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Situated on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach is renowned for its sun-kissed shoreline and laid-back vibe.  But, a common question visitors ask when heading to any new town – Is Clearwater Beach safe for visitors this year? 

Beyond the stunning scenery, exciting attractions, and welcoming locals, Clearwater Beach also appeals to travelers and families searching for a safe beach to visit in Florida. 

A low crime rate and even lower homicide rate than most cities in America, Clearwater Beach allows visitors to relax and unwind on a stress-free vacation. 

However, every city comes with its downsides. In this post, we’ll discuss Clearwater Beach’s safety and crime.

We’ll also go over everything you need to know, including important tips to having a safe and fun trip to Clearwater Beach. 

Is Clearwater Beach Safe For Visitors?

Clearwater Beach is a safe place for visitors and residents alike.

With significantly lower crime rates than other major cities, visitors can enjoy this beautiful coastal city with peace of mind.

Clearwater even has a lower violent crime rate than most other cities in Florida. 

The largest concern, when it comes to crime in Clearwater Beach, is theft.

Property crime tends to run high in some areas, which is why keeping staying in a safe and secure hotel or rental is important.

And, when it comes to general safety, the other large concern is weather. Hurricanes are prevalent throughout Florida during hurricane season. 

You can make your trip to Clearwater Beach as worry-free as possible by keeping your belongings secured, and not bringing valuables.

Avoid leaving those valuables in rental cars, hotel rooms, and at the beach.

Who needs fancy jewelry and expensive items at the beach, anyway?

Just grab your bathing suits and beach gear and get ready for an incredible vacation. 

Second, if you’re visiting during hurricane season, keep an eye on the weather before and during your vacation.  You’ll have plenty of time to evacuate if necessary. 

Clearwater Beach has long been a top beach getaway spot in Florida, attracting visitors from all over, for years, and will be for years to come! 

Is Clearwater Beach Safe For Families? 

If you’re on the hunt for a safe and enjoyable destination for your next family beach vacation, Clearwater Beach should definitely be on your radar.

This gorgeous, white-sand strip along the Gulf of Florida is one of the top-rated beaches in America, making it a popular and ideal spot for families. 

What’s more, the water is calm and the town is quieter than other Florida beach towns, like Miami and Daytona Beach, even during Spring and Summer Break.

This gives you and your family a chance to relax without worrying about heavy crowds and noise. 

Plus, with easy access to the Tampa airport, getting there is a breeze.

And once you’re here, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities both on the water and on land.

Choose from a variety of playgrounds, parks, museums, and nearby amusement parks – like Busch Gardens and the Tampa Zoo. 

Everything in Clearwater Beach is located in a condensed area.

This makes it simple to navigate and enjoy your time on the beach without spending too much time getting from one place to another.

Being just over the bridge from Tampa, if there’s something unavailable in Clearwater Beach, you’re a fast drive away from its neighboring larger city. 

So if you’re looking for a great beach vacation destination for the whole family, you can count on Clearwater Beach!

Is Clearwater Beach Safe For Solo Travelers?

Clearwater Beach is safe for solo travelers looking for a relaxing and fun beach getaway.

The crime rates show that Clearwater Beach is a safe destination, so you can enjoy your solo travel with peace of mind. 

Solo travelers visiting Clearwater Beach can bask in the sun on the beautiful shoreline.

If you prefer a bit of excitement, you might opt to visit the nearby St. Pete, offering exciting nightlife along with attractions, shops, and restaurants to explore. 

Notably, Tampa is easily accessible from Clearwater Beach if you want to explore beyond the small coastal city. 

And last but not least, Clearwater is also an affordable destination for solo travelers with a variety of budgets, especially compared to larger beach cities like Miami and Key West. 

Is Clearwater Beach Safe At Night?

Clearwater Beach is generally considered safe at night, but it’s best to take precautionary steps like avoiding walking around alone, especially in high-risk areas like Greenwood.

You can feel secure knowing that the city has one police officer per 500 residents and a wide presence throughout touristy areas. 

While safety is never guaranteed, there are numerous streets and districts packed with lively bars and restaurants filled with families, young adults, and residents.

These are definitely worth exploring, and with proper precautions, are also considered safe. 

The biggest worry at night will be theft and burglary, so it’s important to stick with a group, away from dark and secluded areas like alleyways, and lock all car and room doors. 

What Part Of Clearwater Beach Is The Riskiest Or The Most Dangerous? 

While Clearwater Beach offers beautiful areas, it also has its share of dangerous streets, as does any city.

Downtown Clearwater and Glenwood, along with some of the streets east of the city being the worst.

Unfortunately, drug crimes, usually among locals, burglars, and vandalism are most prevalent in these areas. 

Don’t let these downfalls discourage your options for a vacation to remember on Clearwater Beach.

The stunning city welcomes its visitors – locals, tourists, and adventurers alike with warm evenings and inviting scenery. 

Clearwater Beach is generally a safe area, but it’s important to know the risky areas.

With common sense and awareness, you can still enjoy everything this beautiful beach has to offer. 

What Part Of Clearwater Beach Is The Safest?

The safest part of Clearwater Beach is the beach itself, along with a few surrounding neighborhoods.

