Clearwater sits on Florida's Gulf Coast, just west of Tampa, and is best known for its beaches. Clearwater Beach, on a barrier island connected by a causeway, consistently ranks among the best in the United States: wide stretches of fine white sand, calm turquoise water, and reliable sunshine that draws everyone from spring breakers to snowbirds.
The beach scene is lively rather than secluded. Pier 60 hosts a nightly sunset festival with buskers, craft vendors, and a boardwalk atmosphere that feels like a throwback to old Florida. For something quieter, Sand Key Beach offers a more natural setting with no jet skis and fewer crowds. The town itself is modest, but the waterfront area has enough restaurants, boat charters, and watersport outfitters to fill several days. Kayaking the mangrove channels around Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs is one of the better ways to see the coast.