Pier 60

Editor's pick

10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

(727) 462-6466

http://www.sunsetsatpier60.com/

Categories: Beach, Event venue, Tourist attraction

Features: Bait shops, Beach/Waterfront, Equipment rentals, Fishing allowed, Fishing piers, Icon, Kid-friendly, Public restrooms

More in this neighborhood: Clearwater Beach

This is one of Tampa Bay's best tourist attractions. In addition to being a great place to fish or just relax during the day on Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 turns into a daily festival of sorts two hours before sunset and two hours after. Weather permitting, locals and tourists alike can gather to watch artisans, street performers and musicians as they view one of the best sunsets on the gulf beaches. If you're looking for great family-friendly places on the beach, this is truly one of the top Tampa Bay tourist attractions for that. Check out the fishing at pier60fishing.com.

Here's some more information about the artists and ambiance at Sunsets at Pier 60:

Where and when: The Key West-flavored scene at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach has been going for 15 years now, with a nightly gathering of artists, crafters, street performers and live music that runs roughly two hours before and after sunset. On weekends, the parking is scarce. Bring lots of quarters because you only get 12 minutes per coin. See sunsetsatpier60.com for details.

Number of galleries: This is more home-grown crafters than galleries. The number of people setting up tables varies by the time of year and the weather. A recent Friday night in mid April was packed with more than 40 tables hawking everything from shell night lights to refrigerator magnets to vibrant paintings by Jamaican artist Lloyd Pecoo.

The scene: This was the least artsy, but by far the most family-friendly of all the art walks we checked out. Who doesn't love fire jugglers? It's on the beach, for one thing, so you can't beat the setting or the huge playground, but the street performers who pull in kids for breakdance contests or perform magic tricks add to the ambiance.

Don't miss: Nick Liguori and his propane torch. The 10-year veteran of the Pier 60 market will use it to melt glass and create whimsical figurines. In 10 minutes, he took a handful of glass tubes and beads and turned them into a flamingo. The art, called lampwork, runs about $20 for glass figurines of tree frogs, sea birds or anything you can think of, because he will make whatever you ask on the spot.

Food and drink: The beach concession stands are nothing to write home about, but you are within walking distance of Frenchy's Cafe or Crabby Bill's.

Events at Pier 60