Is Clearwater Beach Worth Visiting?

Are you trying to decide if Clearwater Beach is worth visiting?

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach has often been named the best beach in both Florida and the United States.

Known for its white “sugar sand” beach and calm water, Clearwater Beach is a popular vacation spot with families. With lots of bars and restaurants, the spring break crowd flocks to Clearwater Beach.

Of course, it is all debatable and a personal decision, but hopefully, the following advice will help you decide if Clearwater Beach is worth visiting.

I was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida, just a 10-minute drive from Clearwater Beach. I spent the early years of my kids’ lives living back in Clearwater, and we visited Clearwater Beach often. While I no longer live in Clearwater, I go back to visit friends and family.

The quick answer is yes, Clearwater Beach is worth visiting!

Keep reading to decide if Clearwater Beach is worth visiting and to find out the best things to do there.

Is Clearwater Beach Worth Visiting?

As a Clearwater native, I have spent a lot of time on Clearwater Beach, and I have seen the many changes to the area in the past 40+ years.

Everything from the bridge leading over to Clearwater Beach to the many bars and restaurants on Clearwater Beach has changed, though despite how crowded it can get, especially on beautiful spring days, the sand at Clearwater Beach is the prettiest around.

For the sand alone, Clearwater Beach is worth visiting.

Add in delicious seafood restaurants, gorgeous sunsets, and sparkling blue water, and you will start to see why Clearwater Beach is so popular.

Don’t like crowds? Clearwater Beach isn’t always crowded. Get there early to avoid the crowds or visit in the off-season.

Best Things to Do on Clearwater Beach

Play in the Sand

The super fine sand, dubbed “sugar sand,” is what puts Clearwater Beach ahead of some of the other local beaches.

Bring pails and shovels to dig in the sand and make sand castles, or simply relax on a towel.

Looking for more fun things to do on Clearwater Beach with kids? Clearwater Beach is family-friendly, and there are plenty of fun activities besides playing in the sand.

Swim in the Gulf

The Gulf of Mexico is generally calm near Clearwater Beach. Lifeguards are on duty daily.

Check the temperature of the water before you swim, or just jump in. The water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico at Clearwater Beach ranges from as low as 59 degrees Fahrenheit in winter (15 degrees Celcius) to 91 degrees Fahrenheit (33 degrees Celcius) in summer.

Don’t let the extreme range scare you, the water temperature during your visit could be as warm as 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celcius) in winter and as cool as 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celcius) in the summer.

Take a Boat Tour

Head to Clearwater Marina for a wide variety of boat tour options, including dolphin-watching, lunch or dinner, sunset, and tiki bar boat tours.

Clearwater has both family-friendly options and party boats. There are smaller boats that your group can book, including fishing charters and snorkeling near the small islands.

Many boat tours include drinks or have a bar available on board. Check out a bunch of Clearwater Beach boat tour options to decide which is best for your group.

Watch the Sunset

Sunsets are taken seriously on Clearwater Beach with a celebration at sunset each night. Sunsets alone are a reason that Clearwater Beach is worth visiting.

The Sunsets at Pier 60 celebrations start 2 hours before sunset and end 2 hours after sunset each night. The celebration includes a market and street performers.

Toasting the sunset is a common occurrence, though alcohol is not allowed outside the bars and restaurants in Clearwater. Get a free shot to toast the sunset at Jimmy’s Crows Nest.

Can you spot the pirate ship in this picture? Families love the entertainment for kids on the pirate ship, and adults love the drinks. Find out more about Captain Memo’s Pirate Ship.

Eat a Grouper Sandwich

Seafood restaurants are easy to find on Clearwater Beach, and most of them specialize in grouper sandwiches.

Grouper sandwiches come grilled, fried, or blackened.

Attend the Sugar Sand Festival

Each spring, the Sugar Sand Festival arrives on Clearwater Beach.

The Sugar Sand Festival is a sand sculpture festival where artists from all over build giant sculptures out of the sand, depending on the yearly theme.

