Discover Clearwater
35 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Clearwater Beach USA
Wide sandy shoreline, sugar-white sand, swaying palms and the iconic Pier 60 create classic coastal compositions; best for vivid Gulf sunsets, long exposures of waves, pier silhouettes and candid beach life. Visit golden hour and blue hour for dramatic skies and lights. Easily accessible: public beach access points, paid street and lot parking near Bayway Blvd and Pier 60; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Respect local beach rules and drone regulations.
Pier 60 Park
Low-profile beachfront park centered on Pier 60 — ideal for dramatic Gulf sunsets, sailboat silhouettes, fishing-pier compositions and palm-lined foregrounds. Visit at golden hour for vivid skies; sunrise and weekday mornings offer calm water and fewer people. Free public access with nearby paid/metered parking along Causeway Blvd and Clearwater Beach; boardwalks and ramps improve accessibility. Family-friendly vibe with vendors and seasonal events that add street-style moments.
Clearwater Beach
Wide white sand, crystal-clear shallow Gulf waters and the iconic Pier 60 make Clearwater Beach ideal for bright seascapes, sunset silhouettes and relaxed lifestyle shots. Visit at sunrise for empty shores and soft light; sunset produces dramatic skies and pier silhouettes over the Gulf. Accessible with nearby parking, restrooms, chair/umbrella rentals and wheelchair-friendly access; arrive weekdays or early mornings in high season to avoid crowds. Note frequent festivals at Pier 60 and strong “
Sunsets At Pier 60
Pier 60 is Clearwater’s classic sunset perch: a long wooden pier, fishing silhouettes, pelicans and a sweep of Gulf horizon with Clearwater Beach hotels in the background. Best at golden hour and blue hour for color and reflections. Free access, ample parking nearby; note stairs only (no elevator). Evenings get busy—arrive 45–60 min before sunset for a prime spot. Low post-sunset lighting means bring a tripod if staying after dark.
Sand Key Park
Broad white-sand beach with clear Gulf water, rocky outcrops and low dunes — ideal for sunrise/sunset seascapes, long exposures and minimalist compositions. Accessible boardwalks, restrooms, showers and paid parking ($6–8). Weekdays and early mornings offer fewer people; pets allowed in park areas but not on beach.
Causeway Byway
A low, pedestrian-friendly bridge linking Clearwater Beach to the mainland offering wide panoramic views of the Gulf, Intracoastal and downtown skyline. Ideal for sunset and post-sunset color, boat/marina details, and long water reflections. Easy access by car or bike, flat paths and marked crosswalks; parking at nearby Memorial Causeway parking lot and Marina. Visit at golden hour and right after sunset for dramatic skies; expect breezy conditions and friendly crowds—weekdays are quieter.
Coachman Park
Small waterfront park on Clearwater Bay offering dramatic sunset views, marina and seawall compositions, festival stages and lawn scenes. Free entry with on-street and nearby paid parking; busy during concerts and weekends. Best at golden hour and blue hour for torches and reflections; weekday mornings are quiet. Accessible paved paths and grassy lawns make gear transport easy; bathrooms limited.
Abu Seba Beach
Small Gulf-front beach with wide white sand and shallow, photogenic surf — ideal for sunrise and especially sunsets with vivid colors and reflections. Expect family-friendly crowds at peak times; no entry fee but parking along Gulf Blvd is limited and metered. Best visits: early morning for calm water and shells, or late afternoon through blue hour for dramatic skies. Easy beach access; bring sun protection and consider weekdays to avoid crowds.
Ed Wright Park
Small waterfront park on Clearwater Harbor with a pier, boat traffic, and open views toward Clearwater Beach and the bay — ideal for harbor, sunset and skyline shots. Best at golden hour and sunset for warm light and reflections; early mornings for calm water and fewer people. Easily accessible parking along M.L.K. Jr Ave and paved paths; wheelchair-friendly viewpoints. No entry fee. Be mindful of boaters and local anglers; mosquitos can be active at dusk.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Indoor/outdoor aquarium focused on rescued dolphins, sea turtles and interactive shows (home of 'Dolphin Tale'). Shoot close dolphin presentations, turtle rehab pools, touch-tank textures and balcony views over the Intracoastal. Best light: morning or late afternoon for softer indoor glare; late afternoon for warmer outdoor balcony shots. Weekdays and early morning reduce crowds. On-site parking garage; ticketed entry and paid animal interactions. Respect animal distances and staff instructions.
Clearwater Beach Slide Florida Bungee Trampoline
Vibrant beachfront attraction capturing high-action frames of kids on bungee trampolines, towering water slides, colorful inflatables and the Gulf as a backdrop. Best light late afternoon to golden hour for warm backlight and silhouettes; weekdays or early mornings reduce crowds. Small park on Causeway Blvd with public beach parking nearby; rides require paid entry and parental consent for minors. Friendly staff often assist with staging — ask before shooting close-ups.
