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Best Beaches in Clearwater for the Perfect Beach Day

Best Beaches in Clearwater for the Perfect Beach Day

Are you looking for the best beaches in Clearwater? Florida is home to an array of incredible beaches, and Clearwater is no exception. Clearwater’s sandy shoreline and great atmosphere attract tons of tourists each year.

Visit the popular soft white sand beaches or one of the more secluded Clearwater beaches. Clearwater will provide a laid-back vacation feel wherever you go to soak up the sun. The warm Gulf of Mexico waters are an added bonus. If you are looking for the perfect place for a spring break in Florida, consider Clearwater.

Check out these four best beaches in Clearwater when you’re in the Tampa Bay area.


palm tree at Clearwater Beach Florida

1. Clearwater Beach

If you are setting out on a Clearwater vacation, you must visit Clearwater Beach. This Florida beach is the most popular in Tampa Bay, and for a good reason.

Clearwater Beach has been named the best beach in Florida multiple times. It is one of our favorite beaches in Florida. But don’t just take our word for it! Check it out for yourselves.

This Clearwater vacation spot is for you if you want whiter than white sand. It is a super clean and well-maintained beach. In addition to its cleanliness, there are also lifeguards on duty year-round.

Clearwater Beach is perfect if you are searching for a lively, social beach. There are a whole host of activities to enjoy while at the beach. Rent wave runners or jet skis, or try your hand at snorkeling or scuba diving. You can even get lifted into the sky for a spot of parasailing.

This is one of the most popular beaches in Clearwater, but it never gets packed. With 2.5 miles of beach, there’s plenty of room to spread out. If you are looking to cool off, head to one of these best Clearwater Beach bars. We love to go to Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, which is right on the beach. They are also one of the best restaurants in Clearwater. Get the blackened grouper sandwich!

This is one of the best beaches in Clearwater for families. With all the amenities on offer, you’ll be spending the whole day on Clearwater Beach.

  • Address: 419 E Shore Dr, Clearwater Beach
boardwalk to Redington Beach Florida

2. Indian Rocks Beach

If you are looking for a more secluded Clearwater vacation beach spot, look no further. Indian Rocks is about halfway between St. Petersburg and Clearwater Beach.

This beach is a 30-minute drive from Tampa International Airport, so it’s a great location. Indian Rocks is the perfect weekend vacation beach. On our last family trip to Florida, we stayed in Indian Rocks Beach as it was the perfect place for our family.

This beach stretches for 2.5 miles along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy a relaxing time at this barrier island beach as you wander along the sand.

Comb the beach for shells and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins bobbing their heads. If you’re a bird lover, be sure to also check out the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary.

Though not as many as Clearwater Beach, there are amenities at Indian Rocks Beach. There are restrooms, showers, restaurants, and bars beyond the beach.

If you are looking to try some Clearwater watersports, why not rent wave runners? There is also the opportunity to parasail as well as take a deep-sea fishing charter.

After you’ve enjoyed the sand and ocean, be sure to head to the Indian Rocks Nature Preserve. There are a number of boardwalks to venture along that weave between the trees. There are plenty of things to do in Indian Rocks Beach to keep you occupied.

  • Address: 1700 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater

Related Article: Best Beaches Near Disney World

Aerial photo of Sand Key Park one of the best beaches in Clearwater

3. Sand Key Park

Sand Key Park is one of the best beaches in Clearwater. This beach sits at the northern part of the barrier island that is shared with Clearwater Beach.

The best thing about Sand Key is it’s a more peaceful beach. There are still the same amenities as at Clearwater Beach, but with fewer people.

There are concession stands to stock up on drinks and snacks. You can also rent out cabanas and beach chairs. There are restrooms, showers, a playground, and a dog park.

Calling all turtle lovers! This is one of the best beaches in Clearwater for seeing sea turtles. Sea turtles will often migrate to Sand Key to lay eggs on the beach.

Keep your eyes peeled for ospreys, herons, and egrets, too. Clearwater’s bird life is best viewed from the nature trails behind the beach.

Try some Clearwater watersports if you are not one for sitting all day on the sand. Rent a kayak and take it out onto the crystal clear waters. Or why not take a surf lesson?

  • Address: 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach
chairs at Redington Beach near Clearwater Beach Florida

4. Redington Beach

Redington Beach, otherwise known as Redington Shores, is another of the best beaches in Clearwater. The beach is never overcrowded and is the perfect place to take the family. You’ll find this beach between Indian Shores and Madeira Beach.

The shallow waters at the beach are ideal for setting up a chair on the water. Let your toes cool off as you read a good book.

Kids will love combing the beach for beautiful tiny shells. Wander along the wooden pier, which is a nice spot for photographs.

If you get tired of the beach, there are also two playgrounds and a tennis court. After your time at the beach, wander into the local community for a bite to eat. There are plenty of local, homely-feeling restaurants to discover.

  • Address: 105 164th Ave, Clearwater Beach

What beaches in Clearwater can you bring dogs to?

To keep Clearwater beaches clean, most do not allow dogs to visit. However, there are a few nearby beaches to which you can bring your dog. Clearwater North Beach is an excellent beach for your four-legged friends. You can also take a trip north of Clearwater to Honeymoon Island State Park Beach.

What is the prettiest beach in Clearwater?

Sand Key Park Beach is one of the prettiest and best beaches in Clearwater. Attractive, soft, white sand backed by small dunes makes for an ideal setting. Clearwater Beach is also one of the area’s main and most beautiful beaches.

What is the best beach to go to in Clearwater?

Clearwater has so many fantastic beaches, but Clearwater Beach is a top choice. You can’t go to Clearwater without checking out its most popular beach. Clearwater Beach has enticing waters and pearly white sand. It’s also been named the nation’s best beach numerous times.

Where is the clearest water in Clearwater, Florida?

Because Clearwater is on the Gulf of Mexico, its waters are seductively clear—the city is called Clearwater, after all. If you are looking for some of the clearest waters, definitely visit Sand Key Park.


Where do you think the best beaches in Clearwater are? 

View from a helicopter over Clearwater Beach at sunset, white sand beach backed by buildings - Tourist attractions