Clearwater Beach | A slice of paradise on the Florida Gulf Coast

5 min read

Clearwater Beach sits on a long, thin island off of Florida’s west coast within 25 miles of both St. Petersburg and Tampa. Though a trip to the town from the mainland takes just a few minutes, you’ll feel worlds away from the big-city atmosphere you’re leaving behind. This laid-back area is known for its beautiful coastline – U.S. News ranks Clearwater Beach as one of Florida’s best beaches – but you’ll also find a number of other attractions worth checking out.

When you’re not at the beach paddleboarding, riding Jet Skis or parasailing, among other water sports activities, take some time to enjoy Clearwater Beach’s historical theaters, parks, shopping districts and casual beachfront restaurants. You’ll also want to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see the attraction’s famous dolphin resident. If you love sports, no trip would be complete without watching the Philadelphia Phillies play at Spectrum Field during MLB’s spring training season.

What You Need to Know

  • You have two airports to choose from You can easily reach the downtown beach area from both St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport.
  • You can dance the night away While Clearwater Beach is a family-friendly area, it does offer its fair share of nightlife options, from beach bars to nightclubs.
  • You can chill out The island has a laid-back vibe, so don’t be afraid to relax, dress comfortably and trade traditional dine-in restaurants for grab-and-go meals on the sand.

Best Things to Do in Clearwater Beach

  • Clearwater Beach and Pier 60
  • Honeymoon Island State Park
  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Best Things to Do in Clearwater Beach

  • Clearwater Beach and Pier 60
  • Honeymoon Island State Park
  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Destin | A slice of paradise on the Florida Panhandle.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Clearwater Beach is between October and December. During these autumn months, you’ll find low humidity, fewer tourists and many holiday events to experience. However, October and November technically fall within the Atlantic hurricane season, and although they’re not peak hurricane months, you should be aware of the possibility of a storm developing. July, August and September’s frequent rainstorms and January, February and March’s high volume of snowbirds (retirees and part-time residents from the northern U.S.) make summer and winter two seasons to avoid. If viewing wildlife is your main objective, consider visiting in April, May or June when migratory birds, stingrays and sea turtles are commonly spotted. While the area is different every season, Clearwater Beach benefits from warm weather year-round.

January-March

Temperatures are mild (think: daytime averages in the high 60s to mid-70s) during this time of year, making winter a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. You may also catch a glimpse of some of Florida’s most unique wildlife, including roseate spoonbills and manatees, when visiting Honeymoon Island State Park in winter. However, this peak season brings an influx of tourists to the area, so hotel rates are higher. Consider reserving your accommodations months in advance to ensure availability.

April-June

Clearwater Beach warms up to the high 80s during the day by the end of the spring season, but it’s still a nice time to visit. Bird species like great blue herons migrate to the area in spring to lay eggs. You’ll also find more stingrays in the waters, which makes for exciting snorkeling adventures. When you’re visiting the beach, keep an eye out for sea turtle nests. Endangered species like loggerheads start nesting here in April. Also, keep in mind that June marks the start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, so while unlikely, storms may potentially develop late in spring. Because of this, hotel prices are typically less expensive than in other seasons, especially in June.

July-September

This time period sees the most rain each year, as well as high humidity levels. It’s common for average highs to sit in the 90s during these months, so if you’re visiting, you’ll probably want to stay somewhere close to the water so you can cool off easily. Because of the intense humidity and the threat of hurricanes (September is the most active month of Florida’s hurricane season), summer is Clearwater Beach’s offseason, which means you’ll find smaller crowds and cheaper room rates. If you plan a visit during this season, consider buying travel insurance so you won’t lose money if severe weather ruins your trip.

October-December

Fall typically offers some of the best weather (think: daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s), though October and November sit within the Atlantic hurricane season, so while unlikely, a storm could form. But don’t let this deter you from planning a fall visit: Most of the season features weather ideal for sightseeing and fewer tourists than what you’ll encounter during the peak winter season. If you’re sticking to a budget, avoid arriving around the holidays when prices tend to go up.

How to Save Money in Clearwater Beach

  • Park smart Avoid the crowded metered parking spaces near the beach by parking for free in downtown Clearwater and taking the Clearwater Ferry to the island.
  • Ride the Jolley Trolley If you don’t want to walk in the heat, climb aboard the charming Jolley Trolley to get to and from popular attractions like the beach and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Each ride costs $2.25 per person (an unlimited day pass is also available for $5).
  • Take a free ride Download Florida Free Rides on your devices for complimentary transportation around town. Don’t forget to tip your driver!

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