Clearwater is truly the people’s beach – two and a half miles of public access with plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas available, ample public restrooms and outdoor showers topped with happy turtle sculptures.

Headed to Clearwater or Clearwater Beach, FL, and want the scoop on the best freebies when you visit? From shelling to gorgeous nightly views, here are the best free things to do in Clearwater and vicinity!

There are so many unique and fun things to do at Clearwater Beach, Blake, a 14 year old homeschooler, shares his favorites.

Clearwater’s sand is white, soft and powdery and the beaches have garnered awards including one of America’s Top Family Beaches, Top Singles Beaches, Best City Beach and Best Sunsets in Florida.

Clearwater is an ideal vacation destination 365 days a year because of its sheer beauty, mild climate, plethora of activities, accommodations, dining options and location on the Gulf of Mexico.

Get the scoop on some of the best things for a teen to do in Clearwater, Florida. 

Sure, Clearwater Beach, FL, is known for its gorgeous sugar sand. It’s known for its picturesque sunsets. But what about when you’re hangry and want to know where to eat in Clearwater Beach? Where do the locals eat? Here are the top picks for the best restaurants for foodies in Clearwater Beach.

Check out Clearwater Beach’s Pier 60 Sunset Festival to see what makes the nightly event so special. 

There is so much more that Clearwater can offer, from amazing Gulf-to-table seafood to luxurious spas to outdoor attractions to rejuvenating spas. 

Read about the available activities and all there is to explore to discover why so many consider Clearwater Beach a “Hidden Gem”. 

Headed to Clearwater, FL, and not sure what to see and do? Or maybe you’ve already been but want to venture away from that gorgeous sugar sand and explore?  Here are the best things to do in Clearwater Beach and in Clearwater, FL: five must-see attractions.

Family Vacation Critic has announced its annual list of the best beaches for families, naming the best beaches in the U.S. for groups traveling with children. Every beach on the list must meet strict criteria of specific interest to families: lifeguards, convenient restrooms, nearby activities and lodging, and clean and calm waters.

Thousands of people descend upon the sands of Clearwater Beach for spring break and 2018 is the year to join them.

If you’re looking for a reason to travel, TripAdvisor just gave you a good one. The travel website announced this week that Clearwater Beach, located in Pinellas County on Florida’s west coast, is the best beach in the United States in 2018.

What could be more family friendly than a festival built around sand castles — and what sand castles! Watch professional sand artists  carve enormous and elaborate sand sculptures with Clearwater’s famous soft sand.

Clearwater is a special place for Natalie as she and her husband, Johnny Jet, were engaged at the Sandpearl Resort.

With its powdery white sand, stunning Gulf Coast shoreline and magnificent sunsets, Clearwater Beach is perfect for spring break. It’s not just for swimming; spring breakers can kayak, fish, sail, jet ski, parasail and enjoy dolphin-watching cruises.

Clearwater has hotels for every budget including some new luxurious ones that are all relatively inexpensive, family-friendly and easy to get to.

Less than two hours from Disney, Epcot and Universal in Orlando, and only an hour from Busch Gardens in Tampa, Clearwater is the perfect place to head after you’ve overdosed on rides, characters and junk food.

Kick back and listen to Vacation Mavens, Kim and Tamara talking about Clearwater in a recent podcast episode.  Not only do they rave about the beach and grouper, but they also talk about the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Wyndham Grand, Residence Inn/Springhill Suites, Surf Style, and Sunsets at Pier 60.  

The gulf waters of Clearwater Beach in Clearwater, Florida, are warm and inviting, and the town is family-friendly, with an aquarium, plenty of restaurants, and beachfront activities.

Beach-loving families will find Gulf of Mexico views from all of the 230 rooms at the shorefront Opal Sands Resort, each done in tones of driftwood and sea blue. Chairs are available to rent at the beach, where the shallow and often calm water attracts swimmers.

At Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach, sun yourself on white sand beaches, swim with dolphins or enjoy poolside drinks after some time at the spa.