Charter Oaks, Sand Key, and Feather Sound are among some of the safest neighborhoods near Clearwater Beach. 

Charter Oaks is lined with single-family homes among trees and land.

Sand Key is located right on the beach – lined with high rises and condos, beachfront pools, and a long strip of white sand.

Last is Feather Sound, a residential neighborhood located near the St. Pete-Clearwater Airport, and right on the Feather Sound Country Club Gulf Course. 

For visitors looking for a beach vacation, Sand Key is a popular, and incredibly safe beachfront location.

You may pay a bit more for the Gulf in your front yard, but it will be worth it! 

Is Clearwater Beach’s Crime Rate High?

The question frequently arises, is the crime rate in Clearwater Beach high?

While the crime rate is slightly higher than the US National Average, the overall crime rate is not too concerning. 

The crime rate in Clearwater Beach is lower than the top 30 cities in America and is lower than many major cities in Florida – such as Orlando and Miami. 

Additionally, Clearwater Beach’s homicide rates have always been historically low, and have been decreasing, since 2016.

The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Clearwater is 1 in 250, whereas the chance of property crime is 1 in 55. 

The most common crimes that occur in Clearwater Beach are thefts and burglaries, including auto theft. 

So, while it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and to choose safe and secure areas to stay and explore, the Clearwater Beach crime rates are not too concerning. 

Is It Safe To Swim In Clearwater Beach? 

It is safe to swim in Clearwater Beach!  The water is generally warm and calm – making it perfect for cooling off on a hot day and having fun in the waves.

However, always remember that there are hazards to be aware of when swimming in large bodies of water.  One of the biggest hazards is rip tides. 

If you plan to swim or are planning to bring children to the beach to swim, brush up on spotting rip tides or strong currents from the shore and techniques for getting out of rip tides without panicking.

Warning Flag System – Swimming Hazards 

Fortunately, St Pete/Clearwater Beach has a flag system in place that alerts beach-goers to any hazards in the water.

These warning flags will let you know about strong or potentially strong currents, hazardous sea life such as jellyfish and stingrays, and water closures. 

You will always find these warning flags at the beach, so keep an eye out so you always know the safety alerts before getting in the water.

You can also look up beach conditions online before heading to the beach. 

Red Tide 

You’ll also want to be aware of red tide – a common problem during certain times of year down the coast of Florida. 

This harmful algae bloom can severely impact the health and safety of those who choose to take a dip in the water.

Not only will you likely want to avoid swimming on a beach full of red tide, but you may also want to limit your time hanging out in the area. 

The toxins in red tide can cause irritation and rashes. Red tide can release toxins in the air that can also be harmful to your lungs if inhaled for extended periods of time. 

Similar to the warning flag system, you can look up red tide levels on the St Pete/Clearwater website.

If you’re already at the beach, trust me, you’ll be able to smell the red tide from far away (and it’s not pleasant!)

All in all, Clearwater Beach is a great place to swim, just be aware and prepared before getting in the water. 

Clearwater Beach Safety Tips

1. Watch Out For Red Tide

This natural phenomenon is caused by an overgrowth of an organism that can release toxins into the water, making it unsafe for swimming.

Not only can red tide ruin your day at the beach, but it can also have negative impacts on your health, particularly your skin and respiratory system. 

It’s always a good idea to check for red tide warnings before hitting the water and to avoid spending too much time on the beach if the situation arises. 

I personally haven’t seen Red Tide in Clearwater Beach and the chances are pretty low but I have seen it in nearby Pass-A-Grille Beach in St. Pete Beach. 

2. Follow The Flag Warning Systems 

Florida has set up a 5 Level Flag Warning System for water hazards.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s important to be aware of the different colored flags flying at the beaches.

Red and Blue Flags, respectively, indicate strong currents and hazardous sea life, such as jellyfish and stingrays, while double red flags signify water closures.

3. Avoid Visiting During Peak Hurricane Season If Possible. 

But if you do happen to visit during these months (August and September), it’s important to stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and to develop an evacuation plan with your family in case of an emergency.

Staying informed and being proactive can help ensure your safety if you’re visiting Clearwater Beach during hurricane season.

4. Pay Attention To Valuables

With burglary and theft being the top crimes in Clearwater Beach, do your best to avoid being a victim and enjoy your time in Clearwater without any incidents.

A few things to keep in mind to stay safe in Clearwater Beach: 

• Avoid bringing valuables and large amounts of cash on vacation.

• Keep valuables you do have with you whenever possible and don’t leave anything unattended.

• Lock your doors and windows when leaving your hotel room or rental.

• Stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night; and try to avoid wandering around alone at night. 

Final Thoughts: Is Clearwater Beach Safe For Visitors? 

So, is Clearwater Beach safe?  Clearwater Beach is a fun and safe destination for vacationers, from solo travelers to families, and everything in between.

While it has its own safety risks, those risks can be mitigated with common sense, preparedness, and alertness.  As they would in any destination!

From soaking up the sun on the sand to swimming in the clear blue waters of the gulf, there’s something here for everyone in this vibrant destination. 

Don’t hesitate to explore everything Clearwater has to offer – just make sure you stay smart and keep yourself safe at all times.

Take precautions, stay aware of your surroundings, and most importantly, enjoy your vacation at Clearwater Beach!