Just 19 miles (30.5 kilometers) from Tampa International Airport, Clearwater Beach is a popular destination for those seeking sun, beautiful beaches and plenty of entertainment options for the whole family. The resort area is situated on a narrow barrier island that’s about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) long, which makes it easy to navigate on foot or by bike. Most activity centers on the white sand of Clearwater Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, stand-up paddleboarding and beach volleyball. Browse the nearby Beach Walk, a palm tree-lined promenade that winds along the beachfront and is home to many cafés and shops.For a break from the sun, head to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Here, sea turtles, stingrays and sharks share the complex with Winter, the famous bottlenose dolphin with a prosthetic tail. Winter was the inspiration behind and star of the family film Dolphin Tale. As the evening draws in, make your way back to Pier 60, where beach-goers flock once the sun goes down. Every night, there is entertainment and local artisans selling a variety of goods against a backdrop of music and street performers.Catch a boat, or walk, from the north end of the island to quiet Caladesi Island. Caladesi is home to 3 miles (5 kilometers) of unspoiled Florida wilderness, with a white-sand beach and hiking trails. Kayakers can paddle through 3 miles (5 kilometers) of water that winds through mangroves. Sand Key Park, located off the south end of Clearwater Beach, is home to another impeccable beach. Here, nature enthusiasts can catch a glimpse of some of the marine birds and animals that are native to Clearwater, including sea turtles, herons, roseate spoonbills and great horned owls. This public park is only open during the day.
Clearwater Beach, FL
Where to stay in Clearwater Beach
Sand Key
While visiting Sand Key, you might make a stop by sights like Belleair Beach and Sand Key Park.
Island Estate
While there might not be top attractions in Island Estate, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Clearwater Beach and Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina.
Carlouel
While Carlouel might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Clearwater Beach and Sunsets at Pier 60.
Clearwater Point
Clearwater Point might not have many top sights, but Sand Key Park and Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Diamond Isle
Diamond Isle might not have many top sights, but Clearwater Beach and Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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Getting around Clearwater Beach
There is not much in the way of public transit in Clearwater Beach, and chances are your hotel will be in walking distance of the beach, restaurants and bars. While you’ll be able to walk to most places, you may want to rent a car to go further afield. Also consider using the Clearwater Jolley Trolley. This vintage bus runs along the main road behind the beach and is a convenient way to get around. Visit the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority website.Browse Clearwater Beach rental cars.
Best time to visit
Clearwater Beach has a classic Floridian tropical climate, which means that you’ll find the warmest temperatures in the summer (with highs of around 90 F/32 C). However, you’ll likely also get rained on if you visit between June and August. The best weather for lounging on the beach is in spring when temperatures are warm but there are no thunderstorms; however, this is also the busiest time of year.
Popular places to visit
John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
When you visit John's Pass Village & Boardwalk, a popular shopping spot in Madeira Beach, you can browse for souvenirs. Stroll along the marina in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.
Tropicana Field
Catch an event at Tropicana Field during your trip to St. Petersburg. Attend a baseball game or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
Fort De Soto Park
Admire the vestiges of the fortress, bring your kids to the pirate ship playground and relax on the beaches of this archipelago.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Bring your kids for a behind-the-scenes look at the Dolphin Tale movies and marvel at the marine creatures who played the parts.
Pier 60 Park
Find appeal for all family members from dawn into late evening. Participate in the many exciting activities in this water wonderland.
Salvador Dali Museum
Browse the surrealistic masterpieces of a world-famous Spanish painter in a remarkable building that perfectly suits the style of the art exhibits.
Things to do
StarLite Majesty Evening Yacht Cruise Clearwater
Tiki Boat - Clearwater - The Only Authentic Floating Tiki Bar
2-Hour Sunset Cruise Tour in St. Petersburg
Reviews of Clearwater Beach
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing. Always my favorite place in US..
5/5 - Excellent
Best beach in FL
5/5 - Excellent
Please bring your umbrellas.
5/5 - Excellent
The beach was clean, fun and the water was beautiful.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful ocean and beach
5/5 - Excellent
One of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen on my trip and an absolute beautiful sunrise on the bay on the backside
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Clearwater Beach
11 US cities that feel like international destinations
- Pier 60 Park
- Clearwater Beach
- Sand Key Park
- Beach Walk
- Sunsets at Pier 60
- Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina
- Belleair Beach
- Captain Blighs Landing
- Raymond James Stadium
- John's Pass Village & Boardwalk
- Tropicana Field
- Salvador Dali Museum
- Vinoy Park
- Eckerd College
- George M. Steinbrenner Field
- Splash Harbour Water Park
- Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks
- International Plaza and Bay Street
- Innisbrook Golf Club
- Upham Beach
- Westshore Plaza Mall
- Jannus Live
- Ruth Eckerd Hall
- Sunken Gardens
- Coachman Park
- Mahaffey Theater
- Pass-a-Grille Beach
- Green Key Beach
- Tampa Bay Downs
- Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex