach with Pier 60 in the background!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Clearwater FL?
If so, we have you covered.
Top Tours in Clearwater FL
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure (Clearwater’s Best Dolphin Tour)
Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour (Affordable Dolphin Tour Option)
Sunset Cruise From Clearwater (Relaxing Sunset Cruise from Clearwater)
Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise (Evening Cruise With Optional Dining)
Top Rated Hotels & Accommodations – Booking.com
Sandpearl Resort Private Beach – (4-star luxury beach resort)
Pelican Pointe Hotel – (Top-rated budget hotel)
AC Hotel by Marriott – (Cozy mid-range hotel)
Belleview Inn – (Fabulous luxury hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Clearwater FL?
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