21 Amazing Beaches Near Clearwater Florida! (2024)

Are you looking for the best beaches near Clearwater, Florida to enjoy the beautiful Sunshine State?

The city is well-known by locals and tourists for its white sand beaches, sparkling Gulf Coast waters, and great water activities.

Clearwater is one of my favorite spots on the Gulf because there’s so much to do and it’s close to Tampa, St. Pete, and Madeira Beach. There are also many great beaches to visit nearby.

In this post, we’ll share some of the best places to relax on the beach close to Clearwater, so you can experience everything this area of Florida has to offer.

Best Beaches Near Clearwater!

1. Clearwater Beach

Distance From Clearwater:15 minutes

The beach that Clearwater is most well known for is its namesake, Clearwater Beach.

In recent years, it’s been named one of the best beaches in the United States.

During any time of the year, you’ll see hundreds of people lounging on the beach or splashing in the water.

Clearwater Beach is a long stretch of beach with soft, white sand and bright, turquoise waters.

Pier 60 is the top attraction at the beach, where you can walk out and enjoy the views from above the water. Many people also enjoy fishing from the pier.

2. Sand Key Park

Distance From Clearwater:20 minutes

Another of the closest beaches to the city is Sand Key Park. It’s the perfect place to go if you’ve found that Clearwater Beach is too crowded for you.

There are far fewer crowds at Sand Key Park, but you’ll still get to experience the same great white sand and turquoise water.

There are often food trucks selling snacks, a playground for the kids to play at, and a nature trail to wander down in search of coastal wildlife.

During the summer, sea turtles nest in the park!

3. Honeymoon Island – Dunedin

Distance From Clearwater:25 minutes

Just slightly north of Clearwater is Honeymoon Island State Park, where you’ll find another great beach located at the far northern end of the park.

There are more than 4 miles of beach to explore within the state park with many of them being designated for swimming.

While you’re at the beach, watch out for wildlife, since there are often animals such as coastal birds, gopher tortoises, and more.

4. Caladesi Island – Dunedin

Distance From Clearwater:20 minutes

Just south of Honeymoon Island is Caladesi Island, another of Florida’s tropical state parks.

In Caladesi Island State Park, you’ll find an untouched island to explore and enjoy an uncrowded beach space by Clearwater.

This beach is a bit harder to get to since it’s only accessible by boat.

The easiest way to get to the island is by taking the Caladesi Island Ferry from Honeymoon Island.

If you don’t love the beaches that are filled with crowds, I would recommend heading to Caladesi Island.

5. Indian Rocks Beach

Distance From Clearwater:25 minutes

Found in a quaint beach town, Indian Rocks Beach is another popular beach near Clearwater that draws in visitors from all over.

There are nearly 30 different access points for the beach, so no matter where you’re at, you can reach the beach.

This also makes it easy to spread out and find places along the beach that are less crowded.

Along the beach, you’ll find several small restaurants and businesses to pop into during your visit.

6. Redington Shores

Distance From Clearwater:30 minutes

Another beach, found right between Clearwater and St. Petersburg is the small town of Redington Shores.

Redington Beach is another of those hidden gems because you won’t find as many people on the Gulf Coast here as you will at Clearwater Beach.

The shoreline of this beach goes on for miles, and you can walk along it for a long distance.

As you walk out along the shore, look out into the water for dolphins, as they often splash around in the distance.

7. Treasure Island

Distance From Clearwater:35 minutes

The abnormally wide Treasure Island Beach is perfect for spreading out and giving you lots of space to enjoy the Sunshine State.

You’ll find 3 miles of soft, white sand beach along the Gulf Coast.

In the widest space of the beach, there are lots of local restaurants and shops to check out.

And in the middle of the beach, there’s a beach trail that’s about a mile long that wanders through the dunes and is great for walking and biking.

8. St. Pete Beach

Distance From Clearwater:40 miles

This coastal gem is one of the most popular beaches along the Florida Gulf Coast. St. Pete Beach has a vibrant atmosphere that draws visitors from all over in.

