Sand Key Park is sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Pass. It features a dog park, picnic benches and pavilions, grills and playgrounds, concessions and cabana rentals. There also is the beach. There are not too many good places for surfing on Florida's west coast, but when the weather is right, many try here. More than a million visitors a year come to the 95-acre park.
There are nine boardwalks leading to the beach, and nine outdoor shower towers and two bath houses with separate changing stalls and restrooms. A lifeguard is on duty 9am to 5pm daily from March to September. The park also is the base of operations for the Gulf artificial reef program.
The beach welcomes sea turtles who annually nest in the sand. The park also is a great birding trail. It features a salt marsh where heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga and common moorhen nest and feed.
The park is a great spot for a sunset wedding.Contact Advantus Leisure Management Services to make arrangements for weddings and special events at Sand Key.
The Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Complex features pools, tennis and basketball courts, a boat launch and library facilities.
The Recreation Center includes the library, a 3,165-square-foot social hall, kitchen, fitness center and multi-purpose room. The complex also has three tennis courts, two basketball courts, a seasonal swimming pool, a boat launch, outdoor deck and a waterfront park.
Library programs include computer training, films on the beach, playing Wii video games, a writer support group and cooking classes.
The fitness center features multiple cardio machines, weight machines and free weights. Visitors can watch TV or check out vistas of the intracoastal. Fitness classes offered here include yoga, Pilates, personal training, tennis lessons and Zumba.
The Clearwater Beach Family Aquatic Center includes six 25-yard lap swimming lanes and a children's play area that features squirting water fountains, a raindrop waterfall, a frog slide and a water basketball hoop. The pool depth ranges from one to three feet in the children's area and from three to five feet in the lap area. The pool deck features tables and chairs, lounge chairs and shade structures.
The facilities can be rented Friday through Sunday.