Sand sculpture workshops are available, and the festival also includes live music, fireworks, and lots more fun.

Ride the Jolley Trolley

Clearwater Beach is walkable, both on the actual beach and on the sidewalk, though those who want a ride can choose to take the Jolley Trolley up and down the entire beach, and even to nearby areas.

Sightseeing tours, haunted tours, and brew tours are held on the Jolley Trolley. During Spring Training, a Jolley Trolley takes passengers from the beach to the baseball stadium.

Visit an Island

There are quite a few islands off the coast of Clearwater Beach. Some can be reached by car, while others can only be reached by boat.

It is possible to walk to Caledesi Island from Clearwater Beach. Another option is to take a ferry to Caledesi Island from Honeymoon Island.

Honeymoon Island is located off the coast of Dunedin, north of Clearwater.

Find out more about Honeymoon Island.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Located near Clearwater Beach is a rescue and rehabilitation aquarium. Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescues sea life, and either returns them to the wild or, if that is not possible, lets them live at the aquarium.

Known for Winter the Dolphin, from the movie Dolphin’s Tale, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has grown tremendously in the past few years. Unfortunately, Winter passed away. Other dolphins can still be seen at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and there are movie props and information as well.

In addition to dolphins, visitors can see seals, turtles, pelicans, and other sea life.

Learn more about a day at Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Play Miniature Golf

A pirate-themed miniature golf course is located on Clearwater Beach.

Captain Bligh’s Landing has a pirate ship, waterfalls, and other fun things to see on an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Surf Inside

Whether you are looking for something to do on a rainy day, just want to get out of the sun for a while, or are looking to try something unique, indoor surfing or boogie boarding at Surf Style is a fun way to spend a half-hour.

Book up to 6 people at a time on the Flow Rider located inside Surf Style, a store on Clearwater Beach.

While I have never surfed indoors at Surf Style, I have watched the surfers a bunch of times. Even if you aren’t ready to try it, it’s fun to watch.

Find more things to do when it is raining in Clearwater.

Spot Dolphins

You are almost guaranteed to see dolphins swimming in the Gulf of Mexico near Clearwater Beach.

Sometimes dolphins can be spotted by those sitting in the sand or swimming in the water, but if you want help, take a dolphin boat tour.

On our last visit to Clearwater, we saw many dolphins while swimming close to the shore.

Ride on a Wave Runner or a Jet Ski

Clearwater Marina offers more than boat rides. Rent a wave runner or a jet ski and either take a tour or ride around on your own.

Rentals are available at:

• Clearwater Beach Wave Runner Rentals
• Clearwater Beach Jet Ski Rentals ad Guided Tours
• We Get You Wet Watersports
• Makin’ Waves Clearwater

Bou Yah Watersports offers parasailing, paragliding, jet skiing, wave runners, and other water sports.

Try Parasailing

Groups of up to 15 can enjoy a boat ride and parasail above the water with Chute Em Up Parasail, located at Clearwater Marina.

You may even see some dolphins swim by while you float above the Gulf of Mexico.

Fish for Your Dinner

Walk down the boardwalk at Clearwater Marina and decide what fishing charter is best for you. Both small groups and larger groups have fishing charter options from Clearwater Beach.

Find more information on fishing charters out of Clearwater Beach.

Once you get back from your day out fishing, there are a few restaurants nearby that will cook your fish and serve it with sides, including Salt Cracker Fish Camp, which is located on Clearwater Marina.

There are plenty of things to do on Clearwater Beach at night.

What is Clearwater Beach Known For?

Clearwater Beach is known for its sugar sand. The sand is extremely soft.

Dolphins can often be seen swimming close to the shore.

Clearwater also has a very wide beach. While I don’t know exactly how wide it is (besides being 2.5 miles long), it is much further from the street to the ocean than many beaches.

Known as a spring break destination, Clearwater Beach has a nightlife filled with bars, restaurants, live music, and plenty of boat cruise options.

When is the Best Time to Visit Clearwater Beach?

