If you’ve been longing to sink your toes into soft, white sand, look no further than Clearwater Public Beach.
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it boasts beautiful emerald water and powdery sand that seems to stretch to infinity.
I visited this slice of beach heaven in December, and it lived up to its reputation as one of the best beaches in the United States.
USA Today gave it the number one spot on its list of 10 must-visit beaches in the South for your next vacation in 2023, and Travel and Leisure named it one of “The 14 Best Beaches in Florida” in 2021.
Stroll along the shore collecting seashells, go for a leisurely swim, or treat yourself to a shaded cabana for the day.
Whether you choose the less-crowded northern section or camp out in the middle of the action, restaurants, restrooms, and hotels are only steps away.
I also enjoyed how clean everything was.
With great weather year-round (it was in the high 70s when I visited in December), water sports, entertainment, gorgeous sunsets, and opportunities for relaxation abound.
When I visited, the water was a bit chilly, but it was still refreshing.
If you visit between February and October, the water will range from pleasantly cool to bathwater warm.
You’re going to love Clearwater Beach!
Where Is Clearwater Beach?
Clearwater Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Tampa and St. Petersburg.
Clearwater Public Beach Access And Ameneties
Clearwater Beach has plenty of convenient access points along Mandalay Avenue and Eldorado Avenue.
Check out this list of access points and the amenities you can find at each one.
Showers, restrooms, trash receptacles, and bike racks are located at convenient and strategic points along the beach.
Plus, there are tons of cafes, shops, and restaurants within a short walk of the sugar-white sand.
Clearwater Beach Public Parking
Are you looking for parking at Clearwater Public Beach?
Before going further, check to see if the free park-and-ride service is running, or opt for the Suncoast Beach Trolley, the Jolley Trolley, or the Clearwater Ferry.
These offer cost-effective and convenient ways to get to the beach without needing to fight for a parking spot.
However, if you’d rather drive, there are plenty of parking options.
Best Parking Lots North Of The Roundabout
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Lot 36 on Rockaway Street – 145 parking spaces
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Lot 37 between Kendall and Avalon streets – 53 parking spaces
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Lot 66 on Poinsettia Avenue – 450 parking spaces
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Lot 38 at the Family Aquatic and Recreation Center – 79 spaces
Best Parking Lots South Of The Roundabout
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Lot 31 at Pier 60 – 139 parking spaces
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Lot 32 – at the corner of Devon and Hamden drives – 65 spaces
Private Parking Lots That Are Open To The Public
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A private lot north of the Hyatt Regency between Coronado Drive and South Gulfview Boulevard
On-Street Parking
There are about 389 on-street parking spots available throughout Clearwater Beach, especially along Mandalay Avenue and Papaya Street.
Booking a last-minute trip to Clearwater FL?
If so, we have you covered.
Top Tours in Clearwater FL
Little Toot Dolphin Adventure (Clearwater’s Best Dolphin Tour)
Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour (Affordable Dolphin Tour Option)
Sunset Cruise From Clearwater (Relaxing Sunset Cruise from Clearwater)
Clearwater Encounters With Dolphins Tour (Fantastic Boat Ride & Dolphins Tour)
Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise (Evening Cruise With Optional Dining)
Top Rated Hotels & Accommodations – Booking.com
Sandpearl Resort Private Beach – (4-star luxury beach resort)
Pelican Pointe Hotel – (Top-rated budget hotel)
AC Hotel by Marriott – (Cozy mid-range hotel)
Belleview Inn – (Fabulous luxury hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Clearwater FL?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