Beaches

More than anything else, Clearwater is best known for its magnificent beaches, many of which have been recognized internationally for their overall “beach health,” including sand and water quality as well as for safety and their vast array of recreational offerings.

Stephen Leatherman, Ph.D. (aka “Dr. Beach”), director, Laboratory for Coastal Research at Florida International University, and founder, National Healthy Beaches Campaign, consistently ranks several of the area’s beaches among the best.

Clearwater Beach has retained the honor of being the "Best City Beach on the Gulf Of Mexico" since 1999. Caladesi Island State Park is currently ranked the second best beach (for 2007-08), and Fort DeSoto Park was named the best beach in the U.S. in 2005. Also in 2008, Ft. DeSoto was named America’s Top Beach by TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index and editors.

Many of the Clearwater area’s beaches have also received the Blue Wave Clean Beach designation from the Clean Beaches Council, a nonprofit organization devoted to sustaining America’s beaches. Blue Wave certification acknowledges that a beach is a safe, healthy and clean place to visit. Area beaches that have received Blue Wave certification include Caladesi Island, Clearwater Beach, Fort DeSoto Park, Fred Howard Park, Honeymoon Island, Sand Key Park, St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island.

With over 28 miles of Gulf beaches, visitors face an embarrassment of riches! The following is a brief overview of some of the area’s best:

Caladesi Island State Park

Caladesi is an undeveloped barrier island and accessible only by boat or by foot north of Clearwater Beach; docks are available on the island for private boats. In addition, the Caladesi Connection ferry departs hourly from nearby Honeymoon Island. Caladesi Island is ideal for all manner of water sports, helling and nature walks.

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is one of the most popular of all the area beaches due to its familyfriendly environment and offerings, and is the only beach in Pinellas County with year-round lifeguards. Visitors will want to check out Pier 60 and the Clearwater Beach Recreation Complex and Family Aquatic Center. Clearwater Beach has consistently been ranked among the top beaches in the country by readers of USAToday.com, Condé Nast Traveler magazine and Tampa Bay Magazine.

Fort DeSoto Park Beach

Fort DeSoto is a 900-acre park featuring seven miles of beach, nature trails, canoeing and kayaking areas, picnic and camping facilities, fishing piers and a Spanish-American War-era fort and museum.

Sand Key

Sand Key is the longest of the area’s barrier islands. Both Pinellas County and the city of Clearwater maintain parks here with plenty of visitor amenities - not to mention a half-mile of white sand beach - to complement the experience. Also of interest, Sand Key Park is on the Great Florida Birding Trail, a collection of over 400 sites throughout Florida chosen because of their excellent bird watching opportunities.

Other area beaches of note include Honeymoon Island, Pass-A-Grille Beach, St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island.