Pier 60 is the place to be in Clearwater Beach for spectacular sunsets and a nightly sunset festival that includes live music, magicians, stilt walkers and local artisans. The clear, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico makes this a great choice for families. Book a dolphin cruise or take to the sky for parasailing.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently reclassified green sea turtles in Florida from endangered to threatened in part of their range, due to increased numbers of turtles nesting in Florida and on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

Organizer Lisa Chandler greeted guests and VIPs at her annual Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival sponsored by Bright House Networks, which will showcase more than 1,000 tons of music-theme sand sculptures through Sunday, April 24, in Clearwater Beach, Florida.

A year-round destination, according to TripAdvisor, Clearwater was recognized for its “sugar fine white sand” and the increased likelihood of spotting dolphins along the Gulf shoreline. There are lots of shops and restaurants that line the beachfront, providing visitors plenty to do during their stay.

Clearwater Beach was featured as one of the nation’s most beautiful beaches for family trips to Florida. 2.5 miles of fine sand beaches, picturesque boardwalks, funky beach shacks, a beach festival every single night, and ice cream shops all along the beach are just a few activities families can enjoy.

Dolphin Tale stars Winter and Hope have made a profound impact on Clearwater’s tourism sector and economy. Guests from all over the world have visited the dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, whose main mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals into the wild.

Clearwater Beach has silky sand beaches, shimmering blue Gulf of Mexico surf, deluxe luxury resorts and upscale dining to please guests of all ages. The National Post takes a closer look at new Clearwater developments.

The new Opal Sands Resort was listed as the property of the month on Successful Meetings. The resort features luxury suites, ocean view rooms, Sea-Guini restaurant, and a lively beach-chic atmosphere.

It’s not easy to find beachfront dining in the Tampa area, but you can nearly put your feet in the sand at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach. The most popular item on the menu is the grouper sandwich; made fresh from the Gulf of Mexico via Frenchy’s own fleet of fishing boats.

Home to luxury beachfront hotels and fantastic dining options, Clearwater is a great getaway for every type of traveler. Delicious Italian seafood creations, grouper sandwiches, and wood oven pizzas are just a few choices visitors can enjoy while exploring the city’s great beach views.

The new Opal Sands Resort on Clearwater Beach is the newest property making headlines. The resort boosts luxury beach views and 17,000 square feet of waterfront space.

The award-winning Bright House Field – the Phillies Spring Training Facility in Clearwater, Florida – just got even better with several new additions recently made to its food, fashion and fandom lineup.

Clearwater Beach is a popular Spring Break destination, and Travel + Leisure has determined when travelers can enjoy the best deals.

The Phillies have packed their Spring Training truck, and will make the annual 1,058-mile trek from Citizens Bank Park to Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. The truck holds a variety of items, including sports equipment, Phillies clothing, and the famous hot dog launcher.

​The start of Phillies Spring Training is here, and Clearwater Beach serves up a variety of activities and places to see.

TripAdvisor’s rankings of the world’s best beaches are in, and Florida’s Clearwater Beach topped the U.S. rankings.

The Phillies equipment truck completed the long trip from Philadelphia to Clearwater, FL ahead of 2016 Spring Training. The truck arrived on Valentine’s Day and for fans who love America’s Pastime, spring training marks the beginning of a long and beautiful year.

Take advantage of the direct flights from Springfield to Clearwater and plan an effortless trip to Florida. Step 1: Find a House Step 2: Book your flight Step 3: Plan your meals Step 4: Find some fun Step 5: Just relax

Opal Sands Resort, the newest property under Ocean Properties, Ltd. & Affiliates, is opening in February in Clearwater Beach, setting the bar for luxury beachfront accommodations in Florida’s #1 Best Beach Town, as named by USA Today.

Clearwater Beach is ranked on USA Today’s 10 most popular spring break destinations for 2016. With miles of stunning white sugar sands, sunny skies, and a variety of activities, Clearwater is a great spot for families and couples to explore.

Clearwater Beach was named the #1 beach in the U.S. by the top ranked travel site TripAdvisor for the 2016 Traveler’s Choice Awards.

From the quick car ride out to the Clearwater Beach area that takes you on a bridge over breathtaking Tampa Bay and to the Gulf of Mexico, to the many things to do (for the active and the not so), Clearwater Beach is ready for guests.