Florida Veterans Memorial Plaza
A compact, well-maintained memorial plaza on Clearwater Bay featuring rows of flags, engraved walls, and reflective water features — strong graphic lines and patriotic motifs make it ideal for formal portraits, detail shots, and wide compositions. Best light is at sunrise and golden hour for warm side-light on flags and reflections; sunsets over the bay can silhouette monuments. Easily accessible from street parking and nearby leisure areas; wheelchair friendly and free entry. Expect increased,旗
Theodoros Griego Statue
Small bronze statue on Pier 60 Park near Clearwater Beach celebrating an early Greek immigrant. Photograph the statue against Gulf of Mexico skies and beachscape — great for intimate portraits, silhouettes, and environmental context. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and long shadows; blue hour creates dramatic silhouettes against lights on Pier 60. Easily accessible from Causeway Blvd with public parking nearby (Pier 60 lot, metered); no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter;
Forest Run Park
Quiet suburban woodland park with shady trails, a pond and boardwalks — great for intimate nature and landscape shots, reflections, and birdlife. Best light is early morning or late afternoon for warm side-light and mist on water; weekdays have fewer people. Easy on-site parking, no entry fee, mostly flat and stroller-friendly paths; expect mosquitoes in warm months and bring insect repellent.
Cherry Harris Park
Small waterfront park on Clearwater Bay offering open sky, calm water reflections, nearby boat traffic and shorebirds—good for sunsets, long exposures and intimate coastal scenes. Best at sunrise or golden-hour sunset for warm light and reflections; weekdays and early mornings avoid local dog-walkers and fishermen. Easy street parking nearby, flat wheelchair-accessible paths, no entry fee. Bring insect repellent in summer; modest facilities on site.
Countryside Community Park
Small community park with ponds, oak and pine stands, walking paths and open lawns — good for intimate nature scenes, bird and water-reflection shots, and soft golden-hour light. Free parking and no entry fee; accessible paved paths. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm light and calm water; weekday mornings offer fewer people and more wildlife. Florida humidity can produce dramatic skies after storms; expect mosquitoes in warmer months.
Alligator Kapok Park
Small neighborhood preserve featuring kapok (silk-cotton) trees, freshwater ponds, mangrove edges and frequent birdlife — and occasional alligators. Great for intimate nature, water reflections and tree textures. Visit at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side light; dry season (Nov–Apr) brings clearer skies and more active waders. Free entry with limited roadside parking; boardwalks/trails are short and mostly flat. Respect wildlife distances and local rules.
Clearwater Historical Society
Small historic campus of restored homes, an event center and landscaped gardens — strong subjects for architectural details, period interiors and textured exteriors. Best in soft morning or late-afternoon light; weekday mornings are quieter. Site can be fenced/locked; check hours and ask staff or volunteers for interior access. Limited on-site parking along S Fort Harrison Ave; donations support upkeep. Good cultural context: local settlement history and community events.
Bungee Trampoline At Pier 60
Vibrant action shots of kids and adults bouncing against the Gulf and Pier 60 boardwalk. Best at golden hour/sunset for warm backlight and dramatic silhouettes; also lively during late-afternoon family hours. Pier parking is available nearby (pay lots); weekends and holidays are busiest. No special entry fees for photographing; staff are friendly—ask before close-ups. Weather: breezy coastal conditions; bring sun protection and fast lenses.
Coachman Park Splash Pad
Small, family-friendly splash pad beside Clearwater waterfront—great for dynamic water/action shots, colorful evening lighting, and nearby playground/pier sunset vistas. Visit golden hour for warm waterfront light and silhouettes; evenings for LED-lit splashes. Accessible paths and seating; restrooms and filtered water on site (may close occasionally). Closest parking is paid; some free lots a short walk away. Weekdays and early mornings reduce crowds.
Crest Lake Park
Small urban lake park with a fountain, uncovered boardwalk, playgrounds and a 0.5‑mile loop—strong for waterfowl, reflections, boardwalk leading lines and family/dog activity shots. Best at golden hour or early morning for soft light and active birds; weekdays are quieter. Free accessible parking, restrooms and paved paths make gear transport easy. Often shaded, but occasional litter/homeless encampments reported—stay respectful.
432 Pierce Boulevard
Harborside urban waterfront with views across Clearwater Harbor toward Clearwater Beach and the Memorial Causeway. Shoot boats, piers, palm-lined streets and mirrored water at golden hour; dramatic sunsets are common looking west. Easy public access with street parking and nearby lots; no entry fee. Best mornings for calm reflections and fewer people, evenings for color. Summers are humid with afternoon storms — bring water and insect repellent.
