If you’ve ever stepped foot on the powdery white sands of Clearwater Beach, you already know it’s something special.
And now, it’s officially getting the recognition it deserves — recently named the #2 Best Beach in Florida in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025.
This beach has been a favorite of mine for years, and after visiting dozens of Florida’s most famous coastlines, Clearwater keeps coming back to the top of my list.
It’s not just the beautiful Gulf waters or the soft sand — it’s the entire experience of the area that makes this beach unforgettable.
So let’s dive into why Clearwater Beach earned such a high spot on this prestigious list, and why you should add it to your Florida travel plans this year.
Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
A Beach That’s Perfect for Everyone
What really makes Clearwater stand out is how accessible and family-friendly it is.
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll appreciate the shallow water and lifeguard presence along the main beach areas.
The kids will also love the inflatables next to the pier.
There’s a paved Beach Walk promenade that stretches for miles — ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, or simply taking in the view while sipping an iced coffee.
Couples will love the romantic sunset views over the Gulf (seriously, some of the best I’ve seen in Florida), and solo travelers will find plenty of relaxing spots away from the crowds if you wander a bit north or south of Pier 60.
Speaking of Pier 60…
You can’t visit Clearwater Beach without spending some time at Pier 60.
During the day, it’s a great place to fish or enjoy scenic views of the coastline.
But come evening, it transforms into a mini beach festival with live music, street performers, handmade crafts, and a buzzing boardwalk vibe.
Every night at sunset, Pier 60 hosts a Sunset Celebration, where locals and tourists gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of color.
It’s the kind of simple moment that you will love about your visit to Clearwater Beach.
That Sand and Water? Unreal.
Let’s start with what draws most people in — the beach itself.
Clearwater Beach is known for its signature white quartz sand that stays cool even on the hottest summer days.
It’s ridiculously soft, almost like powdered sugar, and makes for perfect barefoot walks along the shoreline.
The water here is just as impressive. Thanks to its location along the Gulf, the sea is typically calm, warm, and crystal clear, hence the name “Clearwater.”
You’ll often find yourself able to see your feet even waist-deep in the water, which makes it one of the best beaches in the state for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating in the (mostly) gentle waves.
Water Activities That Make a Splash
If you’re like me and can’t sit still for too long on the beach, Clearwater has you covered with a wide range of water sports and activities.
You can rent jet skis, go parasailing, book a sunset cruise, or take a dolphin-watching tour.
The pirate ship cruise (pictured above) is a perfect choice if you have younger kids.
Clearwater is also home to the Sea Screamer, a high-speed boat ride that’s part thrill ride, part dolphin tour.
It’s one of the most fun ways to explore the Gulf, especially if you’ve got kids or are looking for something a little more exciting than lounging with a beach read.
Great Food Just Steps from the Sand
Another reason Clearwater stands out among Florida beaches? The food.
There’s no shortage of places to grab a bite along the beach, from laid-back seafood shacks to upscale waterfront restaurants.
One of my favorites is Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, known for its grouper sandwiches and tropical drinks.
Palm Pavilion offers good food and is reasonably priced. It’s also an awesome restaurant to enjoy the sunset while eating dinner.
Crabby’s Dockside (pictured above) is another must-visit, offering great views of the marina and ocean, and fresh seafood caught just offshore.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, don’t skip Ice & Cream Creamery, a beachside ice cream stop that’s perfect after a hot afternoon in the sun.
Festivals and Events Year-Round
Clearwater Beach doesn’t quiet down — it’s a year-round destination with events that draw crowds from across the country.
I was recently in Clearwater Beach for one of the biggest festivals, the Sugar Sand Festival, where world-class sand sculptors turn the beach into an outdoor art gallery.
These aren’t your average sandcastles — we’re talking full-on masterpieces crafted entirely from Clearwater’s famous sugar sand.
There’s also the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, a four-day music festival in October that brings big-name performers to the area every fall.
Add in weekly sunset celebrations, seasonal fireworks, and outdoor movies on the beach, and you’ve got entertainment no matter when you visit.
Don’t miss the Christmas Boat Parade if you visit Clearwater in December.
Easy to Get To, Even Easier to Love
Some of Florida’s most beautiful beaches are hidden away, which can make them a challenge to get to.
Not Clearwater. Located just 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport, it’s one of the most accessible beaches in the state for travelers flying in.
Once you’re here, getting around is a breeze. The Jolley Trolley runs up and down the beach and through nearby neighborhoods like Sand Key and Clearwater Marina, so you don’t even need a car if you’re staying nearby.
Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach
There’s no shortage of great places to stay, whether you’re looking for a luxury resort, a family-friendly hotel, or a charming beachfront inn.
Opal Sands Resort is a top pick if you’re looking for upscale accommodations with ocean views and a luxury spa.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort is great for families, offering spacious suites with kitchenettes and a location that’s walking distance from Pier 60.
I recently stayed at the Courtyard Clearwater Beach, and the location and views from the hotel (pictured above) are magnificent.
The thing I did not like is that they only have valet parking, and it’s $39 a day. So I would only recommend this hotel for a relatively short stay.
Shephard’s Beach Resort is perfect if you’re looking for a livelier vibe, with live music and a beachfront bar that stays hopping after dark.
Why Clearwater Beach Truly Deserves Its Ranking
When I saw that USA Today’s 10Best readers had voted Clearwater Beach the second-best beach in Florida for 2025, I wasn’t surprised — but I was proud.
It’s a spot that lives up to the hype, offering something for every type of traveler without losing its local charm.
This isn’t a beach that tries too hard to impress. It doesn’t need to.
Clearwater simply delivers — from the water quality to the walkability, the food, the events, and the feeling you get when you watch the sunset from a beach chair with your toes in the sand.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, Clearwater Beach is one of those places that sticks with you.
And if you haven’t experienced it yet, 2025 might just be the perfect year to go.
Follow Our Discover Florida Facebook Page!
We’re Also On Pinterest!
Booking a last-minute trip to Florida?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Florida – Viator
Top Hotels In Florida – Booking.com
Looking To Get Around In Florida?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