It’s known for its natural beauty, pristine white sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Nearby, you’ll find many places to participate in water sports like jet skiing, boating, paddleboarding, or watching a spectacular sunset on the beach.

The waterfront is also dotted with many great restaurants, shops, picnic areas, and more.

9. Pass-A-Grille

Distance From Clearwater:50 minutes

Past St. Pete Beach, on a stretch of land that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico, is Pass-a-Grille Beach.

It’s found in the historic district of St. Pete Beach, which gives it its charming feel. It’s a laid-back area with a stunning beach that sits right on the Gulf of Mexico.

The beach stretches all along the Pass-a-Grille area and has multiple different access points.

At the very end of the beach, there’s even a designated dog beach.

One of the best parts of Pass-a-Grille is that it’s the sister city to St. Petersburg, which sees over 350 days of sunshine a year.

This means that you can enjoy it year-round.

10. Fort De Soto

Distance From Clearwater:1 hour 10 minutes

Located within Fort De Soto Park just south of St. Petersburg, you’ll find an incredible beach called Fort De Soto Beach.

North Beach is the most popular beach to visit and is great for families.

There’s a playground here as well as a wide open sandy beach to spread out and enjoy the sunshine and warm weather.

There are even a few tidal pools that you can splash around in and search for seashells and sand dollars, which are always a treat to find.

10. Bean Point – Anna Maria Island

Distance From Clearwater:1 hour 30 minutes

Located on the far end of Anna Maria Island, Bean Point Beach.

You’ll find that this beach is much more secluded than some of the other beaches near Clearwater.

This makes it perfect for visitors who are searching for something a bit more laid-back and quiet.

Bean Point Beach features white, soft sand and is a beautiful place to take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico.

You’ll also have great views of the Tampa Bay area from the beach.

12. Manatee County Beach – Anna Maria Island

Distance From Clearwater:1 hour 30 minutes

This 7-acre beach is a large area that is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun in sunny Southern Florida.

Manatee County Beach is also found on Anna Maria Island, which is well known for its beach coastline and bright blue waters.

It’s one of the most popular places to spend time while visiting Anna Maria Island and is a great way to experience Florida’s beautiful coast.

13. Coquina Beach – Anna Maria Island

Distance From Clearwater:1 hour 30 minutes

Found just outside of Anna Maria Island in the small town of Bradenton, is Coquina Beach.

It’s nestled along the scenic coastline and offers visitors a whole lot for their stay near Clearwater.

Coquina Beach is known for its white sand and teal water, just like many of the other beaches in Florida.

Nearby, you’ll find plenty of great activities to participate in, like boat tours and sightseeing.

14. South Lido Key Beach Park

Distance From Clearwater:1 hour 40 minutes

This beautiful beach off the coast of Sarasota features 100 acres of land to explore and relax on as you enjoy Florida’s sunny skies.

A unique part of South Lido Key Beach Park is that they aim to protect the coastal habitats that are here.

So during your visit, keep an eye out for coastal wildlife like migratory birds, fish, or even marine life such as dolphins.

There are certain designated areas for swimming, so be sure that you’re in the right spot.

15. Madeira Beach

Distance From Clearwater:30 minutes

Another popular location to spend time on the beach near Clearwater is Madeira Beach. This coastal city is popular with tourists and for good reason.

The town has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that has a range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

From swimming to sunbathing or heading out on the water for a boat tour, Madeira Beach has it all.

Nearby you’ll find John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, which is a vibrant hub of shopping and dining.

16. Shell Key Preserve

Distance From Clearwater:50 minutes

This hidden gem is one that’s found just off the coast of St. Petersburg. Because it’s more difficult to get to, many people don’t visit.

But Shell Key Preserve is a stunning destination that is reachable by boat. If you’re brave enough to get there, you’ll get to enjoy a secluded paradise.

Shell Key is the largest piece of land within the preserve and is home to a beach, as well as lots of wildlife.

