Beach 411 ~ Clearwater Beach

Gulf Coast barrier island, offshore of mainland Clearwater Florida

• Beach type: family oriented, but the most active of the entire beach strip (especially at Spring break)
• Beach geography: very wide expanse of soft powder-white sand. Lots of room to pitch your towel and join in with the fun. If you are looking for a quieter experience, walk farther north or south from the main area.
• Ease of access: Except right at Pier 60 where all the actions is, there is lots of metered parking for about $1 per hour (slightly higher at the crowded Pier 60 lots)
• Extra costs: no extra costs to access the beach, beach chairs and all manner of beach activities are available to rent
• Beach amenities: Concession stands, childrens playground, lifeguards, restrooms and showers all available at Clearwater beach
• Special note: For a small fee $1 per person, take a walk out to the end of the Pier 60 and watch for dolphins early in the morning or at sunset, or watch the fishermen fishing the pier.
• Geo-locator: Where is Clearwater Beach?

The happening beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Desperately seeking beachy excitement? Clearwater Beach is the place to be! Award-winning beaches, exhilarating water sports, nature and water based attractions, all with hometown hospitality - it's all here. Still not convinced? The warm tropical breezes, long hours of sunshine and undeniably beautiful sunsets will sway you.

During the day, the beach is definitely a "Bay Watch" crowd, but at sunset they head to Pier 60 and leave the beach to hopeless romantics.  Pier 60 is filled with vendors, artisans and free concerts, making this the perfect sundown hangout for those want to see and be seen. But don't let the crowds deter you; Clearwater offers more than enough quite areas for families and lovebirds alike.

Clearwater Beach activities & attractions

There is no shortage of activities to make this a week-long vacation destination. With the number of different beaches available to sample within a dozen miles, national parks and big-city activities, you’re in the hub for sun, sand, and fun.

• Clearwater Beach Local Activities: Enjoy your days biking or hiking along the Pinellas. And if fishing's your thing, you don't need a license. Watch for dolphins as you swim or walk the 3-mile stretch of beautiful white coasts. You'll also find water sports like kayaking and parasailing.
• Clearwater Beach Area Attractions: Experience the rush of the wind in your hair as your ride the rollercoasters offered at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Have a one-on-one session with the bottlenose dolphins in the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and get your fill of fun with performers, craft vendors and weekend entertainment at Sunsets at Pier 60.

Clearwater Beach events

• Magic: The science of Illusion (May): Explore the ins and outs of the science behind illusion tricks
• Lighted Boat Parade (December): Watch boats parading the waterways featuring bright, colorful lights.
• Sunsets at Pier 60 (all year long): With a full schedule of entertainment, buskers, artisans, centralizing on Pier 60 will allow you entertainment at any point throughout the year.

Clearwater Beach nightlife

When the sun goes down, the party begins. Bars, restaurants, pubs and comedy clubs all come to life in downtown Clearwater. Try one of Fat Tuesdays 18 signature daiquiris, or get back into your bathing suit at Tattletales Bikini Bar.

GoGirlfriend's Clearwater Beach hotel recommendations

SandPearl Resort: Steps from the beach just north of Pier 60, this 4-Diamond luxury resort offers a lagoon-style pool to relax within steps of the powder-white sands of the Clearwater strip. Luxurious room offerings and a spa to unwind brings luxury beachside. Book with the Sandpearl Resort, read Tripadvisor reviews, or connect with their social media channels on Facebook and Twitter.

North Sunrise Resort Motel: a 2-minute walk to the beach, with it’s own heated pool and relaxed atmosphere offers a more reasonable off-beach, but still close-to--the-heart-of-things option to centralize your stay. Check out the North Sunrise Motel, read reviews on TripAdvisor and connect with them on Facebook.

Vacation Rentals by Owner: Looking for a ready-to-live place to drop into for a week’s vacation (or a long weekend girlfriends getaway), VRBO offers a wide selection within a particular region.

Airbnb: For a regional Bed and Breakfast listing, see what AirBnB has to offer.

For more hotel recommendations throughout Jamaica, we recommend exploring Booking.com.

Clearwater Beach weather

While seeking hard to break it’s own 1967 Guinness World Record for longest consecutive days of sunshine (768 days – Wow!), clearly this is a sunny place to visit, so pack your sunscreen! Late spring and summer offers light breezes with the growing heat, and fall and winter temps fluctuate from mild to cool, depending how far north a native you are … this sounds like an ideal place to catch some sunshine and warm temps. Water temperature fluctuates between 62°F (coolest December through March) peaking to 86°F in the heat of July and August.

For more information or help planning your next Florida getaway, visit:

• Visit St. Pete / Clearwater (CVB)
• Visit Clearwater
• Clearwater Chamber of Commerce
• Clearwater Beach on TripAdvisor

Planning your next Florida beach getaway, visit our other Florida Beaches Guides:

• Apollo Beach
• Caladesi Island State Park
• Clearwater Beach
• Cocoa Beach
• Daytona Beach
• Egmont Key
• Englewood Beach
• Fernandina Beach
• Florida's Historic Coast
• Fort DeSoto Park
• Fort Walton Beach
• Gulf Islands National Seashore
• Haulover Beach
• Honeymoon Island State Park
• Jensen (Blind Creek) Beach
• Marco Island Beach
• Naples Beach
• Navarre Beach
• New Smyrna Beach
• Panama City Beach
• Pass-a-Grill Beach
• Pensacola Beach
• Perdido Key
• Playalinda Beach
• Ponte Vedra Beach
• Seaside Beach
• Sebastian Inlet State Park
• Shell Island
• St. Andrews State Recreational Area
• St. George Island State Park
• St. Joseph Peninsula National Park
• St. Pete’s Beach
• St. Vincent Wildlife Refuge

Ever been to Clearwater Beach in the Florida? We'd love to hear what you most loved about it! Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram – and let's continue the conversation!