If your Central Florida beach vacation lands you in Clearwater Beach, be sure to carve out time to hang out on Pier 60. Jutting into the Gulf of Mexico, the 1,080-foot fishing pier is one of the beach town’s most popular destinations.
Pier 60 offers a little of everything to visitors, from fishing fun to family-friendly attractions to panoramic water views. Most famous here, however, is the Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration, dazzling onlookers with nightly street entertainment as the sun dips below the Gulf.
Not sure what awaits your visit to Pier 60 Park? Plan the perfect day (and evening) in Clearwater Beach with this complete guide for what to see & do around Pier 60.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our Florida Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
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What to see & do at Pier 60
Cast out a line on the fishing pier
For anglers, Pier 60 is one of Central Florida’s most popular fishing spots. Extending 1,080 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the pier is a fantastic place to grab your fishing gear and cast out a line to spectacular water views.
The best part? You don’t need a fishing license to reel in the catch of the day at Pier 60. The most common fish caught here include silver trout, tarpon, redfish, snapper, and flounder.
Didn’t pack your fishing tackle? No worries! The attractive fishing pier is also home to a bait shop. Pop in for all your rental equipment needs, including rods and reels as well as frozen or live fishing bait.
A day-fishing pass for Pier 60 will set you back just $8.
Chow down at a beachfront restaurant
One of the simplest pleasures around Pier 60 is setting aside time for a meal at one of the area’s top beachfront restaurants. After a day of fun in the sun, you’ll love settling down with delicious food & drinks to superb views of the Gulf of Mexico or Clearwater Bay.
For some of the freshest seafood on the strip, pull up a chair at Crabby’s Dockside. Located across from Pier 60 at Clearwater Marina, the family-friendly restaurant serves up yummy seafood dishes along with an excellent selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. Try to grab a table on the third floor for panoramic views over the pier and Clearwater Beach.
To indulge in Floridian Mexican fusion, slip northward to Pearly’s Beach Eats. Occupying a colorful cottage reminiscing of Key West, this popular restaurant delivers some of Pinella County’s tastiest tacos—with a signature Gulf Coast twist.
After a delicious meal, carve out time to fly up to Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest. Located in Pier 60 House, this popular rooftop bar offers up some of the town’s best cocktails to sweeping views over the beach.
End the day with the nightly Sunset Celebration
Much like Mallory Square in Key West, Pier 60 is famed among visitors and locals alike for its nightly Sunset Celebration. Every evening from two hours before sunset and two hours after sunset, weather permitting, this family-friendly tradition buzzes with fun street performances and entertainment.
During Sunsets at Pier 60, you’ll watch magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, fire eaters, and musicians perform their acts to an ever-increasing crowd. You’ll also find arts & crafts vendors ringing around the park, peddling their finest creations, along with a playground to keep the kids occupied.
Watch movies under the stars at the Sunset Cinema
For movie buffs, there’s an even better option for enjoying Sunsets at Pier 60: the Sunset Cinema. Every Friday and Saturday during the summer, the outdoor movie event brings the silver screen to the white-sand beaches around Pier 60.
Set up your beach chair or towel and enjoy Hollywood favorites at Sunset Cinema as the sun dips below the horizon.
Get dazzled by sand sculptures at the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival
Visiting Clearwater Beach in spring? Get dazzled by the unique sand art at the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Every spring, some of the world’s best sand sculptors gather on the sugary sands of Clearwater Beach to carve their impressive creations.
Besides watching artists create their masterpieces, you’ll also get to enjoy live music, fireworks shows, kid-friendly play areas, and sand sculpting classes.
Stock up on beach gear at one of Pier 60’s boutique shops
Forgot to pack your bathing suit or want to buy a souvenir? The area around Pier 60 teems with shops and boutiques for all your shopping needs.
Among the area’s most popular shops is Ron Jon Surf Shop. The Clearwater Beach branch of the famed Cocoa Beach surf shop offers everything from surfboards to swimwear to its signature brand apparel.
Where to stay
Barefoot Bay Resort Motel
Located on Clearwater Bay, less than 10 minutes by foot from Pier 60, Barefoot Bay Resort Motel is a fantastic choice for budget travelers. The rooms are clean, bright, and simple. You’ll enjoy frolicking in the sun at the dockside patio and outdoor pool area.
Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel
Steps from Clearwater Beach, this mid-range hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms with views over the city, harbor, and beach. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and rooftop bar.
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
For a luxury stay near Pier 60, slide into the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Besides the luxurious rooms with balconies, guests will enjoy a swath of amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and beach access.
How to get there
Pier 60 sits in the heart of Clearwater Beach at the western end of Causeway Blvd. If you’re driving in from nearby destinations like Tampa or St. Petersburg, you’ll find a large parking lot south of the park on S Gulfview Boulevard.
Frequently asked questions
When was Pier 60 built?
Pier 60 was built in June 1962. Since then, it's become one of the most important features of Clearwater Beach.
Why is Pier 60 famous?
Pier 60 is famous among anglers as its well-lit and ideal for night fishing. For tourists, the fishing pier is also a popular gathering spot, famous for its nightly sunset celebration.
Why is it called Pier 60?
Pier 60 is named for State Road 60, which ends at Clearwater Beach.
Is Pier 60 free?
Pier 60 is free to visit. To walk out onto the last third of the fishing pier, however, you will need to pay a small fee of $1. If you want to fish off the pier, you'll also have to pay a daily fishing fee of $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, or $7 for children under 15.
How long is Pier 60?
Pier 60 is 1,080 feet long. The fishing pier extends from Highway 60 into the Gulf of Mexico at Clearwater Beach.
