Stunning Clearwater Beach is a perennial favorite for beach lovers.
Clearwater Beach
If Clearwater Beach had a theme song, it would be “Walking on Sunshine.” This fun, friendly, casual beach town in the Tampa Bay area is always abuzz with activity and good vibes. It’s no wonder Clearwater Beach was named the No. 1 Beach in the South by USA Today, and has been named America’s No. 1 Beach several times in recent years.
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From sugar sands to wild dolphins and entertaining family attractions, see for yourself why Clearwater Beach is one of the top beach and family destinations in the country!
Plan Your Beach Day
The beach is the center of the community here, with sugary sands and emerald waters that are just steps from hotels and restaurants. It's no wonder why Clearwater Beach made Travel + Leisure's list of "The 15 Best White-Sand Beaches in the World" in 2025. Rent a shaded cabana for the day – all you need to do is settle in and an attendant will come by. For a low-key beach day, walk to the north, where the crowds thin out some. Just to the south, beyond Clearwater Pass, you'll find Sand Key Park – a stunning 95-acre oasis featuring pristine beaches and expansive parkland. No matter what spot you choose, you’ll always find plenty of amenities close by.
Help keep our paradise beautiful with these easy beach tips. Find more information on planning a sustainable trip in St. Pete-Clearwater or if you need accessibility information, check out our guide to accessible beaches.
Events
As day turns to night, don’t miss the world-famous Sunsets at Pier 60, one of the most quintessential experiences in Clearwater Beach. The free nightly celebration kicks off two hours before sunset with artisans and street performers and lasts until two hours after, weather permitting. This family-friendly event is fun for all ages. Come April, the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival brings 17 world-class sand sculptors to transform the famous sugar sand into stunning works of art. Enjoy free sand sculpting classes, live music, fireworks, artisan booths and food vendors.
Top Things to Do
While the beach is the big draw, there are literally hundreds of things to do here in the Tampa Bay area. Sightseeing and dolphin cruises set sail all day long. Kids will love seeing the sea turtles, dolphins and other rescued sea creatures being cared for at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Don't miss Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, a swashbuckling family adventure aboard a replica pirate ship. Adults can savor sunset with a cocktail or dinner cruise. You’ll also find parasailing as well as paddle board and kayak rentals.
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Flaming Sunsets
Pier 60's nightly sunset celebration offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment, for free!
Flaming Sunsets
Pier 60's nightly sunset celebration offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment, for free!
Soar to Great Heights
Experience the high-flying thrills of parasailing in Clearwater Beach – and the unparalleled bird's-eye view of the shoreline.
Soar to Great Heights
Experience the high-flying thrills of parasailing in Clearwater Beach – and the unparalleled bird's-eye view of the shoreline.
Swashbucklin' Fun
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise is a boatload of family fun as it sails along Clearwater Beach.
Swashbucklin' Fun
Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise is a boatload of family fun as it sails along Clearwater Beach.
The Scenic Route
The Clearwater Ferry shuttles passengers between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.
The Scenic Route
The Clearwater Ferry shuttles passengers between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach.
Shopping
Browse a variety of beach shops for souvenirs or take a leisurely stroll through Pelican Walk Plaza—a charming outdoor spot where you’ll find beachwear, restaurants, and even some fun Hulk Hogan gear.
Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium
No trip to Clearwater Beach is complete without a visit to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where staff and volunteers care for rescued dolphins, sea turtles, sharks and other marine animals. Unlike many aquariums, this facility’s main focus is rehabilitating injured marine life and seabirds, or giving them a permanent home if they can no longer survive in the wild.
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Top Clearwater Beach Restaurants
Some of our most iconic restaurants are found beachside (dinner is served with a side of sunset). No matter what you're in the mood for - whether fine dining or beachy casual - we've got you covered with these top restaurant recommendations.
See All Clearwater Beach RestaurantsNightlife in Clearwater Beach
Shepard's Tiki Beach Bar & Grill is a vibrant beachfront hotspot with live music every day and night, where dancing is highly encouraged—but kicking back and relaxing is just as welcome. Take in the picturesque view of the sun setting over the Gulf at Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest, a rooftop bar atop the Pier House 60 Marina Hotel. Nearby, Marina Cantina (one of the largest rooftop bars) serves up refreshing margaritas and mouthwatering Mexican-fusion dishes overlooking the bay. For an iconic night out, head to The Shipwreck, the oldest bar in Clearwater Beach. With its classic nautical theme, bar games, and a fun, pirate-friendly atmosphere, it delivers the ultimate party vibe.
Picture This: Dining in Clearwater Beach
There's nothing like fresh-caught seafood with a view - and you'll find plenty of places to enjoy it in Clearwater Beach. Check out these gorgeous photos to whet your appetite!
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill in Clearwater Beach serves up fresh seafood right on the beach.
Frenchy's Rockaway Grill in Clearwater Beach serves up fresh seafood right on the beach.
Have a Round
A Mandalay Avenue mainstay, Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber is where you'll find seafood classics and expertly crafted cocktails on the menu.
Have a Round
A Mandalay Avenue mainstay, Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber is where you'll find seafood classics and expertly crafted cocktails on the menu.
Enjoy gorgeous views of Clearwater Beach while dining al-fresco at Marina Cantina.
Enjoy gorgeous views of Clearwater Beach while dining al-fresco at Marina Cantina.
Grab a cold craft beer from 3 Daughters Brewing in Clearwater Beach.
Grab a cold craft beer from 3 Daughters Brewing in Clearwater Beach.
Rumba Island Bar and Grill gets its seafood from the Baystar fleet of fishing boats.
Rumba Island Bar and Grill gets its seafood from the Baystar fleet of fishing boats.
Consider your vacation in St. Pete-Clearwater to be a grouper sandwich taste-test extravaganza!
Consider your vacation in St. Pete-Clearwater to be a grouper sandwich taste-test extravaganza!
Places to Stay
No matter what hotel, resort or vacation rental you choose in Clearwater Beach, you’ll be just steps from the Gulf and close to activities and dining. See some top options in this carousel or find more places to stay at the link below.
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How to Get Around Clearwater Beach
Don’t want to hassle with a rental car? The Grouper Airport Express offers an affordable, stress-free way to travel between St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Clearwater Beach. With on-demand rides that can be booked the day of your flight or up to two months in advance, it’s a convenient and budget-friendly option. Plus, the shuttles are wheelchair accessible for added convenience.
Once you're on the beach, it's easy to get around with the Jolley Trolley. Explore Clearwater Beach and nearby coastal communities aboard a charming, vintage-style trolley. For a scenic ride, hop on the Clearwater Ferry, which takes you between downtown Clearwater and Clearwater Beach. If you are driving to the beach, be sure to plan ahead and check out our beach parking guide.