Clearwater Beach is a popular Spring Break destination for a reason! Spring is usually warm, but not hot

October to December is also a great time to visit Clearwater Beach. The beach is generally less crowded in the fall months than during the spring, and the weather is warm.

Hurricane season is June-November, and the rainy season is generally from July-September.

While you never know what the weather will be like, it can get cold on Clearwater Beach in the winter months. Plus, winter in Clearwater is crowded with snowbirds who drive down from the north each year.

How Many Days on Clearwater Beach is Enough?

It is easy to pack your days with fun things to do on or near Clearwater Beach, and it is just as easy to lie on the beach.

Anywhere from a long weekend to a week is enough to see the best of Clearwater Beach and the surrounding areas.

Planning Your Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources!

Accommodation- Booking.com
Travel Insurance- Cover-More
Tours and Excursions- Get Your Guide and Viator
Rental Car- Discover Cars

Where to Stay on Clearwater Beach

Sandpearl Resort

Located right on Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl is a popular family-friendly resort hotel.

Rooms and suites are available at Sandpearl. A lagoon-style pool is located near the beach, and Sandpearl has multiple restaurants and a coffee shop.

Activities take place day and night at Sandpearl, including movie nights. Live music is often played by the poolside restaurant.

Sandpearl has a full-service spa and a kids’ club.

A fire pit is lit outside of Sandpearl each evening, and there are hammocks located right on the beach.

We spent the night after our Clearwater Beach wedding at the Sandpearl, where we were offered champagne upon arrival. It took me a minute to realize that it wasn’t offered because of our wedding; it was just one of the perks at the Sandpearl.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Resort and Spa

Another option for a hotel right on Clearwater Beach is the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Resort and Spa.

Rooms and suites have balconies and kitchens/kitchenettes. Two-bedroom suites are available.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater has a rooftop pool, a day spa, multiple restaurants, and a kids’ club.

Food and drinks are available at the pool.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Right across the street from the beach is Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. Rooms and suites are available with up to 3 bedrooms, and some rooms have bunk beds.

Wyndham Grand has an outdoor pool and a restaurant.

Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel

Right next to the Clearwater Marina is Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel. With an outdoor pool, restaurant, and rooftop bar, Pier House 60 is a fun place to stay near the beach.

Toast the sunset at Pier House 60’s rooftop bar, Jimmy’s Crows Nest.

Another fun thing to do at Jimmy’s Crows Nest is to attend a concert under the stars.

Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater Beach

Enjoy a free hot breakfast at Hampton Inn and Suites Clearwater Beach, a pet-friendly hotel with an outdoor pool and a restaurant.

Palm Pavilion Inn

Just a minute’s walk from the beach, Palm Pavilion Inn is located right next to the restaurant Palm Pavilion.

Family rooms are available at Palm Pavilion Inn, and there is an outdoor pool.

What to Eat on Clearwater Beach

Seafood restaurants are plentiful on Clearwater Beach, with grouper as the local catch.

For breakfast, try Clear Sky Cafe, Another Broken Egg Cafe, or Beach Shanty.

Try Clearwater Beach staples, any of the Frenchy’s Restaurants, or the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill and Bar for lunch or dinner.

Enjoy lunch or dinner at Tate Island Grill, located on the beach at Sandpeal Resort. This is my favorite spot on Clearwater Beach as it is relaxed, the food is good, and it is basically on the sand. Live music is played at night.

For seafood with a Mexican twist, try Badfins Food and Brew or Marina Cantina.

If you are looking for an upscale option, try Ocean Hai, Sea-guini, or Caretta’s.

Traveling with kids?  Find Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Clearwater and where Kids Eat For Free in Clearwater.

How to Get Around Clearwater Beach

Walk

Clearwater Beach is 2.5 miles long and walkable. The beach is separated into North Clearwater Beach and South Clearwater Beach, with Pier 60 in the middle.

There are sidewalks on most of the roads, including Beach Walk, a wide path on South Clearwater Beach.

