Best Beaches Clearwater Florida: Complete Local's Guide 2025

Hey beach lovers! Sorry for the time off. The holidays, new sales metrics, and a BIG Wedding around the corner (i'll give you a hint: Megan & I are getting married in little under a month.

Okay, enough with the excuses, I'm sure thats not why you came here. Let me take you beyond the tourist spots and show you ALL the best beaches Clearwater Florida has to offer.

Table of Contents

1. Main Clearwater Beach Areas

2. Neighboring Beach Communities

3. State Park Island Beaches

4. Hidden Local Favorites

5. Beach Comparison Guide

6. Local Tips & Access Info

   
   

Best Beaches Clearwater Florida: The Main Attraction

Clearwater Beach

Let's start with our world-famous beach, which actually breaks down into two distinct areas:

North Clearwater Beach

The quieter side of paradise:

• Residential vibe

• Less crowded

• Better shelling

• Local favorites

South Clearwater Beach

The buzzing heart of the action:

• Iconic Sheppards Beach Resort

• live music

• Restaurant scene

• Beach activities

Pro Tip: Stay at the Opal Sands for the perfect balance of action and quiet.

Best Beaches Near Clearwater: Local Favorites

Sand Key Beach (1 mile south)

A local escape just across the bridge:

• Free parking (rare find!)

• Dog park

• Wide beaches

• Less commercialized

• Perfect for families

Belleair Beach (2 miles south)

One of our hidden gems:

• Quiet atmosphere

• Morgan Park access

• Public restrooms

• Metered parking

• Spectacular sunsets

Indian Rocks Beach (4 miles south)

Old Florida charm at its finest:

• Local restaurants

• Family atmosphere

• Easy parking

• Quiet beaches

• Access every few blocks

State Park Paradise Beaches

Caladesi Island State Park (2 miles by water)

Consistently rated one of America's best beaches:

• Pristine shoreline

• Nature trails

• Perfect shelling

• Kayaking paradise

• Ferry access from Honeymoon Island

Local Secret: Order a Pub Sub from Publix and bring it with you!

Honeymoon Island State Park (5 miles north)

A natural paradise featuring:

• Four miles of beach

• Dog beach area

• Nature center

• Walking trails

• Cafe and amenities

Hidden Local Gems

Fred Howard Park (8 miles north)

Our local secret spot:

• Mile-long causeway

• Lots of wildlife

• Local favorite

• Picnic areas

• Less touristy

St. Pete Beach (12 miles south)

Worth the short drive:

• Historic Don CeSar

• Wide beaches

• Different vibe... Hippy vibes?

• Great restaurants

• Old Florida feel

Beach Comparison Guide

Best for Families

1. Clearwater Beach South - Full amenities

2. Sand Key - Space and quiet

3. Indian Rocks - Local pubs

   
   
   
   

Best for Nature Lovers

1. Caladesi Island - Untouched beauty

2. Honeymoon Island - Natural setting

3. Fred Howard Park - Wildlife

4. Sand Key - Marine life

   
   

Best for Avoiding Crowds

1. Anywhere but Clearwater Beach... LOL.. (I only speak the truth here people)

   
   

Local Tips for Each Beach

Parking Secrets

• Clearwater Beach: None

• Sand Key: Free lot early morning

• Honeymoon Island: Pay to get in.. plenty of Parking

• Belleair: Morgan Park spaces

• Indian Rocks: Side street spots

Best Times to Visit

Each beach has its prime time:

• Clearwater Beach: Early morning or sunset

• Caladesi: Mid-morning (ferry schedule)

• Honeymoon Island: Afternoon

• Sand Key: Early morning (parking)

• Belleair: Anytime (always quiet)

How to Choose Your Perfect Beach

First-Time Visitors

Start with South Clearwater Beach:

• Easy to find

• Full amenities

• Restaurant options

• Activity rentals

Return Visitors

Explore these gems:

• Caladesi Island

• Belleair Beach

• Sand Key

• Honeymoon Island

• St. Pete Beach

  
  

Nature Lovers

Don't miss:

• Honeymoon Island

• Caladesi Island

• Fred Howard Park

Please keep in mind our area and the entire SW Florida Region has been affected by some of these storms. Rebuild is ongoing. All Beaches are open!