What is the difference between Clearwater and Clearwater Beach?

Clearwater Beach, Florida, is the northernmost developed barrier island along the Tampa Bay Beaches. Unlike our other island communities, Clearwater Beach is part of the City of Clearwater. Today, fun 'n sun lovers come from all over to enjoy Clearwater Beach resorts, attractions, recreation, restaurants and shopping.



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Literally translated Clear Water from the Native American Pocotopaug, the area was named for its abundant fresh springs along the shore. Settled by colonists in the mid-1830s, it was not until the 1890s that Clearwater gained a reputation as a resort community.

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Clearwater Beach's powdery white sand is part of what makes it one of America's Best Beaches. The sand actually comes from the Appalachian Mountains and is made of quartz rather than sea shells. Wonder what it takes to be named the #1 Beach in the U.S.? Let us be the judge!

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Clearwater Beach is a beautiful area and a renowned vacation destination. But let's get one thing straight: The water is not clear. More often blue, green or even tea-colored, the water in the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Harbor changes depending on the light and the algae in play.

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Yes, you can swim at our beaches, year 'round!

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Panama City Beach. Known for having the beaches with the clearest water in Florida you can not miss this Emerald Coast classic.

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Walking along the shoreline of Clearwater Beach is the perfect activity for locals and visitors alike.

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It's the Original Beach Town Florida is known for great beaches, but there's only one Clearwater Beach. It always ranks in the top echelon of beaches in the United States (and, on some lists, in the world). And the inviting Gulf of Mexico waters are always right there, just a few minutes away.

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Car Not (Necessarily) Required Clearwater Beach is a walking community. This means a car is not a necessity, unless you want to leave the beach area for other activities, such as visiting Busch Gardens. Car rentals in Florida are relatively inexpensive (use the site AutoSlash to find good deals).

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Clearwater Beach's shoreline boasts white sand, turquoise water and proximity to downtown's hotels, restaurants and attractions, making it one of the area's most popular beaches to visit.

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No alcohol is permitted on Clearwater's public beaches.

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Clearwater Beach's shoreline boasts white sand, turquoise water and proximity to downtown's hotels, restaurants and attractions, making it one of the area's most popular beaches to visit.

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It is good news that late night walks are permitted on the beach. It preserves the chance to have those special moments. Be very aware that at night during spring and summer the beach is a sea turtle nesting habitat.

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Clearwater, famous for its sugar-sand beaches, is also a popular spot for jellyfish. Clearwater Beach, a top-rated beach in the U.S., is known for its warm, calm waters, which are a favorite among Sea Nettles during the summer and fall1.

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Which Florida beaches have the clearest water?
  • St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach.
  • Bean Point Beach, Anna Maria Island.
  • Inlet Beach, South Walton.
  • Clearwater Beach, Clearwater.
  • Destin Beach, Emerald Coast.
  • Smathers Beach, Key West.
  • Navarre Beach, Florida Gulf Coast.
  • Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach.


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The Weddell Sea has been claimed by scientists to have the clearest waters of any ocean in the world. Described by a historian as “the most wretched and dismal region on earth”, due to the flash freezes that caught Shackleton's ship, its clarity is only belied by the sheer depth of the ocean below.

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Grace Bay, The Carribean Grace Bay might just have the clearest water in the world. This stunning beach constantly features in 'world's best beaches' articles and it's easy to see why.

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Arrive very early – 7-8 am or earlier – to get the best public parking. I highly recommend staying at a Clearwater Beach hotel with parking or staying at a nearby town and taking the trolley or Clearwater Beach Ferry for lower parking cost and less hassle.

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