Located in Clearwater, Florida, Clearwater Beach occupies a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, situated just west of the main city across the Intracoastal Waterway. You can easily reach the area by driving over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway. It sits approximately 20 miles from Tampa International Airport and 25 miles from downtown Tampa, with St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport also in close proximity.
The beach itself stretches for 2.5 miles along the Gulf, featuring soft white sand and clear blue water. It borders the Gulf of Mexico on one side and a full marina on the Intracoastal Waterway side. Just to the south across a short bridge lies another barrier island called Sand Key. Beautiful dune restoration and beach renourishment efforts enhance its natural setting alongside wide, curving pedestrian spaces.
The surrounding atmosphere mixes bustling resort life with a vibrant nightlife scene, complemented by the Beach Walk pedestrian zone filled with high-end hotels, condos, shops, and dining. It suits families, couples, and active travellers alike, offering access to parasailing, jet ski rentals, boat tours, miniature golf, deep sea fishing charters, and daily entertainments. Highs range between 67 and 89 °F year-round under a climate bordering humid subtropical and tropical savanna.
01 Highlights & things to do
What makes this stretch of coast worth the trip — from the water to the walks, wildlife and the views.
Compiled from Wikipedia · conditions vary with weather, tides and the season.
Beach map & the area
The free OpenStreetMap layer below shows the beach and its surroundings — the coastline, access roads, nearby towns and where to park. Zoom in for detail, or open it live in a full map.
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL, free).
02 Getting there
| Option | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport | Tampa International Airport (approx. 20 miles) |
| Airport | St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport |
| Road | Clearwater Memorial Causeway from mainland Clearwater |
| Trolley | Clearwater Jolley Trolley connecting North Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, and Island Estates |
Getting there · Last updated: 2026-09-12 · always double-check access & ferries
03 Where to stay
Resorts, towns and areas near the beach — the closer you stay, the easier the early-morning and sunset hours when the light is best and the crowds are thin.
Named one of the best beach resorts in the United States.
A popular local night spot situated right by the beach.
A popular accommodation choice known for its vibrant evening atmosphere.
04 Best time to visit & the water
| Season | When | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Wet Season | June to September | Hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms; nearly two-thirds of annual precipitation falls during these months. |
| Winter | December to February | Warm and drier winter weather with highs usually starting around 67 °F. |
Conditions vary with weather, tides & season · Last updated: 2026-09-12
05 Nearby & around
Other beaches, coves, towns and sights within easy reach — worth stringing together into a coastal day.
Good to know
- Shower nozzles and drinking fountains are available along the Beach Walk to rinse off sand.
- The Clearwater Jolley Trolley provides easy transit up and down the beach to Sand Key and Island Estates.
- Pier 60 offers a daily sunset event with artisans, live music, and child-friendly acts.
- Mandalay Avenue (north end) and Gulfview Boulevard (south end) serve as the primary commercial streets.
