Clearwater Beach, Florida, is one of the most popular destinations in the United States at almost any time of year, but especially from the late fall until the early spring when the crowds are thinner. When it comes to natural beauty, it’s hard to beat this city, with beautiful crystal-like waters and pristine sandy beaches. The marine life is something else you will thoroughly enjoy looking at. If you want, you could even get a fishing charter and do some sport fishing in the area.

In the waters of Clearwater, you will find turtles, dolphins, sharks, stingrays and many other species of marine life. You will also find plenty of fascinating life on the beach. There are also plenty of places to dine, shop and engage in various beach sports. Whatever you go for, one thing’s for sure is you certainly won’t be bored. This city is quite close to the Gulf of Mexico, which means warm breezes are in the offing. Visitors will rue the day they have to leave. Here are some things you could do while at Clearwater.

1. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium

This is a famous aquarium that seeks to rehabilitate marine life and spread environmental education. The resident dolphin, Winter, is the most famous attraction at the aquarium. In fact, if you and your kids have ever watched “Dolphin Tale,” then you know where the inspiration for that came from. You will also find sharks, otters, turtles and dolphins. You can also get some close-up action with stingrays. The experience is quite interactive so that you will enjoy feeding the pelicans and stingrays at the aquarium.

2. Check Out Clearwater Beach

Like many of the cities in Florida, it’s the beach that attracts many tourists, and Clearwater Beach is no exception. It is especially glorious at sundown when locals and visitors alike get to enjoy each remarkable sunset. It has been voted as the best beach in Florida before and features stunning views of the water and warm sand. Everyone can find something to do at this beach, including strolling by the water, playing beach sports and games and fishing.

3. Stop by Pier 60

Pier 60 is a fishing pier and also a bit of a powerhouse. It measures more than 1,000 feet and has telescopes, a bait house, a park and pavilions offering stunning views of the surrounding waters. You can visit the bait house to collect everything you’re going to need for your day of fishing. You can then go to the end of the pier and fish to your heart’s content from a selection of jacks, snappers, snook, spotted trout and Spanish mackerel. You can also visit the pier at night when it is beautifully lit for night fishing. Sunset is an especially opportune time to visit because of the beautiful views.

4. Spend Some Time at Sand Key Park

This is where you go if you want to see the best combination of features of a beach and park. You will find plenty of beach activities here and also a park with tons of amenities. There are bathhouses, a dog park, a playground and beautiful beach cabanas throughout the park. If you’re especially lucky, you might spot an endangered sea turtle laying eggs and also several species of endangered birds in the salt marshes.

5. Enjoy Beach Walk

This is a picturesque line of palm trees that leads onto a pedestrian area. It meanders throughout Clearwater Beach and takes you past a range of local businesses where you can do some shopping and wining and dining. There are ice cream parlors, arts and crafts shops and boutiques. This is a terrific place to go if you want to shop for souvenirs. You also get an opportunity to take a casual walk around Clearwater and get the mix of local atmosphere and action.