17. Siesta Beach

Distance From Clearwater:1 hour 45 minutes

Although a bit further away, Siesta Beach is another great option for a Clearwater beach. It’s found on Siesta Key, just off of Sarasota.

It’s been ranked as one of the best beaches in Florida and has plenty of space to enjoy the white sand beneath your feet.

The large beach has many public beach access points, as well as several locations to grab a bite to eat on the waterfront.

18. Belleair Beach

Distance From Clearwater:20 minutes

Another lesser-known beach near Clearwater is Belleair Beach. This location is found in a residential area, so it’s less touched by tourists.

Even so, it’s beautiful and a nice place to escape the crowds while still enjoying that soft white sand and bright water.

If you do visit, be sure to respect the locals, as they typically stay away from more popular destinations like Clearwater Beach.

19. Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach

Distance From Clearwater:20 minutes

This unique beach is found in Tampa Bay, rather than on Florida’s Gulf Coast. But it still makes for a great place to relax near the water.

Courtney Campbell Causeway Beach is found right off of Gulf to Bay Boulevard, so it’s often busy. It is also a bit louder because of the highway.

But there’s a restaurant nearby and the water is typically warmer than it is in the Gulf!

It’s a nice beach to make a quick stop at if you’re heading from the Tampa airport to Clearwater Beach. Another beach on the other side of the causeway is Ben T. Davis Beach!

20. Spa Beach – St. Pete Pier

Distance From Clearwater:50 minutes

Located right at the St. Pete Pier, this unique beach is a bit different of a beach than the other ones that you’ll be visiting during your stay near Clearwater.

This is a manmade beach that has recently been expanded to have more space to relax.

It’s a nice relaxing beach when compared to some of the other beaches around St. Petersburg.

It’s near the Downtown area, so you can enjoy wandering around there and relaxing at the beach.

21. Fred Howard Park- Tarpon Springs

Fred Howard Park is undoubtedly one of the best beaches near Clearwater, Florida, offering visitors a serene and picturesque coastal experience.

Located in Tarpon Springs, just a short drive from Clearwater, this stunning park boasts a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of recreational activities for all ages.

One of the main highlights of Fred Howard Park is its pristine beach. The soft white sand invites visitors to relax, soak up the sun, and take leisurely walks along the shoreline.

The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, making it a popular choice for families with children.

Moreover, the beach offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, creating a tranquil and scenic atmosphere.

Beyond the beach, Fred Howard Park offers a range of activities to keep visitors entertained.

Visitors come here to launch their canoes and kayaks and there are several picnic shelters and playgrounds.

The beach also is also great for fishing, sunsets, and spotting birds and other wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is Clearwater Beach Located?

Clearwater is located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida on a barrier island.

Clearwater Beach is a neighborhood found within the city limits of Clearwater, right on the Gulf Coast.

This is the most popular part of Clearwater since it’s home to the namesake beach.

What Other Beach Is Close To Clearwater?

There are many other beaches near Clearwater. A few of the closest are Sand Key Park Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Pass-a-Grille Beach.

Is Clearwater Or St. Petersburg Beach Better?

Both of these beaches are great, and which is better for you depends on a few things. Clearwater Beach is more lively, while St. Pete Beach is more laid back.

What Is The Prettiest Beach In Pinellas County?

Many of the beaches in Pinellas County are very beautiful. A few of the most beautiful include Clearwater Beach, Honeymoon Island, and Treasure Island.

What Beach Is Just South of Clearwater Beach?

The beach that is just south of Clearwater Beach is Sand Key Park Beach.

Wrap-Up: Beaches Near Clearwater

If you’re traveling on the Western coast of Florida, there’s a high chance that you might be visiting the Clearwater area.

This location is popular among tourists, spring breakers, and locals. But many people don’t want to visit Clearwater Beach since it’s a bit busy.

If you’re looking for other beaches near Clearwater, there are many options for you.

From ones just a few minutes away to ones that are a further drive, these great Clearwater beaches will be great for your Florida vacation.

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