Naturally, Clearwater Beach is famous world-wide for one thing – miles of white sand and crystal blue Gulf waters. Clearwater’s beaches are designated “Blue Wave” beaches by the Clean Beaches Council, meaning they’ve been quality-tested in terms of water, sand, safety, cleanliness, maintenance and conservation projects. Residents of Clearwater Beach pledged to maintain these standards and prevent the beach from eroding or losing its natural beauty due to over development. And thanks to Tampa Bay’s semi-tropical climate, bathing-suit season lasts nearly year-round, meaning you can spend every season lounging in the sand and swimming in the sea.
Condominium living in Clearwater Beach is on the rise, as several high-rise hotels have been converted into luxury condominiums with spectacular waterfront views and VIP-class amenities. Forget about spending weekends on lawn care when you choose to buy a condo as your piece of Clearwater Beach real estate. Instead lounge by a private pool, cook in stainless and granite kitchens, and breakfast on your breezy Gulf-view balcony.
Clearwater Beach, FL is a tropical paradise situated halfway between Tampa and the open Gulf of Mexico, halfway down Florida’s west coast. Sunbathers and sport fishermen agree: Clearwater Beach can’t be beat.
The four local beaches include Clearwater Beach (proper), voted Best City Beach along the Gulf of Mexico; North Clearwater Beach; Pier 60; and 14-acre Sand Key Beach, ranked 14th in the country. All provide clean, white sand, clear swimming and snorkeling water, and excellent birding and shell hunting opportunities.
If you’re interested in heading further offshore, Clearwater Municipal Marina provides boat slips and full service facilities for private vessels and a variety of water sports opportunities. Charter services include fishing, sailing, and sightseeing, and dinner or dolphin cruises are popular. Parasailing affords spectacular views of the Clearwater area, while those who prefer ground beneath their feet can shop, dine, or fish from the pier. Several of the tastiest of the 300 local fish species include grouper, mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, snapper, flounder, and mackerel varieties. Notable sport fish (the fighters) include wahoo, tarpon, barracuda, sailfish, and a number of sharks from hammerheads to bull.
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium conducts marine science research while rehabilitating rescued dolphins, turtles, otters, and other injured animals. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium strongly promotes public education and runs programs for schools and individuals, including summer camps, animal encounters, and animal-assisted therapy.
Clearwater Beach municipal improvement plans include the development of a Beach Walk, a pedestrian and cyclist thoroughfare that grants beach access while drawing in new tourism-based businesses. New and renovated hotels, restaurants, and shops will ensure Clearwater Beach’s continuing ability to thrive on the tourism-based economy that has made the area so successful in the past.
Annually, 20-acre Coachman Park hosts many seasonal festivals, including:
The Annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Pirate Fest
Clearwater Celebrates America
Christmas Under the Oaks Arts Festival
Crest Lake Park hosts:
The Fun ‘n Sun Illuminated Night Parade
Clearwater’s Holiday Parade
