Anthony Collins, Unsplash License, Source

Clearwater

Sugary beaches meet dolphin paradise

Clearwater sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast where soft white sand beaches meet calm turquoise waters. The city has a busy downtown with shops, restaurants and a lively boardwalk along the waterfront. Outdoor activities are common year-round; people swim, fish or bike along scenic routes. Clearwater is known for its sunny weather, friendly locals and annual events like the Pier 60 sunset celebration. With easy access to nearby islands and nature preserves, visitors can explore both city life and natural beauty without traveling far.

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City in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.4

General Safety:	5
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	9
Tap water:	9

Read details

5/5

English is the primary language spoken throughout Clearwater. All service providers, attractions, and businesses communicate fluently in English. Spanish is also commonly understood in many establishments due to Florida's diverse population.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Clearwater Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Excellent for white-sand beaches and seaside relaxation. Swim in calm Gulf waters, watch sunsets, take dolphin cruises and enjoy beachside dining.

Place score

7.5

Best at:

Sea

Guided tours

Beaches

Walkable

Spotless

Personal score

Suited for

👶 9

Families

🧓 9

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

❤️ 9

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Clearwater, United States

☀️

Jan

☀️

Feb

☀️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

🔥

Jun

🌦️

Jul

🌦️

Aug

🌦️

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	Jan. - April, June - July, Dec.
Shoulder season:	May, Aug., Oct. - Nov.
Crowdedness:	6 (Many tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Hurricane season June to November, most likely late August to October

March spring-break weeks: Clearwater Beach packed, hotel prices peak

Don't miss

🏖️ Relax on Clearwater Beach’s soft white sandy shores
🐬 Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium and meet Winter the dolphin
🌅 Watch nightly sunset festival entertainment at Pier 60
🏴‍☠️ Take a pirate-themed family cruise on Captain Memo’s ship
🌿 Explore nature trails at Caladesi Island State Park
🎶 Enjoy live concerts at Ruth Eckerd Hall

You've been here?

Why travel to Clearwater?

Clearwater offers that rare combination of natural beauty and accessible fun that makes it perfect for both families and couples seeking a beach getaway. The star attraction is undoubtedly Clearwater Beach with its powdery white sand and calm, shallow waters that are ideal for swimming and water activities. What sets it apart from other Florida beaches is the vibrant yet manageable atmosphere – lively enough to be entertaining but not overwhelmingly crowded like some of the state's more famous destinations. What makes Clearwater truly special is how it balances beach relaxation with meaningful experiences. The daily Sunsets at Pier 60 festival combines nature's spectacle with local artisans and street performers, creating a community celebration rather than just another tourist trap. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium focuses on rescue and rehabilitation rather than mere entertainment, allowing visitors to connect with marine conservation efforts. And for those seeking adventure, the abundant dolphin watching tours, fishing charters and water sports provide authentic ways to experience the Gulf's natural beauty. Just be aware that traffic and parking can be challenging during peak season (December-April) and the summer months bring both heat and afternoon thunderstorms that can interrupt beach plans.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Clearwater Marine Aquarium
2 Coachman Park
3 Heritage Village Path

🎡Places for activities

1 Beach Walk Way Northeast
2 PSTA Clearwater Ferry Beachside Stop
3 Marina
4 Johns Pass
5 Pier 60

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Caladesi Island State Park
2 Clearwater Bay
3 Clearwater Beach
4 Clearwater Harbor
5 Honeymoon Island State Park
6 Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
7 Moccasin Lake Nature Park
8 Sand Key Park

🛍️Shopping

1 Clearwater Mall
2 Countryside Mall

🎈Events

Sunsets at Pier 60 (Daily)
Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival
Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Sugar Sand Festival
Clearwater Super Boat National Championship
Clearwater Offshore Nationals
Clearwater Beach Chalk Art Festival
Clearwater Beach Restaurant Week
Clearwater Hispanic Festival
Clearwater Winter Wonderland

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Visit Clearwater Beach. Voted among America's best beaches.
Catch the daily sunset celebration at Pier 60 with performers, artisans and live music.
See rescued dolphins and marine life at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter.
Take a dolphin cruise from the marina for close wildlife encounters and Gulf views.

