A Clearwater Tradition
Every evening in Clearwater Beach, people gather for one of the area’s most reliable events: Sunsets at Pier 60. The nightly festival has been running since 1995 and continues to bring together families, visitors, and locals for a mix of entertainment and community.
It’s a simple idea, celebrating the sunset, but Clearwater has turned it into something unique. Each night, you’ll find artisans selling handmade crafts, performers keeping crowds entertained, and live music setting the tone as the sun starts its slow descent into the Gulf. The festival runs year-round, beginning two hours before sunset and lasting until two hours after. On weekends, it can feel like the whole beach is part of the gathering, while on weekdays it’s a bit quieter but still lively.
What Makes Pier 60 Special
Pier 60 itself is one of Clearwater’s landmarks. Stretching more than 1,000 feet into the Gulf, it offers fishing during the day, shaded pavilions for strolling, and a perfect vantage point for watching the sky turn shades of pink, orange, and red in the evening.
For many visitors, seeing the sunset from Pier 60 is a must-do experience. You’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder with people snapping photos, kids with ice cream cones, and vendors offering everything from jewelry to beachy souvenirs. It’s festive, and it feels like part of Clearwater’s identity.
But if you’re looking for a different perspective, one that’s less about the buzz of the crowd and more about the wide-open Gulf, there’s another way to experience it.
Why the Best Sunset Views Are from the Water
The pier gives you a front-row seat, but a boat gives you the whole stage. From the water, you’re not limited to one angle or packed into the boardwalk. Instead, you get:
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Unobstructed horizons — With nothing between you and the sun, the view feels bigger and cleaner.
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Peace and space — The crowds stay on the beach, leaving you with room to enjoy the moment quietly.
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Flexibility — From a boat, you can move closer to the pier, drift in open water, or head toward a calm inlet as the colors shift.
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A changing backdrop — Instead of watching from one fixed point, you see the sunset reflect on the water and change as you reposition.
It’s not about replacing the Pier 60 experience, it’s about adding a new layer to it.
A Sunset Charter with SeaEO
If seeing the Pier 60 sunset is on your list, SeaEO’s private charters are a comfortable way to enjoy it. Our boats are fully private, with space for up to 13 guests, and every trip is captained so you can simply sit back and take it all in.
Unlike sightseeing cruises or group tours, there’s no set script. You can bring your own food, drinks, or music, and decide whether you’d like a calm ride near the pier or a longer cruise along the shoreline before settling in for the main event.
Our captains know the local waters and can help position you for the best views as the sun drops. Many evenings also bring dolphin sightings, adding to the experience without overshadowing the sunset itself.
For couples, families, or small groups of friends, it’s an easy way to combine one of Clearwater’s most iconic traditions with a private, relaxed evening on the water.
Plan Your Evening
Sunsets at Pier 60 have become a nightly ritual in Clearwater for good reason. They bring together community, art, and nature in one setting. But if you’d like to see the show from a quieter perspective, a boat offers something special.
SeaEO charters give you the space, the comfort, and the flexibility to experience Clearwater’s sunsets on your own terms. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a week, it’s a simple addition that can turn a good evening into something unforgettable.