Clearwater Beach

There's an activity for every age and interest at Clearwater Beach, from relaxing on the sand with beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas to jet-skiing, speedboating, and fishing. Families with kids enjoy the gentle surf, prime for swimming and water sports. Visitors often steal away from nearby theme parks to spend time on the water, sometimes on day trips from Orlando and St. Petersburg.

• At 3 miles long, Clearwater Beach is easy to navigate by car, bike, or foot.

• Mandalay Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach, is a mile-long stretch of restaurants, shops, and hotels.

• To get an overview of the area, jump on the Jolley Trolley (fees apply), which travels around Clearwater Beach and up to Sand Key Park.

• Be sure to bring sun-protection gear and beachwear. Restroom and shower facilities are offered at most area beaches.

• Beach wheelchairs are available at the Main Beach Lifeguard Station, south of Pier 60.

Clearwater Beach is about 22 miles north of St. Pete Beach and 2 miles west of downtown Clearwater. The road south is South Gulfview Boulevard, and north is Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach's main drag. The nearest airports are in Tampa, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater, 12 miles (19 kilometers) away. The beach is about a 2-hour drive from Orlando.

Clearwater Beach is warm year-round, with peak temperatures from April to October. Summer temperatures often hit upwards of 90°F (32°C), when the humid, subtropical region often also sees short thunderstorms. The mild winters attract the largest crowds.

Visitors can do more than just lounge by the famously clear water. Plan ahead and book a Clearwater Beach tour, from deep-sea fishing to dolphin-watching, or check out the Sea Screamer, a speedboat that zooms along the coast. Don't miss the 1,080-foot (329-meter) Pier 60, with its bait shop, playground, and evening sunset festival, or beautiful Sand Key Park, which sees smaller crowds.

Clearwater Beach is warm year-round, with peak temperatures from April to October. The mild winters attract large crowds, while June, July, and August draw families thanks to school vacations. If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists and score lower hotel rates, visit Clearwater Beach in September, October, or November before the December holidays hit.

Head to the beach early to snag a good spot; you do not need Clearwater Beach tickets to access the waterfront. In addition to sunbathing, you can participate in activities including jet skiing, parasailing, dolphin sightseeing, and more. Plus, shopping and dining options can be found along nearby Mandalay Avenue. Then, catch the sunset and spend the evening at Pier 60, with nightly celebrations featuring artisans, crafters, and street performers.

Day trips from Orlando to Clearwater Beach are a popular option. They often include additional Clearwater Bay activities such as deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, bottlenose dolphin watching, sunset cruises, or an excursion to the aquarium. Tours sometimes also include a lunch voucher for a full-day experience. You can even hop aboard a replica pirate ship and sail around the Gulf of Mexico.

Known as a family-friendly vacation destination, Clearwater Beach boasts many things to do for family fun. At Pier 60, you’ll find street performers, musicians, artisans, a large playground, and free movies in the park. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and Winter, the dolphin from the Dolphin Tale movie. Or hike along the trails in Moccasin Lake Nature Park.

There are public and private parking garages and lots along Mandalay Avenue and on-street parking. Get there early to secure a spot. Most rates are $3 per hour, while on-street parking is $3.50 per hour with a 5-hour limit. During spring break, the city offers its Park & Ride program that allows visitors to park in a free designated lot and catch a trolley to the beach for free.

Yes. Considered one of the best beach towns along the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach, Florida, boasts plenty of shops, dining options, and family-friendly activities. The powdery white sand and calm, shallow waters make it a popular vacation destination. Also, the beaches are known for being pristine and well-maintained.