Sea turtles stunned by the cold weather have been arriving by the dozens at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, stretching the aquarium’s turtle team thin. The Tampa Bay area reached frigid temperatures, causing an influx of sea turtle intakes. Sea turtles are reptiles and assume the temperatures of the environment around them. When the temperatures drop, it puts sea turtles at risk of being cold-stunned.

Nestled along Florida’s glittering Gulf Coast, the 450-guestroom Wyndham Grand Resort Clearwater Beach on South Gulfview Boulevard at the north end of the prominent Beach Walk, is scheduled to open in early 2017. The $175 million mega-resort will span 700,000 sq. ft, featuring a large outdoor pool complex, a spa, and several restaurants accessible from Beach Walk. For more information, visit wyndhamworldwide.com.

DUNEDIN, FLA. – You haven’t memorized Josh Donaldson’s career batting average. Your screen saver doesn’t show Jose Bautista’s bat flip. Still, you’re happy to be headed to see the Toronto Blue Jays play some spring training games in the St. Petersburg-Clearwater-Dunedin region of Florida and, lucky for you, it is a diverse, relaxed family destination even for those who are not Jays fans. Here’s a list of great things to do from a guy who covered the Jays for six years and makes regular visits to the area.

If you’re looking for more than just a beach, then you must visit Clearwater Beach. Yes, it’s an enormous stretch of pearly white sand on the Gulf Coast, but it also boasts plenty of nightlife and restaurants to keep you busy off the beach too.

With horseback riding trails, wholesome lawn sports, and a pristinely restored antique motor yacht plucked straight from the early 20th century, you won’t waste a moment of your family vacation fretting over how to keep everyone in the group occupied. It’s no wonder it received a perfect score at the top of our Best Family Beach Hotels list.

Clearwater and the new Opal Sands Resort is being highlighted in this months issue of one of NYC leading lifestyle magazines. Editor-in-Chief Pamela Jacobs picks her favorite ways to expand your horizons this year, both in NYC and in South Florida.

Along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast rests the sunny town of Clearwater. Sugar sand beaches, year round sunshine, and a variety of activities ensure everyone who visits Clearwater will leave with lasting memories. Clearwater invites travelers to celebrate the 30th Anniversary Outback Bowl college football championship game with a day of fun and sun on its world-renowned Gulf beaches.

Feeling an ocean breeze is lovely. Enjoying it while also listening to live music and nibbling on a bowl of warm chips – that might be paradise.

Clearwater and the new Opal Sands Resort is being highlighted in this months issue of one of NYC leading lifestyle magazines. Editor-in-Chief Pamela Jacobs picks her favorite ways to expand your horizons this year, both in NYC and in South Florida.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida houses the stars of the hit movies Dolphin Tale 1 and 2, Winter and Hope. These two dolphins have a permanent home in the Winter Zone exhibit, which was used as a filming location for Dolphin Tale 2. Winter was found stranded off the coast of Florida and lost her tail. Today, she swims with a prosthetic tail and guests will learn all about her story as well as Hope’s. Other exhibits include Otter Oasis, Turtle Cave, Stingray Beach, and Shipwreck Alley, an underwater viewing tunnel.

Clearwater Beach is a quintessential beach town: boardwalks, beach shacks, nightly sunset festivals and ample ice cream shops on over three miles of white powder sand.

Our fabulous Captain Blight’s Landing Miniature Golf Course was featured in USA Today as one of the nations best.

Clearwater was stated as having one of America’s best shorelines in Travel Channel’s list of “Best American Beaches.”

Clearwater Celebrates America was featured in USA Today’s article, “Fourth Fireworks: America’s Birthday at the Beach.” The annual fireworks show was highlighted.

Clearwater was included in Business Insider’s article, “The 23 Best Beaches in America.” Clearwater was highlighted as a family-friendly beach town.

Clearwater was included in Fox News’ “9 Beaches that are Perfect for Families.” Clearwater was featured as a beach destination perfect for all ages.

USA Today and 10Best readers named Clearwater Beach the second best beach in Florida, highlighting its nightly sunset celebration.

Clearwater Beach was included in a CNN article, “TripAdvisor’s Picks: Best Beaches in the World and the US,” which states it is one of the top 10 best beaches in the US.

