Virginia Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
- https://www.virginiabeach.com/
- Virginia Beach, VA 23451
About This Beach
Clearwater Beach, Florida, is the sparkling jewel of the Gulf Coast — a sun-soaked paradise where sugar-white sands meet calm turquoise waters. Consistently ranked among “America’s Best Beaches” by TripAdvisor and USA Today, Clearwater offers everything from beachside relaxation to vibrant entertainment, family fun, and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
Located just west of Tampa and St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach blends small-town charm with resort-style excitement. Visitors love Pier 60’s nightly sunset celebration, the walkable Beach Walk promenade, and an endless lineup of water activities like parasailing, dolphin cruises, and paddleboarding.
📜 History & Unique Features
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Clearwater Beach’s name originates from its clear Gulf waters, first settled in the 1800s.
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The island developed rapidly after the Memorial Causeway Bridge opened in 1926.
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Pier 60 has become the centerpiece of the beach, hosting nightly festivals and street performers.
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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is famous for rescuing marine life, including “Winter,” the dolphin from Dolphin Tale.
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The beach routinely ranks in the Top 10 Beaches in the U.S., celebrated for its clean sand, accessibility, and year-round sunshine.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring (Mar–May): Ideal weather, clear skies, and warm water.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season with events and festivals.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Fewer crowds, great sunsets, and mild temperatures.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Sunshine and warmth while the rest of the U.S. cools down.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season with events and festivals.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Fewer crowds, great sunsets, and mild temperatures.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Sunshine and warmth while the rest of the U.S. cools down.
Things To Do
Popular Activities
- Swimming & Sunbathing
- Pier 60 Sunset Festival
- Dolphin-watching cruises
- Jet skiing & Parasailing
- Paddleboarding & Kayaking
- Beach Volleyball
- Fishing Charters
- Exploring Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Amenities
Nearby Amenities
- Lifeguards year-round
- Public restrooms and outdoor showers
- Dozens of oceanfront resorts and restaurants
- Paid parking lots and garages near the beach
- Beach chair and umbrella rentals
- Accessible boardwalk and beach wheelchairs
- Family playgrounds and shaded pavilions
- Water taxi and trolley transportation
Where to Stay
Where to Stay
Sandpearl Resort: AAA Four-Diamond luxury with private beachfront.
Opal Sands Resort: Sleek, modern resort with infinity pool and spa.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach: Family-friendly with rooftop pool and cabanas.
Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel: Mid-range stay with unbeatable views.
Hampton Inn & Suites: Budget-friendly comfort near Beach Walk.
Opal Sands Resort: Sleek, modern resort with infinity pool and spa.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach: Family-friendly with rooftop pool and cabanas.
Pier House 60 Clearwater Beach Marina Hotel: Mid-range stay with unbeatable views.
Hampton Inn & Suites: Budget-friendly comfort near Beach Walk.
Beach Hours
Beach Hours
Open Now
Open 24/7
Hours/Lifeguards
Hours/Lifeguards
Beach Access: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pier 60: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunset Celebration: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily (weather permitting)
Pier 60: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunset Celebration: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily (weather permitting)
Pricing
Pricing
Beach Access: Free
Parking: $2–$3/hour ($20/day typical)
Pier 60 Fishing: $10 (adults) | $8 (kids/seniors)
Dolphin Cruise: $25–$35/person
Jet Ski Rental: $90/hour
Beach Chair + Umbrella: $35/day
Parking: $2–$3/hour ($20/day typical)
Pier 60 Fishing: $10 (adults) | $8 (kids/seniors)
Dolphin Cruise: $25–$35/person
Jet Ski Rental: $90/hour
Beach Chair + Umbrella: $35/day
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Sand Key Park: Quieter beach just south of Clearwater Beach.
Caladesi Island State Park: Unspoiled paradise accessible by ferry.
Honeymoon Island State Park: Great for shelling and nature walks.
Downtown Clearwater: Shops, restaurants, and live music at Coachman Park.
Tampa Bay Area: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, and professional sports nearby.
