Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach
4.6
About
The main draw of this sun-soaked beach is its wide shoreline, small-town atmosphere, plus its inviting turquoise waters. The beach has excellent conditions for parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling. And after sunset, watch the street performers put up awe-inspiring acts. If you’re visiting as a family, don’t miss the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Pier 60—a brilliant sunset-watching spot. Fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the nearby nature trails at Honeymoon Island State Park or Caladesi Island State Park. The best way to reach Clearwater Beach is via the Jolley Trolley, which stops at Pier 60 on its South Beach route. – Tripadvisor
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Neighbourhood: Clearwater Beach
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.6
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Ofamily2014
Chicago, IL126 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Wonderful beach with food options nearby. There is a bathroom also. Parking is challenging so go early. This beach is very built up compared to when I first started coming here in the 90s so be prepared to be surrounded by people. The beach is still clear, except after storms where sediment then moves around until it settles again. They do their best to keep up with erosion. However, one of my friends who lives here says that after Hurricane Milton did a lot of damage. My advice would be to check google maps and also ask people who live there before you go whether the area of your choice has been rebuilt yet. Some areas take longer than others. Just keep this in mind. The sand is pleasant to step on. You can see wildlife, sometimes dolphins and beautiful are the sunsets.
Written January 16, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
surfercharlie
Glendive, MT1,273 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
I have reviewed Clearwater Beach before, but not since the devastating hurricanes that destroyed the Clearwater area last fall.
This is my favorite beach in the United States, other than Hawaii. I was anxious about visiting because of what I feared I would find and, to some degree, those fears were realized. However, they were also alleviated to some degree. I will explain....
What makes Clearwater Beach special and unique? Incredibly powdery soft sand. Extremely wide and long beach. Pier 60 with its sunset celebration that includes vendors, buskers, food and more. Incredible restaurants all around. Lots of parking. All things considered, it is within a whisper of being perfect.
My visit today was heartwrenching. The hurricanes were four months ago, but Pier 60 is heavily dsmaged and closed. Buskers came, but with less than 15 people on the beach, they left. Only 5 vendors showed up. The snack bar and gift shop were open but rarely did I see a customer wander in.
So why did I give it a 5 star review? Because the signs of rebirth are everywhere. Most of the people we saw were construction woekers. Evidence of restoration projects are everywhere. The kids carnival is open, even though we saw only one child. Clearwater is working gard to come back. And I believe they will. And the main reason? Those incredible sunsets!! The hurricanes could not destroy them. I will post pictures. Definitely worth 5 stars.
This is my favorite beach in the United States, other than Hawaii. I was anxious about visiting because of what I feared I would find and, to some degree, those fears were realized. However, they were also alleviated to some degree. I will explain....
What makes Clearwater Beach special and unique? Incredibly powdery soft sand. Extremely wide and long beach. Pier 60 with its sunset celebration that includes vendors, buskers, food and more. Incredible restaurants all around. Lots of parking. All things considered, it is within a whisper of being perfect.
My visit today was heartwrenching. The hurricanes were four months ago, but Pier 60 is heavily dsmaged and closed. Buskers came, but with less than 15 people on the beach, they left. Only 5 vendors showed up. The snack bar and gift shop were open but rarely did I see a customer wander in.
So why did I give it a 5 star review? Because the signs of rebirth are everywhere. Most of the people we saw were construction woekers. Evidence of restoration projects are everywhere. The kids carnival is open, even though we saw only one child. Clearwater is working gard to come back. And I believe they will. And the main reason? Those incredible sunsets!! The hurricanes could not destroy them. I will post pictures. Definitely worth 5 stars.
Written January 29, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toni T
Nashville, TN7,718 contributions
Nov 2024 • Solo
Hurricanes Helene and Milton have impacted major damage on Clearwater Beach, Pier 60, some restaurants, shops, and hotels. Many hotels are open but Gulfview Motel on the Beach is currently closed awaiting reparations. Other closed stores include Pelican Pointe, Waves, and both Celebrity stores. The Sandal factory is now out of business. The shops in the first floor of the Hyatt on the Beach are boarded up. Two of the local Frenchy's beach group restaurants are boarded up for now: Frenchy's Off the Hook, and Frenchy's Cafe. The many eateries that are open display huge OPEN banners. Street parking is open, but the machines are down and payment is via app only. The main public beach parking lot is completely destroyed. One small area of the beach is open with beach umbrellas for rent, but most of the beach is closed, in restoration process. The public concession stand is severely damaged. The area near the entrance to Pier 60 and the playground is open, but teh Pier is closed. Even though several stores and eateries are closed, people are out enjoying the open areas. Debris has been piled up out of main streets, making it easy to walk and enjoy the places that are open. This is a good time to visit Clearwater Beach with fewer people and a more relaxed vibe, part of the beach open as are many hotels and places to enjoy.
Written November 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kev M
London, UK212 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Visited here 12/8/24 with family whilst on holiday . We got there about 9-30 am so could park easily. For five hours it was $15 and you can pay on an app. There are restrooms near the beach and a cafe near pier 60 where we parked . The sand is immaculate and the beach rents out cabanas and sun beds with umbrellas . We got a cabana at $50 which had two sun beds .. this is not that bad for the whole day . The water was a bit murky due to the recent storms and we did see a shark fin not far from the surf in the morning so clearly they are out there .. overall I like this beach and it’s a good place for the kids and adults alike.