Clearwater was highlighted as one of Florida’s 15 most popular beaches on Thrillist.com. Clearwater’s Sandpearl Resort was also featured as a “laid-back summer bungalow.”

Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill’s famous Grouper sandwich was included in Forbes’ article,“15 Most Memorable Restaurant Meals of 2014.”

Clearwater was highlighted as one of the “The 25 Best Beaches in America” on Thrillist.com.

Susan Barnes, a local expert from Tampa, describes Clearwater as “Fun, Naturally.”

Clearwater Beach was included in a BuzzFeed article which states it is the place to go for the “best grouper sandwich of your life.” The Sandpearl Resort, Frenchy’s and Captain Memo’s are all included as recommendations.

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival was featured on NBC’s Today Show on Saturday, April 5th. The festival was highlighted as “Today’s Top Spot” on this nationally aired morning show.

Clearwater Beach was included as “Best Family Beach” in the Travel Channel’s “Travel’s Best Beach Awards 2014.”

Alexis Clark from Condé Nast was looking for romantic vacation proposals and the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa’s marine “mission” proposal made the cut!

Henry Billings was hosted in Clearwater for the Bright House 2013 Clearwater Super Boat National Championship & Festival, and this piece follows his time at the event, in preparation for this year’s event.

​Captain Memo’s Original Pirate Cruise in Clearwater was included in a round-up of the 14 Travel Adventures for Families in 2014, and ran in the print issue of the Los Angeles Times, as well as online and in their e-newsletter.

USA Today readers vote the Clearwater Marine Aquarium as “Best Florida Attraction!”

New York Times helps inform the public that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium will be open on weekends during the filming of highly anticipated “Dolphin Tale 2.”

​Jon Waterhouse recently provided readers with a list of places to visit in the State of Florida with a rich cultural heritage, with Clearwater being Number One!

Travel writer Pamela Jacobs visited Clearwater during the Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival.

The Dossier issue of United Hemispheres featured Tampa Bay as the perfect place to do business, and included a segment on tourism.

Kelley Scarsbrook recently visited Clearwater for the first Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival and loved the destination.

The Laypath family traveled to Florida for their son, Andrew’s Make-a-Wish trip – he was diagnosed with cancer, but is currently in remission. In addition to visiting Disneyland, they also traveled to Clearwater to meet Winter!

Jessica Padykula created a round-up of fun Father’s Day trips for daughters to consider, including Clearwater.

We hosted a group of media during the Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival, and this article by Giuliana Nanetti covered the entire area beautifully!

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is included in this roundup of 5 top Florida aquariums.

Travel Agent Magazine promoted the brand new Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival to travel agents with this article about the event.

Visit Florida’s Entertainment & Luxury Insider, Kara Franker, promoted the Frenchy’s Sugar Sand Festival with this blog posting.

​The readers of USA Today voted Clearwater the best beach town in Florida, and travel editor Laura Bly visited the destination to find out what it’s all about!

Foodie travel is getting more and more popular by the day. The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa hosted Clearwater Beach Uncorked, and Myschia was their guest.

Familytravel.com’s Six Mother Daughter Getaways by Lynn O’Rourke Hays.

Perceptive Travel’s The Sea as a Race Course: Super Boats off Clearwater Beach.

Visit Florida’s Entertainment & Luxury article about VIP Access to the Clearwater Super Boat Championship and Seafood Festival.

Mommy Poppins’ article about 25 things to do in Clearwater.

Mommy Poppins joined us on a press trip, and was very impressed with the Hilton, who hosted them.

Montreal Gazette’s urban expressions article on Clearwater, Florida.

Delaware Bride’s article on Clearwater, Florida as a wedding destination.

​Dallas Morning News article about activities for mothers and daughters.

​Baypop magazine featured an article about the upcoming 33rd annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday taking place in October 2012, with Bonnie Raitt as headline artist.

Dallas Child’s kids culture writer Jessica Bower writes about the destination after a visit.

USA Today’s Go Escape about America’s secret beaches.

Calgary Herald’s Escape from Orlando’s Epicentre by Jody Robbins.