landmark
Pier 60
A 1,080-foot fishing pier host to nightly sunset celebrations. $1 entry fee gives access to the far end extension.
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Clearwater Beach
White quartz sand and Gulf sunsets on a barrier island.
introduction
Overview
Clearwater Beach occupies a narrow barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. Route 60 links the mainland to the beach, creating a single vehicular bottleneck at Memorial Causeway. Walking and the Jolley Trolley handle short trips best once you park. Expect quiet waters, bright quartz sand, and heavy traffic during peak afternoon hours.
Bypass Causeway gridlock
Arrive before 10:00 to cross Memorial Causeway without delay. Parking lots near Pier 60 fill completely by noon on sunny days.
Pure quartz sand heritage
The white sand consists of powdered quartz washed down from the Appalachian Mountains. It stays cool underfoot even in summer heat.
Jolley Trolley for craft beer
Take the Jolley Trolley north route to Dunedin. It connects directly to downtown craft breweries without requiring a car drive.
Clearwater Beach
Michel Rathwell from Cornwall, Canada · CC BY 2.0
North Beach — Residential streets, low-rise condominiums, and quieter Gulf shoreline.
Paulvonfeldt (talk) (Uploads) · Public domain
South Beach — Wide promenade, major resort hotels, and constant beach activity day and night.
Evan Nichols (Virtua… · CC BY 3.0
Sand Key — Uncrowded parkland and high-rise condominiums south of Clearwater Pass.
No machine-readable author provided. Philipp Michel Reichold assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC BY-SA 2.5
Freshly cooked Gulf grouper sandwich with house seasoning.
Jarek Tuszyński · CC BY 4.0highlights
Highlights
landmark
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
A working marine rescue facility on Island Way. Book online to secure time slots for dolphin rehabilitation tours.
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landmark
Sand Key Park
Located across the southern bridge on Sand Key. Offers wide beaches, free park space, and cheaper parking than central lots.
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landmark
Caladesi Island State Park
An undeveloped barrier island accessible by ferry from Honeymoon Island or kayak from North Beach. Primitive trails lead through pines.
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On the map
areas
Where life happens
North Beach
Residential streets, low-rise condominiums, and quieter Gulf shoreline.
Quiet staysResidentialWalks
KompromiFewer restaurant options right outside your door.
DekatCaladesi Island kayak launches.
Tanya ParleySouth Beach
Wide promenade, major resort hotels, and constant beach activity day and night.
ResortsNightlifePromenade
KompromiCrowded sidewalks and higher lodging rates.
DekatPier 60 sunset market.
Tanya ParleySand Key
Uncrowded parkland and high-rise condominiums south of Clearwater Pass.
PeacefulNatureParking
KompromiIsolated from the main pedestrian dining strip.
DekatSand Key Park.
Tanya ParleyIsland Way
Protected bay waters, marine life centers, and residential mariner neighborhoods.
BoatingAquariumFamily
KompromiRequires a 15-minute walk across the bridge to hit Gulf sand.
DekatClearwater Marine Aquarium.
Tanya Parleyfood
Grouper sandwiches and Gulf seafood
Gulf grouper is the local culinary staple, served fried, blackened, or grilled on a soft bun. Frenchy's Original Cafe on 41 Baymont Street pioneered the local grouper sandwich tradition in 1981 using their own fleet of fishing boats. Stone crab season runs from October 15 through May 1, bringing sweet, chilled claws straight to waterfront raw bars.
Freshly cooked Gulf grouper sandwich with house seasoning.
Jarek Tuszyński · CC BY 4.0- Order the daily catch
Ask for line-caught grouper or snapper at dockside joints like Frenchy's Rockaway Grill to ensure local origin.
- Eat early at raw bars
Arrive by 17:00 at dockside places along Mandalay Avenue to avoid long wait times for outdoor seating.
- Check crab claw market pricing
Stone crab claws are priced by weight and size grade; medium and large claws offer the best meat value.
- Try Key lime pie by the slice
Local bakeries use tart Key lime juice and graham crusts; avoid brightly green dyed imitations.
history
A short history
Clearwater Beach transformed from a remote barrier island reachable only by ferry into a premier resort destination. The construction of the first wooden causeway in 1917 opened the island to automobile traffic, setting off a century of coastal development.
- 1917
First Wooden Causeway
A wooden bridge opens, connecting mainland Clearwater to the barrier island for vehicles.
- 1972
Aquarium Founded
Clearwater Marine Aquarium opens inside a former water filtration plant.
- 2008
Beach Walk Opens
The city completes a $30 million winding pedestrian promenade along South Gulfview Boulevard.
where to stay
Where to stay
Choose your base by your transit plans and noise tolerance. Staying in South Beach puts you on the promenade with no need to drive, while North Beach and Sand Key offer calm nights at lower rates.
- FamiliesSouth Beach — Immediate access to shallow Gulf water and central Beach Walk attractions.
- CouplesNorth Beach — Quieter residential streets with boutique hotels and peaceful night walks.
- Nature loversSand Key — Direct access to expansive parkland and quiet beach stretches.
Live rates, matched to the areas above.
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
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The Avalon Club
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Sandpearl Resort Private Beach
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Opal Sands
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Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach
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Getting around
Clearwater Beach is compact enough to explore on foot once on the island. Driving across Memorial Causeway during peak hours involves heavy congestion, making local transit or walking preferred.
Dari Tampa International Airport (TPA)
- Rideshare35 min$35–50
Pick up at designated zones outside TPA baggage claim.
- Taxi35 min$60–70
Flat rate structure applies between TPA and Pinellas County beach zones.
- Airport shuttle45 min$30–40
Shared van services require advance reservation.
The Jolley Trolley runs along Mandalay Avenue and Gulfview Boulevard every 30 minutes, connecting to Dunedin.
Traffic on Route 60 eastbound backs up for miles as beachgoers exit after sunset.
City parking lots use the ParkMobile app; pay immediately to avoid stiff parking tickets.
The pedestrian promenade connects major resorts to Pier 60 without crossing traffic lanes.
cost
What things cost
Prices reflect Clearwater Beach's resort status. Expect premium costs for beachside dining and parking, while public parks and beach access remain affordable.
- Grouper sandwich: $18–24
Served at coastal raw bars with seasoned fries or coleslaw.
- Hourly meter parking: $3–4
App-based parking fees across public surface lots near Pier 60.
- Beach chair umbrella rental: $35–50
Daily rate for two loungers and one canvas umbrella on the sand.
- Jolley Trolley fare: $2.25
Single ride fare; cash exact change or unlimited day pass available.
seasonality
When to go
MAR – MAY
Warm Gulf water and low rainfall, but heavy Spring Break crowds in March. Book accommodation months ahead.
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JUN – AUG
Hot and humid with daily afternoon thunderstorms. Sea temperatures exceed 85°F.
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SEP – NOV
Lower crowd density and comfortable air temperatures. Hurricane season peaks in September and October.
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DEC – FEB
Cooler days and dry weather attracting winter visitors. Gulf waters are generally too cold for swimming.
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practicalities
Good to know
- Beware the stingray shuffle
Shuffle your feet through the sand when wading from May to October to push away resting stingrays.
- No glass on the beach
Glass containers are strictly prohibited on all beaches and carry fines if discovered by beach patrols.
- Alcohol restrictions apply
Alcohol consumption is prohibited on public sand outside designated hotel beachfront boundaries.
- Pier 60 sunset timing
Sunset artisans and performers set up two hours before sunset and continue for two hours after.
- Rip current safety flags
Check lifeguard tower flags daily: yellow indicates moderate surf, red signals strong hazards.