Major city · United States
ClearwaterClearwater, Florida
Base on Clearwater Beach for 2–3 nights if the sand is the point; sleep downtown only if you want cheaper rooms and a car.
Clearwater is two places joined by a causeway: the mainland downtown, and Clearwater Beach on a barrier island about 5 km west. The beach is the reason most people come — wide white sand, lifeguards, a nightly sunset market at Pier 60. Downtown is cheaper, flatter and closer to the airport, but you will drive or take the trolley to the water. Two or three nights covers it; a week works if you add St. Pete, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun–Sep (heat, humidity, storm season), plus spring-break weeks in March
- Airports
- PIE · TPA
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Clearwater911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Pinellas County non-emergency727-582-6200
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Clearwater, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyClearwater Beach is busy and well patrolled by day; the real risks are rip currents, summer heat and petty theft from unattended beach bags.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 727-582-6200 Pinellas County non-emergency
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPIE St.
- Getting aroundA car is the easy answer: the beach, downtown, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs are 15–40 min apart and buses are slow.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$4–7
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, main courseAdd 18–22% tip and 7% sales tax.$22–40
- Street or quick mealGrouper sandwich or a casual lunch$15–25
- BeerDraft beer at a beach bar$7–10
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Ride-hail, beach to downtown$15–25
- Museum or sight ticketClearwater Marine Aquarium entry$30–40 (check)
- Budget bedHostel or motel bed, a night, per personUS$45
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$190
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$340
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$110 · Mid US$200 · High US$380
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PIE St. Pete–Clearwater International (About 20–25 min by road to the beach; limited routes, mostly Allegiant plus a few others) · TPA Tampa International (About 30–40 min by road; the main gateway with far more flights)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Feb
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Care
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Apr
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Best: Apr–May, Oct–Nov. Mixed: Mar. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Apr (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Clearwater: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
Mar
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6 rd
Apr
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Dec
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the easy answer: the beach, downtown, Dunedin and Tarpon Springs are 15–40 min apart and buses are slow. Without one, use the Suncoast Beach Trolley along the coast and PSTA buses to downtown St. Petersburg; ride-hailing works but surges at sunset and on weekend nights. Parking on Clearwater Beach is paid and fills by mid-morning in season.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Drive or trolley north along the coast
Small downtown, Pinellas Trail and Blue Jays spring training in Feb–Mar.
Tarpon Springs
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Drive north on US 19 or Alt 19
Greek sponge docks; go for lunch and the boats.
Door to door: About 40–60 min
Drive over the causeway, or PSTA bus
Museums, the Pier and a bigger downtown; a full day.
Door to door: About 45–60 min
Drive south along Gulf Blvd
Similar beach to the one you are on; only worth it if you want a change of scene.
Safety Harbor
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive east on SR 60 then north
Small bayfront town with a spa and a walkable main street.
Largo
skipDoor to door: About 20 min
Drive or PSTA bus south
Mostly residential and retail; nothing you need on a short trip.
Palm Harbor
skipDoor to door: About 30 min
Drive north on US 19
Suburban; use it for a specific restaurant or the trail, not as a sight.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Clearwater Beach (Mandalay Ave and around Pier 60)
Walk to sand, pier and restaurants; resort prices, resort fees and parking charges. Book early for March.
Sand Key
Quieter strip south of the beach across the bridge; a few resorts, Sand Key Park next door, still need a car or trolley for dinner.
Downtown Clearwater
Cheaper rooms, breweries and the aquarium side of the causeway; 10–15 min drive or trolley to the beach.
Ulmerton Road / Countryside
Chain hotels near PIE and the mall; only worth it for an early flight or a car-based trip.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $160–260 excl. bed
- High
- $300+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 3 nights × US$190 | US$570 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$200 | US$1,200 |
| Ride-hail TPA to Clearwater Beach, one way1 × US$55 · check | US$55 |
| Suncoast Beach Trolley day pass2 × US$5 | US$10 |
| Beach parking, one day1 × US$20 · check | US$20 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$190 |
| Trip total≈ US$348 per person per day, bed included | US$2,085 |
Beach resorts cost more and add resort and parking fees.
2026 estimate in US dollars, before sales tax; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $4–7 |
| Grouper sandwich or a casual lunch | $15–25 |
| Sit-down dinner, main courseAdd 18–22% tip and 7% sales tax. | $22–40 |
| Draft beer at a beach bar | $7–10 |
| Ride-hail, beach to downtown | $15–25 |
| Clearwater Marine Aquarium entry | $30–40 (check) |
| Beach umbrella and chair rental | $20–40 (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat and humidity: plan beach time before 11:00 and after 16:00, and watch the flag warnings for rip currents and stingrays.Summer heat and humidity: plan beach time before 11:00 AM and after 4:00 PM, and watch the flag warnings for rip currents and stingrays.
- Hurricane season runs Jun–Nov, peaking Aug–Oct; keep a flexible booking and check forecasts before you fly.
- Beach parking is metered and scarce; arrive before 10:00 in season or pay for a lot.Beach parking is metered and scarce; arrive before 10:00 AM in season or pay for a lot.
- Downtown Clearwater has a large Scientology presence; some buildings are organisation-only and not open to visitors.
- Spring-break weeks in March bring crowds, higher room rates and traffic on the causeway.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Pinellas County non-emergency
- 727-582-6200
Pocket card
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ClearwaterClearwater, Florida
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Pinellas County non-emergency727-582-6200
Embassy
No embassies in Clearwater; consulates are in Miami and Atlanta (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Ride-hail TPA → Clearwater Beach: $45–70, 30–40 min (check)
- Suncoast Beach Trolley: about $2.25 a ride, about $5 all day
- Beach parking: metered by the hour; lots charge by the day (check)
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% for taxis and ride-hailing.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Clearwater. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Sep (heat, humidity, storm season), plus spring-break weeks in March · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for PIE and TPA: last trolley and bus times, taxi and ride-hail fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Pier 60 and Mandalay Ave, Sand Key and Sand Key Park, downtown and the aquarium, Countryside for a rainy day.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, Sand Key Park, Countryside Mall rink) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm and heat fixtures so gates A–D can go green in Jun–Nov.