Drive

Once you are on the beach, there is little reason to move your car, and due to limited parking, you will most likely stay in one spot.

The larger parking lots all have paid parking. There is a lot by Pier 60 and another between Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill and Palm Pavilion Grill on North Beach.

For those who would rather park in a parking garage, there is one by Surf Style on South Beach. Customers of Surf Style can earn 1-2 free hours of parking with proof of purchase.

Smaller lots are located around the beach. Check here for more parking information.

Bike

Bring your bicycle, or rent one once you have arrived at Clearwater Beach. The best area of the beach to ride a bicycle is on Beach Walk.

Take the Jolley Trolley

A public bus, the Jolley Trolley, runs up and down Clearwater Beach. Hop-on and hop-off tickets are available for the whole day.

Items to Bring to Clearwater Beach

Yes, you can get just about anything you need from the stores on Clearwater Beach, though you do need to leave the beach to go grocery shopping. The nearest grocery store is off the causeway leading to the beach, in Island Estates.

Here are a few things that you should pack or plan to buy during your trip to Clearwater.

Sunscreen

It’s the beach, you’re going to be outside, and the sun is harsh. Wear sunscreen.

Plenty of options for sunscreen are available, including travel sizes, face sticks, and sprays.

Bathing Suit

Another obvious one: pack one or more swimsuits.

I will go ahead and show my age by suggesting a long-sleeved top for your bathing suit. While the kids don’t seem to mind wearing long sleeves all day, I prefer to be able to take them off when sitting in the shade.

Hat

Yet another way to shade yourself from the sun, wear a hat.

Sandals

There is a long walk from the sidewalk to the ocean, and while you will most likely have your shoes off, you will want slip-on sandals, preferably waterproof sandals, when you get back on the sidewalk.

Beach Bag

Bring a large bag to carry your towel, water bottle, sunscreen, book, and snacks.

Beach Blanket

You will want something to sit on besides the sand without getting your towel sandy.

Beach Chairs

If you would rather sit on a beach chair, you can rent one by the day, or bring one with you. Plenty of stores nearby sell beach chairs. It is common for tourists to purchase chairs on arrival and then leave them with another person when they leave town.

Water Bottle

You will want to stay hydrated on the beach, and it is helpful to have a refillable water bottle that will keep your drink cold.

Sand Toys

For families, sand toys come in handy. You can bring them from home or purchase sand toys upon arrival on Clearwater Beach. Like beach chairs, sand toys are often left behind at the end of the vacation.

Umbrella

Along with chair rentals, umbrellas can be rented by the day, or you can purchase your own to use for the entirety of the trip to Clearwater Beach.

Wet Bag

Keep your wet clothes away from your dry clothes with a wet bag. We would use this to take off our wet long-sleeved shirts at the beach and to transport anything home that isn’t fully dry.

Waterproof Bag

If you are heading out on a boat for the day, you may want a waterproof bag. These come in handy to store your clothes for later, towels, and your phone.

Kindle Paperwhite

Instead of bringing your book to the beach, bring all of the books to the beach. The Kindle Paperwhite is lightweight and easy to read even in the sun.

Is Clearwater Beach Worth Visiting? FAQ

Is Clearwater Beach Worth Visiting: Wrap Up

Hopefully, reading this post has helped you decide if Clearwater Beach is worth visiting. For me, yes, Clearwater Beach is worth a visit.

During the day, Clearwater Beach is family-friendly. Families can choose to play in the sand, swim in the ocean, participate in water sports, or play on the playground.

At night, there are plenty of activities for families and adults. From sunset cruises to miniature golf to restaurants with live music to nightclubs, everyone has options for fun things to do at night on Clearwater Beach.

While traffic can be a problem during spring break and popular times to visit, it is easy to get around Clearwater Beach by walking. There is also a ferry that takes passengers from downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Beach Marina, skipping all of the causeway traffic. Free parking is available at the downtown marina.

What are you waiting for? Book your vacation on Clearwater Beach.

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• Clearwater Beach Boat Tours
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