Happy Trails
Happy Trails is a short neighborhood trail and green corridor near Gulf-to-Bay Blvd in Clearwater. Photographers can shoot shady tree-lined paths, close-up plant and insect portraits, and candid outdoor lifestyle scenes. Early morning offers soft directional light and bird activity; golden hour toward the west captures warm backlight. The trail is flat and mostly accessible with nearby street parking; no entry fee. Weekdays and early mornings are quiet. Expect suburban surroundings—use them for:
Woodgate Park
Small neighborhood park with pond, boardwalks and shaded trails—good for intimate nature scenes, water reflections, wading birds and casual landscape frames. Easily accessible with free parking; no entry fee. Best at golden hours for warm light and calm water; weekday mornings have fewer people and more bird activity. Expect Florida humidity and mosquitoes in summer; paved paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.
Congo River Golf
Congo River Golf is a themed mini-golf complex with tropical landscaping, cascading waterfalls, rustic bridges and carved animal statues—great for colorful close-ups, playful compositions and environmental portraiture. Visit during golden hour or early evening when water features and accent lighting pop. Easy roadside access with parking and paid entry; weekdays are quieter. Family-friendly atmosphere and Florida subtropical plants add context.
Camphor Tree - Preserved
A single, preserved camphor tree with a broad, gnarly canopy and exposed roots that make a strong subject for environmental and portrait photography. Best at golden hour or blue hour for warm rim lighting and long shadows. Easy roadside access near Gulf-to-Bay Blvd with nearby street parking; no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Respect signage and any fenced protection zones — it’s valued by the community as a heritage specimen.
Allen's Creek Park
Small waterfront park along Allen's Creek offering creek reflections, mangrove fringes, winding boardwalks and frequent shorebirds. Best at golden hour or just after sunrise for soft light and calm water; late afternoon can yield warm backlight. Easy roadside parking on S Hercules Ave, no fee; bring bug spray and check tide for water-level variety.
Christmas Train Display
A festive residential Christmas train display—miniature trains, illuminated houses, animated figures and dense holiday lights. Best after dusk through late evening for colorful LEDs and blue-hour sky; weekends draw crowds so visit weeknights. Street-level access with neighborhood parking; be respectful of private property. No entry fee; tripod use may require low-profile positioning to avoid blocking sidewalks.
Enterprise Dog Park
Small community off‑leash park for energetic dogs and their owners—great for action sequences, candid portraits, and environmental portraits showing owner–pet interaction. Photograph play, splashes in puddles, park textures (benches, signs, shade trees). Best at early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures; weekdays are quieter. Free entry with on‑site parking; paths are flat and accessible. Respect owners’ privacy—ask before close portraits.
Station Square Park
Compact historic plaza centered on a decorative fountain and benches where Clearwater’s first train station once stood. Shoot architectural details (station plaque, vintage brickwork), fountain motion, and seasonal events/markets that add color and crowds. Best at golden hour or after dusk during festivals when string lights and ice-skating/holiday installations create atmosphere. Weekday mornings are quiet for clean, minimal frames. Metered parking (quarters) nearby; site is wheelchair-access,但
Duke Energy Trailhead Parking
Small paved trailhead serving the Upper Tampa Bay corridor — shoot tidal creeks, mangroves, boardwalks and passerine/wading birds. Best at golden hour or early morning for low sun, reflections and active wildlife. Easy roadside parking (usually free), short walks from lot, bring bug spray and sun protection.
Spring Lake Park
Small clear-water spring with boardwalks, observation platforms and shoreline vegetation — great for reflections, close-up water textures, wading birds and intimate landscape comps. Visit at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-lighting and glassy reflections; late afternoon can yield dramatic skies. Free parking at the lot off Beecher Rd; park is wheelchair-accessible via boardwalks. Expect bugs in summer and afternoon thunderstorms; weekdays and early mornings are least crowded.
Launch Family Entertainment Clearwater
Indoor family entertainment complex with bright arcades, trampolines, laser tag and party rooms — great for dynamic action, candid portraits and neon-lit detail shots. Best visited on weekday afternoons for fewer crowds; evenings and weekends offer energetic scenes but more people. Expect mixed artificial lighting—bring fast lenses and high-ISO capability. Parking is available at the shopping center; entry requires tickets/waivers for activities. Respect privacy of children and party groups.
Escape Thrill
Indoor trampoline and family entertainment center with high-energy action, colorful padding, wall murals and obstacle elements—good for dynamic action and lifestyle shots. Best photographed during quieter weekday afternoons or scheduled party times to capture candid interactions and tricks under vivid artificial lighting. Facility is accessible from US-19 with on-site parking; check entry rules for photography (some centers restrict tripods or flash). Wear comfortable shoes when scouting angles;