Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach, located about 30 minutes west of downtown Tampa, has been voted the #1 beach in America by TripAdvisor multiple times. For families, the appeal is straightforward: 2.5 miles of powdery white quartz sand, calm turquoise Gulf of Mexico water, and a nightly sunset celebration that makes every evening feel like a festival.

The sand quality is what first strikes visitors. Unlike shell-fragment beaches that get hot and sharp, Clearwater's quartz sand stays cool underfoot even in summer heat. Kids can walk, run, and build sandcastles barefoot all day. The beach is wide -- over 100 feet deep at many points -- so even on busy summer weekends, there's room to spread out.

The Gulf of Mexico water at Clearwater is warm, calm, and remarkably clear. The gradual slope allows kids to walk far from shore while remaining in shallow water. Waves are gentle compared to Atlantic beaches, making it ideal for young swimmers and families with toddlers. The water temperature ranges from the mid-70s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.

The Pier 60 sunset celebration is a defining Clearwater Beach experience. Beginning two hours before sunset every evening, the pier and surrounding beach fill with street performers, artisan vendors, face painters, and live musicians. As the sun approaches the horizon, crowds gather to watch it drop into the Gulf.

Dolphins are frequently spotted from the pier, and the collective atmosphere -- families, music, performers, and a Gulf Coast sunset -- creates genuinely memorable evenings. It's completely free.

The beachfront area includes a paved path for walking and biking, rental shops for water sports equipment, and marina docks where dolphin-watching cruises, parasailing, and jet ski rentals are available. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium -- home of Winter the dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale -- is a 10-minute drive and makes an excellent half-day pairing with the beach.

Parking is the primary logistical challenge. Multiple garages and lots serve the beach area, but close spots fill quickly on summer weekends. Rates run $2.50-5/hour. Arriving before 10 AM is the best strategy. Street metered parking is available but competitive. Consider parking in lots on the north end of the beach, where availability is better and a short walk brings you to less crowded sand.