Caladesi Island State Park: Unspoiled paradise accessible by ferry.
Honeymoon Island State Park: Great for shelling and nature walks.
Downtown Clearwater: Shops, restaurants, and live music at Coachman Park.
Tampa Bay Area: Busch Gardens, Florida Aquarium, and professional sports nearby.
Food & Drinks
Food & Drinks
Clearwater Beach’s dining scene is as lively as its sunsets — with fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and oceanfront views everywhere you look.
Top Picks:
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill: Local legend for grouper sandwiches and beach views.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar: Laid-back classic with live music.
Island Way Grill: Upscale seafood and sushi near the marina.
Caretta on the Gulf: Elegant fine dining at Sandpearl Resort.
Crabby’s Dockside: Family favorite with rooftop bar and Gulf views.
Jimmy’s Crows Nest: Rooftop bar for panoramic sunsets.
Top Picks:
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill: Local legend for grouper sandwiches and beach views.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar: Laid-back classic with live music.
Island Way Grill: Upscale seafood and sushi near the marina.
Caretta on the Gulf: Elegant fine dining at Sandpearl Resort.
Crabby’s Dockside: Family favorite with rooftop bar and Gulf views.
Jimmy’s Crows Nest: Rooftop bar for panoramic sunsets.
Events & Festivals
Events & Festivals
Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival (April): Stunning sand sculptures and live entertainment.
Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October): Nationally acclaimed music festival.
Clearwater Super Boat National Championship (September): High-speed marine racing.
Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival: Year-round evening celebration.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (December): Festive coastal tradition.
Clearwater Jazz Holiday (October): Nationally acclaimed music festival.
Clearwater Super Boat National Championship (September): High-speed marine racing.
Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival: Year-round evening celebration.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (December): Festive coastal tradition.
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Travel Tips & Local Insights
Parking fills up fast — arrive early or use the Jolley Trolley or Clearwater Ferry.
Alcohol is prohibited on the beach (except in resort zones).
The sunsets at Pier 60 are world-famous — bring your camera.
Visit midweek for fewer crowds.
Stay hydrated — Gulf Coast heat can be intense, especially in summer.
Dolphins are frequently spotted near the pier and Sand Key Bridge.
Alcohol is prohibited on the beach (except in resort zones).
The sunsets at Pier 60 are world-famous — bring your camera.
Visit midweek for fewer crowds.
Stay hydrated — Gulf Coast heat can be intense, especially in summer.
Dolphins are frequently spotted near the pier and Sand Key Bridge.
Safety & Rules
Safety & Rules
No glass, alcohol, or smoking on the beach.
Dogs not allowed on Clearwater Beach (use Sand Key Dog Park).
Swim in designated lifeguard zones.
Avoid feeding wildlife (especially seagulls!).
Observe red/yellow/green flags for water safety.
Dogs not allowed on Clearwater Beach (use Sand Key Dog Park).
Swim in designated lifeguard zones.
Avoid feeding wildlife (especially seagulls!).
Observe red/yellow/green flags for water safety.
FAQs
Can you swim year-round?
Absolutely — Gulf waters stay warm even in winter.
Is alcohol allowed?
Only at licensed beachfront bars or private resorts.
Are there dolphins nearby?
Yes — daily sightings from the pier and boat tours.
Contact Information
Primary Phone
Website URL
Location
Beach Address
1, Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, 33767, United States
Access Points
Main Access Point:
Pier 60 / Clearwater Beach
1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA
Getting There:
From Tampa: 40 minutes via FL-60 W / Courtney Campbell Causeway
From St. Petersburg: 35 minutes via US-19 N
Nearest Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA), 22 miles away
Parking: Metered lots and garages ($2–$3/hour or $20/day)
Pier 60 / Clearwater Beach
1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767, USA
Getting There:
From Tampa: 40 minutes via FL-60 W / Courtney Campbell Causeway
From St. Petersburg: 35 minutes via US-19 N
Nearest Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA), 22 miles away
Parking: Metered lots and garages ($2–$3/hour or $20/day)
1, Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida, 33767, United States
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