Are you thinking about visiting Clearwater, Florida? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Clearwater worth visiting?
This coastal city is a good place to visit for three to five days. It's located in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area and it has some of the best beaches in Florida. The blue waters of the Gulf Coast combined with the parks and outdoor activities make this a wonderful destination.
Clearwater Beach, Florida
Reasons to Visit Clearwater
Beaches
Clearwater Beach is on many lists as one of the best beaches in America. It's the most popular beach in the area and it spreads out over 2.5 miles. Sand Key Beach is another popular destination as is the pristine Caladesi Island State Park.
Museums
Perhaps most well known is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, but there are also a surprising number of museums nearby such as the Dalí Museum, the impressive Chihuly Glass Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Food
Head to the waterfront for some of the best seafood. Unfortunately this is also where you'll find the highest prices. Shrimp, crab, and a fresh catch of the day are common on many menus.
Resorts
You'll find a number of nice resorts along the coastline. Some of the most popular are the Sandpearl Resort, the Opal Sands Resort, and the Clearwater Beach Marriott.
Nightlife
You'll find laid back beach clubs, glitzy wine bars, and relaxed bars where you can spend a nice night out.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
There's both snorkeling and diving nearby. Some of the best dive spots are within and hour of the shore and you'll find diving shops that offer trips.
Shopping
You'll find all of the standard shopping options in the area such as malls, shopping centers, and outlets. Westfield Countryside Mall is a popular destination as is the Cleveland Street District.
Is Clearwater worth visiting in the Summer?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Clearwater. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.
The weather in Clearwater is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 28°C (82°F). But it can get as warm as 33°C (91°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the famous sights and museums, and the resorts. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Clearwater
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| August | 28°C (82°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
Is Clearwater worth visiting in the Autumn?
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 29°C (84°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Clearwater, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to browse the museums.
Autumn Weather in Clearwater
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 24°C (75°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| November | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| December | 17°C (62°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Clearwater worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the high season for travel in Clearwater, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Winter Weather in Clearwater
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 15°C (60°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| March | 19°C (67°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
Is Clearwater worth visiting in the Spring?
The high season for travel in Clearwater is the spring, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 22°C (71°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 28°C (82°F).
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Clearwater
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 22°C (71°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Clearwater
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Clearwater might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Clearwater here or see if Clearwater is expensive here.
Related
What is Clearwater most famous for?
Clearwater is most famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, laid back atmosphere, and watersports. The coastal city is very popular for its beaches. It is also known for its great museums, food, and resorts. And many visitors also come to this coastal city for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. It is often described as relaxing, beautiful, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled.
What is the most famous sight in Clearwater?
The most popular sight in Clearwater is Clearwater Beach. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Clearwater on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Clearwater Beach and other attractions here.
How touristy is Clearwater? Is it a popular coastal city to visit?
Clearwater is a popular coastal city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Escape Room Adventure - HERO LEAGUE: $38
- Historical Bicycle Tour of Dunedin: $65
- St. Pete Booze Cruise: $30
- Dolphin & Manatee Watching Stand Up Pedalboarding Tour: $69
- Saint Petersburg Scenic Segway Tour: $50
- Bay Area Info Tours- Tours of Pinellas in a Luxury Mini Van: $100
- St Pete History and Heritage Biking Tour with Lunch: $95
- Private Guided Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise in St. Petersburg: $99
How long should I spend in Clearwater?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Clearwater is at least three or as many as five days. Since Clearwater has a variety of activities such as beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Clearwater?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Clearwater?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Clearwater?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.