How to travel to Clearwater

The most convenient way to reach Clearwater is through Tampa International Airport (TPA), located about 20 miles east. From there, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service or use PSTA public transportation to reach Clearwater. If you're already in Florida, Clearwater is accessible via major highways including US-19 and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard (SR-60). For those traveling from other parts of Pinellas County, the Clearwater Ferry offers a scenic alternative to driving, connecting from multiple points including Downtown Clearwater.

Access summary

From Tampa Airport (TPA): Taxi, rideshare or shuttle, about 30–40 minutes’ drive.
From St. Pete–Clearwater Airport (PIE): Short taxi or shuttle, roughly 20–30 minutes.
From Orlando: Drive via I‑4 and FL‑60, usually around 2 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Clearwater

Clearwater offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly hotels slightly inland. Clearwater Beach features numerous high-end and mid-range options with direct beach access, while downtown Clearwater provides more affordable alternatives. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available for around US$30 – 50 (£22.43 – 37.38) per day on a first-come, first-served basis. Be aware that prices increase significantly during peak season (December-April) and the most desirable beachfront properties book up months in advance.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach

8.9

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

9.2

Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel

9.0

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

7.8

Shephard's Live Entertainment Resort

9.1

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Clearwater or Dunedin

8.0

Rodeway Inn Clearwater - Central

7.0

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Clearwater Central

8.4

Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key

9.0

Opal Sands

9.1

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Clearwater

Getting around Clearwater is relatively easy with several transportation options. The Clearwater Ferry is a scenic water taxi with two routes connecting Downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Beach, North Beach and Dunedin - reservations are mandatory. The Jolley Trolley provides a charming way to explore the beach and nearby communities. For public transportation, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) buses cover the area with free Wi-Fi and bike racks onboard. While renting a car is an option, traffic can be congested and parking difficult, especially during peak season.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-3 %

Daily expenses in Clearwater are around 3% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend around the same on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£84	£170	£416
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£45	£90	£188
🍝 Food per day	£31	£72	£204
🚕 Transportation per day	£8	£8	£24

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£30
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£15
🍟 Fast food combo	£7.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£11.50
☕ Cappuccino	£3.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.40

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£2.20
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£13
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£10
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£70
🤧 Cold medication	£7.50
💇 Basic haircut	£14

Safety information overview

General safety

Clearwater is generally safe for tourists, with most areas well-patrolled. Exercise standard precautions at beaches by swimming in designated areas with lifeguards. During summer, be aware of afternoon thunderstorms that can develop quickly, making water activities potentially hazardous.

Health & Medical

Healthcare facilities in Clearwater are excellent, with several well-equipped hospitals and urgent care centers. The main health concerns are sun-related (sunburn, heat exhaustion, dehydration) and occasional water quality issues after heavy rains. Travel insurance is recommended for international visitors.

Accessibility

Clearwater has made significant efforts to improve accessibility, particularly at major beaches and attractions. Beach wheelchairs are available at Clearwater Beach and many hotels offer accessible rooms. Public transportation is wheelchair-friendly, though some historic areas may present challenges for those with mobility issues.

Tap water

Tap water in Clearwater is safe to drink and meets all federal and state quality standards. Public drinking fountains are available at beaches and parks. Bottled water is widely available for purchase, but using a reusable bottle helps reduce plastic waste.

Packing recommendations for Clearwater

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

Reusable water bottle

👕

Light, breathable clothing

🧥

Waterproof jacket

especially June–September

Waterproof phone case

Universal travel adaptor

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Nearby recommended places

Saint Petersburg

Naples

Orlando

Miami

Key West

Tampa

Everglades National Park

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Summary:	Mild and sunny, occasional cool fronts
Temperature:	13 – 19 °C
Water temp.:	18 °C
Rain:	12 mm (Scattered light rain)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists

Summary:	Mild and sunny, sea still cool
Temperature:	15 – 20 °C
Water temp.:	18 °C
Rain:	13 mm (Scattered light rain)
Crowdedness:	Very crowded

Summary:	Warm, dry and sunny, sea warming up
Temperature:	17 – 22 °C
Water temp.:	19 °C
Rain:	10 mm (Scattered light rain)
Crowdedness:	Very crowded

Summary:	Warm, dry and sunny, comfortable beach days
Temperature:	20 – 25 °C
Water temp.:	23 °C
Rain:	20 mm (On-and-off light rain)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists

Summary:	Hot and dry, rains start late
Temperature:	23 – 28 °C
Water temp.:	26 °C
Rain:	23 mm (Frequent light drizzle)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists