Where to stay

Clearwater Beach has been acclaimed as not only one of the best beaches in Florida, but one of the best in the United States. Stay along the Beach Walk neighborhood bordering the Gulf of Mexico to enjoy soft, white sands, shady palms, and gentle waves. Accommodations near the oceanfront in Clearwater Beach range from budget motels to VIP resorts. Stay on the island's eastern shore for activities at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Beach Marina, and Clearwater Beach Jet Ski Guided Tours. Try fishing, sailing, standup paddleboarding, kayaking, or charter a boat ride through the Intracoastal Waterway.

Book accommodations in Clearwater Point at the southern end of the island to be near Sand Key Park, where nesting turtles are often present. Alternatively, find accommodations farther south across Clearwater Pass to be able to walk to the park from your lodgings. Staying near Pier 60 Park is great for watching the sun as it drops to the horizon. Sunsets at Pier 60 features artisans and entertainers at its daily festival. Look for a hotel or motel at the northern end of Clearwater Beach to walk at low tide or kayak to the wilderness of Caladesi Island State Park. Otherwise get here by taking the ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park. Hotels in Clearwater on the mainland are convenient for golfing at Clearwater Country Club and exploring Moccasin Lake Nature Park.

Most of the cultural attractions near Clearwater Beach are actually on the mainland in Clearwater. Stay in the Mission Hills neighborhood of Clearwater to attend music and other events at the Ruth Eckerd Hall. Accommodations near St. Petersburg College in the Sunny Grove neighborhood are close to Spectrum Field, the home of the Clearwater Threshers minor-league baseball team from April through August and Philadelphia Phillies training in the spring. Book a hotel near the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, which was built in 1921 and now provides widely varied entertainment. Next door, Coachman Park features numerous music events including the Clearwater Jazz Holiday.