Clearwater Beach
Soft white sand, a walkable beach strip and nightly sunset gatherings at Pier 60.
You walk the beach at sunrise and join the crowd at Pier 60 for the sunset.
The scorecard
Tap any score for the local's take.
Nightlife3
The night starts at Pier 60, where a free sunset celebration with street performers and artisans runs every evening, weather permitting. After dark the beach bars along the strip carry on with live bands.
Meet people3
Most of what's on is built for visitors, but there are ways in. The Clearwater Community Sailing Center on Sand Key has lessons and memberships, and the Sugar Sand Festival takes over Pier 60 each spring.
Peace and quiet2
This is one of the busiest beaches in Florida. The roundabout and the Memorial Causeway back up on sunny weekends and all through spring, and Pier 60 draws a crowd every evening.
Walkability4
Once you're on the island you can park the car. Beach Walk runs along the sand to Pier 60, the marina and the shops on Mandalay Avenue are a few minutes on foot, and the Jolley Trolley covers the rest.
On the water4
The Clearwater Beach Marina, home to the fishing fleet and tour boats, is wrapping up a $46 million rebuild in 2026 with new docks and a raised seawall. Clearwater Pass puts you in the Gulf in minutes.
Beaches5
Wide, soft white sand with public access right at Pier 60. Tripadvisor's 2026 awards ranked it the second best beach in the country and 17th in the world.
Dining and arts3
Plenty of seafood grills and beach bars, mostly casual and aimed at visitors. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is the main attraction, and for theater and concerts you cross the causeway to downtown.
Outdoors and wellness3
Sand Key Park, just over the Clearwater Pass bridge, has 95 acres of beach and parkland. The causeway path to downtown makes a good bike ride, and Caladesi Island, third on Dr. Beach's 2026 list, is a short trip north.
Affordability3
Mostly condos, from older low rise units to new towers, so entry prices cover a wide range. Figure on flood insurance and association fees on top, which add up fast on a barrier island.
Airport access4
Two airports within easy reach. St. Pete Clearwater (PIE) is about 30 minutes and Tampa (TPA) about 35 to 40, a little longer when the causeway is backed up.
Scores last checked October 2026. Scores rate what the town offers, never who lives there. How we score
Community and social scene
Most nights start on the sand at Pier 60 for the sunset, with buskers and craft tables. Then it's dinner along Beach Walk or Mandalay Avenue and a beach bar with a live band. Everything is close enough to do on foot.
Community at a glance
Tap any row for places and times.
PickleballOn the map
See pickleball courts near Clearwater Beach on the mapTennisOn the map
See tennis courts near Clearwater Beach on the mapGolfOn the map
See golf courses near Clearwater Beach on the mapLive musicPier 60 Sugar Sand Festival +1
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival. Sand sculptures, beach concerts and fireworks each spring. The next one runs March 26 to April 11, 2027.Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Four days of music each October at Coachman Park, a ferry ride away. 2026 is its 47th year.See live music near Clearwater Beach on the mapTrivia nightsOn the map
See trivia nights near Clearwater Beach on the mapPro sportsTeams nearby
Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) in St. Petersburg, 18 miles awayTampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) in Tampa, 20 miles awayTampa Bay Lightning (NHL) in Tampa, 23 miles awaySpring training: Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, 3 miles awaySpring training: Philadelphia Phillies at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, 6 miles awayMiles are in a straight line, so the drive is longer.Places of worshipOn the map
See places of worship near Clearwater Beach on the mapWe don't list or rate congregations. The map shows what is in and around town.More ways to meet people
Clearwater Community Sailing Center
On Sand Key, with group and private lessons and memberships that cover sailboats, kayaks and paddleboards.Sunsets at Pier 60
A free nightly gathering with artisans and street performers, weather permitting.Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Complex
The city's library and rec center on the island.We write about places and events, never about who lives there. Times and dates change, so confirm before you go.
Things to do
The honest details
- Home prices
- $525K median
- Nearest hospital
- Morton Plant Hospital, about 3 miles. Nearest trauma center: Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital (Level II), about 19 miles. Straight line distance, so the drive is longer.
- Airport
- Tampa (TPA) or St. Pete Clearwater (PIE)
- Season
- Busy most of the year
- Heads up
- Visitor crowds, storm surge
- Insurance
- Florida averages about $10,384 a year for $250K of coverage (MoneyGeek, 2026). Get a quote and check the flood zone for any address. Read more
- Why people love it
- Famous beach. Close to Tampa.
- Know before you go
- Tourist heavy.
- Schools
- See official grades and district info on the Florida Department of Education site.
Common questions about Clearwater Beach
Is Clearwater Beach walkable?
Yes, for the most part. Once you're on the island you can park the car. Beach Walk runs along the sand to Pier 60, the marina and the shops on Mandalay Avenue are a few minutes on foot, and the Jolley Trolley covers the rest.
Does Clearwater Beach have a good beach?
Yes. It is among the best on the Florida coast. Wide, soft white sand with public access right at Pier 60. Tripadvisor's 2026 awards ranked it the second best beach in the country and 17th in the world.
Is Clearwater Beach affordable?
It sits around the middle for the Florida coast. Home prices: $525K median. Mostly condos, from older low rise units to new towers, so entry prices cover a wide range. Figure on flood insurance and association fees on top, which add up fast on a barrier island.
What is the nightlife like in Clearwater Beach?
Good bars and some live music, though it is only busy now and then. Most nights start on the sand at Pier 60 for the sunset, with buskers and craft tables. Then it's dinner along Beach Walk or Mandalay Avenue and a beach bar with a live band. Everything is close enough to do on foot.
How busy does Clearwater Beach get?
It gets busy, especially in season. This is one of the busiest beaches in Florida. The roundabout and the Memorial Causeway back up on sunny weekends and all through spring, and Pier 60 draws a crowd every evening.
Is Clearwater Beach good for boating and fishing?
Yes. This is a strong boating town. The Clearwater Beach Marina, home to the fishing fleet and tour boats, is wrapping up a $46 million rebuild in 2026 with new docks and a raised seawall. Clearwater Pass puts you in the Gulf in minutes.
Which airport is closest to Clearwater Beach?
Two airports within easy reach. St. Pete Clearwater (PIE) is about 30 minutes and Tampa (TPA) about 35 to 40, a little longer when the causeway is backed up.
What should I know before moving to Clearwater Beach?
The main things to plan for: Visitor crowds, storm surge. Florida homeowners insurance averages about $10,384 a year for $250K of dwelling coverage (MoneyGeek, 2026). Get a quote and check the flood zone for any address before you commit.
The closest matches to Clearwater Beach across our ten scores.
St. Pete Beach
Also strong on beaches and boatingA wide Gulf beach anchored by the pink Don CeSar hotel, with the old fishing village of Pass-a-Grille at its tip.
Fort Myers Beach
Also strong on beaches and boatingSeven miles of soft sand on Estero Island, rebuilding after Hurricane Ian with its beach town spirit intact.
Siesta Key
Also strong on beaches and boatingAn island of quartz white sand so fine it stays cool underfoot, with a small, lively village at the north end.
New Smyrna Beach
Also strong on beaches and walkabilityA laid back surf town about an hour from Orlando.