The view from Crabby’s Dockside Credit: Jennifer Ring

Clearwater's a fun place to go even when nothing's going on. The beach, the boats, the seafood, and the water are always there, but this weekend there's a whole lot more. It's bound to be crowded, but here are ten reasons you should go anyway.

1. Get jazzy in Coachman Park

The sun setting at last year’s Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Credit: Jennifer Ring

They've got some great bands lined up to play Clearwater Jazz Holiday this year. If you're into jazz, you can look forward to seeing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Postmodern Jukebox perform Friday night. If you're not into jazz, then maybe go on a different day. Kenny Loggins is playing Saturday night and The Avett Brothers on Sunday.

2. Explore Cleveland Street District

Capitol Theater on Cleveland Street Credit: Jennifer Ring

The newly renovated Capitol theater is the anchor business, and they're throwing a Clearwater Jazz after-party Friday night, but there's more to downtown Clearwater than just the Capitol Theater. It's also a good place to grab dinner or drinks…seriously. The new Clear Sky on Cleveland is booming and makes a good cocktail according to Jon Palmer Claridge, although he was underwhelmed by the food at this global bistro. Read his full review here. Cleveland Street also hosts one of few restaurants in the area that serves authentic Puerto Rican food: La Fondita de Leo.

3. Celebrate sustainable fishing: It's Stone Crab Weekend!

Frenchy’s stone crab claws Credit: Courtesy of Frenchy's corporate

You know 'em, you love 'em, and you can celebrate (and eat) them at Frenchy's, Palm Pavilion and Cooters this weekend.

4. Three words: Haunted Pirate Ship

Take a look at that booty! Credit: Courtesy of Escape Room Clearwater Beach

Escape Room Clearwater Beach made a replica pirate ship for you to play on this Halloween, because you're never too old to play on a pirate ship (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise). Everything's set up for you to go on a pirate treasure hunt inside Escape Room Clearwater Beach on Mandalay Ave. Happy Halloween y'all!

5. Take a stroll down Beach Walk and look at the chalk art

Sidewalk chalk: It’s not just for kids anymore. Credit: Ryan Hagerty via Pixnio

The Clearwater Beach Chalk Art Festival is returning to Beach Walk this year. If you've never seen a professional artist draw on a sidewalk before, then you should really check this out. It's amazing what some artists can do with a handful of chalk and a lot of skill and talent. Over 40 artists are expected to participate this year.

6. Take a Behind the Scenes tour of Clearwater Marine Aquarium

We all need a little help sometimes. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alex Echols

Marine rescue is at the heart of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium's mission. So why not take a Behind-the-Scenes tour where they tell you all about their rescue work? It costs only $16.95 (in addition to the cost of admission), and the proceeds go right back into marine rescue and rehabilitation. That's right, you too can help save the sea turtles.

7. Take in the view from the new Crabby's Dockside

Crabby’s Dockside on Clearwater Beach Credit: Jennifer Ring

Have you see the new Crabby's Dockside yet? It's three stories high and has a great beach view, says everyone who's been there. Check out Jon Palmer Claridge's review here.

8a. Take a dolphin cruise out of the Clearwater Marina

Now isn’t that something you want to see? Credit: By NOAA NMFS (http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/htmls/anim0916.htm) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Both Sea Screamer and Little Toot offer dolphin tours out of the Clearwater Marina, and both guarantee you a dolphin sighting or your next trip is free.

8b. And get a good look at the newly-renovated marina while you're there

The Clearwater Marina Credit: Jennifer Ring

Thanks to Frank Chivas' Marina Cantina and Salt Cracker Fish Camp, the Clearwater Marina is now a great place to grab a bite to eat or have a few rooftop cocktails. All it took was $1.3 million in renovations, and now we can eat fresh seafood and drink margaritas while watching the boats come and go. Thanks, Frank!

9. Grab a $7 burger in celebration of Tampa Bay Burger Week

Because it’s burger week… Credit: Generic burger pic courtesy of Pixabay

At the time of this writing, there were two Clearwater restaurants participating in Tampa Bay Burger Week: Abe's Place and 1933 Pub & Grill. Either is a good option for avoiding the Clearwater Beach crowds. See the full list here.

10. Drink in the beach

I’ll have one of those please. Credit: Courtesy of Stokpic

The beachfront cocktail is practically the official drink of Clearwater, so don't leave without getting one. Frenchy's Rockaway Grill has plenty of frozen concoctions to keep you cool and keep you intoxicated while taking in a stellar beach view. (Pro tip: get the frozen rum runner). Where else? The Sand Pearl's Tate Island Grill, Jimmy's Crow's Nest and the Hyatt Clearwater's Swim Bar & Grill are good options for cocktails with a beach view. Oh and F.Y.I, the new Opal Sands beach resort has a Tiki bar. It's called the Sandbar, and they have live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m. Cheers!