Last Updated on May 19, 2025

If you’ve been longing to sink your toes into soft, white sand, look no further than Clearwater Public Beach.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it boasts beautiful emerald water and powdery sand that seems to stretch to infinity.

I try to visit Clearwater Beach often, and it lives up to its reputation as one of the best beaches in the United States.

US News Travel Today and Trip Advisor both ranked Clearwater Beach at number 6 for the best U.S. Beaches for 2025!

Whenever I visit Florida, Clearwater Beach is on my list, and should be on yours, too!  You’re going to love Clearwater Beach!

 

 

Best Beach sign at the  entrance of Clearwater Beach FL

Clearwater Beach Is Located On Florida’s Gulf Coast

Clearwater Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Tampa and St. Petersburg.  I love passing over the causeway from Tampa and enjoying the scenic views. 

Stroll along the shore collecting seashells, go for a leisurely swim, or treat yourself to a shaded cabana for the day.</p>
<p>Whether you choose the less-crowded northern section or camp out in the middle of the action, restaurants, restrooms, and hotels are only steps away.

Things To Do At The Beach

Stroll along the shore collecting seashells, go for a leisurely swim, or treat yourself to a shaded cabana for the day.

Whether you choose the less-crowded northern section or camp out in the middle of the action, restaurants, restrooms, and hotels are only steps away. 

I also enjoyed how clean everything was.

With great weather year-round (it was in the high 70s when I visited in December), water sports, entertainment, gorgeous sunsets, and opportunities for relaxation abound.

When I visited, the water was a bit chilly, but it was still refreshing.

If you visit between February and October, the water will range from pleasantly cool to bathwater warm.

 

For more of the best things to do in Clearwater Beach, read this article here!

Check Prices & Availability of these tours in Clearwater 

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure (Clearwater’s Best Dolphin Tour)

Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour (Affordable Dolphin Tour Option)

Sunset Cruise From Clearwater (Relaxing Sunset Cruise from Clearwater)

Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise (Evening Cruise With Optional Dining)

 

 

Clearwater Public Beach Access And Ameneties

Clearwater Beach has plenty of convenient access points along Mandalay Avenue and Eldorado Avenue.

Check out this list of access points and the amenities you can find at each one.

Showers, restrooms, trash receptacles, and bike racks are located at convenient and strategic points along the beach.

Plus, there are tons of cafes, shops, and restaurants within a short walk of the sugar-white sand.

My favorite is Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill which is right on the beach, but there are several great options to choose from! 

Looking for an affordable rental car in Clearwater Beach? Click Here! 🚗

 

 

Tourists enjoying and relaxing in Clearwater Beach Florida

Clearwater Beach Public Parking

Are you looking for parking at Clearwater Public Beach?

Before going further, check to see if the free park-and-ride service is running, or opt for the Suncoast Beach Trolley, the Jolley Trolley, or the Clearwater Ferry.

These offer cost-effective and convenient ways to get to the beach without needing to fight for a parking spot.

However, if you’d rather drive, there are plenty of parking options.

Best Parking Lots North Of The Roundabout

  • Lot 36 on Rockaway Street – 145 parking spaces

  • Lot 37 between Kendall and Avalon streets – 53 parking spaces

  • Lot 66 on Poinsettia Avenue – 450 parking spaces

  • Lot 38 at the Family Aquatic and Recreation Center – 79 spaces

Best Parking Lots South Of The Roundabout

  • Lot 31 at Pier 60 – 139 parking spaces

  • Lot 32 – at the corner of Devon and Hamden drives – 65 spaces

Private Parking Lots That Are Open To The Public

  • A private lot north of the Hyatt Regency between Coronado Drive and South Gulfview Boulevard

On-Street Parking

There are about 389 on-street parking spots available throughout Clearwater Beach, especially along Mandalay Avenue and Papaya Street.

For more about Clearwater’s beaches check out these articles:

Caladesi Island

Sand Key Park

Amazing Beaches Near Clearwater Florida

 

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Heading to Florida this year?

 

Check out our must-have Itineraries!

 

Booking a last-minute trip to Clearwater FL?  

If so, we have you covered.  

Top Tours in Clearwater FL 

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure (Clearwater’s Best Dolphin Tour)

Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour (Affordable Dolphin Tour Option)

Sunset Cruise From Clearwater (Relaxing Sunset Cruise from Clearwater)

Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise (Evening Cruise With Optional Dining)

Top Rated Hotels & Accommodations – Booking.com

Sandpearl Resort Private Beach(4-star luxury beach resort)

Pelican Pointe Hotel – (Top-rated budget hotel)

AC Hotel by Marriott – (Cozy mid-range hotel)

Belleview Inn – (Fabulous luxury hotel)

Looking To Get Around In Clearwater FL? 

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