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carnivore Couple
Paris, TX116 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Another beautiful Florida beach featuring the glistening white sands and warm waters of the gulf. Clearwater is the big TOURIST BEACH in the area and almost impossible to visit on the weekend, even an overcast Sunday in May; it was impossible to find public parking spot within a two mile radius of the beach. So we returned on Tuesday— and found a dip in the shoreline to sun and take in the scenery and reduce the high winds. It was impossible even to wade in the choppy waters this time. Most people aren’t aware of how common riptides are in the gulf— I recommend you watch your swimmers closely and always swim near a lifeguard station. There are a lot more shells in the sand than Pensacola Beach which can be uncomfortable getting back onshore.
Written June 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minavar R
Kissimmee, FL215 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
If you find yourself in Florida, then you should definitely visit this beach! The sand here is the most stunning, fine and white. From the hotel window overlooking the beach in the morning it seems like there is snow outside. Every time I catch myself thinking about this)) The water here is much nicer for swimming compared to the ocean. On the beach you will be offered umbrellas and sun loungers at a very reasonable price. In general, you definitely need to visit here!
Written April 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aashish K
Columbus, OH100 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Clearwater Beach has clear, beautiful white sands, perfect for a day at the beach. There are plenty of seating options along the beach. However, if you stay more than two days, buying beach chairs at Surf Style is cheaper, whether you can take them home or leave them at the hotel. Make sure you get there early to get a good seating location. Food options are also decent - there is pizza, burgers, and ice cream all close by. The beaches close by are also worth a side or day trip. If you come to Clearwater and don't go to the beach, why are you even there?
Written June 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jule473
Weilheim an der Teck, Germany40 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Awesome beach with nice and clear water! Wonderful shells, nice pier you can walk. It costs 1$ per person but it’s nice to walk out and have a view! Nice restaurants, bars and shops around the streets!
We parked at a public parking 461 Mandalay Ave and the price was good - 3 $ per hour!
We parked at a public parking 461 Mandalay Ave and the price was good - 3 $ per hour!
Written August 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarylandBeachBabe
Owings Mills, MD111 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
This is my favorite beach. White sand in September felt good not hot. Gulf was amazing. It rained in the evening during Labor Day week. It gave plenty of time in the morning for beach time. Labor Day week was definitely less people. Very aggressive birds if you bring food.
Written September 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
surfercharlie
Glendive, MT1,273 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
This was our second trip to Clearwater Beach. We were short on time on our first trip, so spent a full day this trip. The beach is absolutely amazing. Long, wide, and powdered sugar type sand. Fantastic. The water is beautiful and outstanding.
Pier 60 at the beach is the scene of nightly sunset celebrations with vendors, artisans, food, attractions, and a kiddie park with inflatables and a playground. There are also street performers. Tons of fun! Oh, and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful.
There are several great restaurants only steps from the beach, as well as lots of shopping. The only down side to this beach and area is a severe lack of adequate parking.
Pier 60 at the beach is the scene of nightly sunset celebrations with vendors, artisans, food, attractions, and a kiddie park with inflatables and a playground. There are also street performers. Tons of fun! Oh, and the sunsets are absolutely beautiful.
There are several great restaurants only steps from the beach, as well as lots of shopping. The only down side to this beach and area is a severe lack of adequate parking.
Written May 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Looking at either Ivory Sands or Devon Shores for 8 days end of April. Any input on either place would be helpful, walking distance to restaurants/ bars and overall information on the hotels.
Thank you
Written December 16, 2024
I am recently widowed, 46, looking to get away for a few days. Would like a hotel with all of the amenities. Thinking JW, Opal Sands or Sand Pearl. Is one better than the other? Or is there another one that I did not list? Thank you!!!
Written June 23, 2024
We enjoyed Sand Pearl. It was on the beach (walk out hotel and you are right on the beach), spa, restaurants, and close to other restaurants outside the hotel.
Written September 26, 2024
Help! We’re a family of five (older kids) who would like to visit this area over Thanksgiving ‘24, but we’re not finding the perfect place to stay for our tastes. We’re looking for space enough for the 5 of us, great views of the water, and a really fun pool area (like a resort). Any recommendations are appreciated as we’ve never been to this part of FL.
Written March 29, 2024
In the future, we be honored to host you. Family owned and operated and just steps from the beach. Palm Place Resort. Find us on AIRBNB:)
Written December 7, 2024
It is usually hot year round in Florida, normally in the 80's, except maybe in January & February when it is in the 60's.
Written March 16, 2024
Are there any ordinances prohibiting setting up a portable beach volleyball net on Clearwater Beach?
Written May 26, 2023
Are there any ordinances prohibiting setting up a portable beach volleyball net on Clearwater Beach?
Written May 26, 2023
Are chairs and umbrellas available on the beach near the Opel Hotel
Written May 15, 2023
Chairs & Umbrellas are usually available throughout Clearwater Beach, just not sure if it is near your Hotel.
Written March 16, 2024
My husband and I are taking our 8 year old son to Clearwater the last week of may 2023. We are staying at a hotel on the beach. How is the weather around that time usually?! Is it typically very busy then?! Any must do’s while we’re there?!
Written April 10, 2023
Clearwater Beach is busy 24/7, 365 days a year, and usually around 80-90 degrees most of the year. They have golf carts that you can rent to drive around in, or take a Jolly Trolley tour. I like Shephards Resort for my meals, as the food is excellent, plus there is a miniature golf course across the street from there. There are numerous stores to check out. Have a wonderful time!
Written May 4, 2023
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