Clearwater Beach is consistently rated the best city beach on the Gulf of Mexico according to “Dr. Beach”, also known as Dr. Stephen Leatherman, the Florida International University professor who has been ranking America’s beaches for almost two decades.  His annual ratings are based on 50 stringent criteria covering almost every measure of beach health, including sand quality, water temperature and presence of litter. We also believe it is because we offer it all here.  In fact, the Travel Channel has proclaimed Clearwater Beach the Best Activity Beach in the country.

If you want less activity and more seclusion, a several mile walk or a ferry ride will take you to Caladesi Island which “Dr. Beach” ranks as the #1 Best Beach in the county.  Ft. DeSoto Park was the #1 Best Beach in the United States in 2005.  Pinellas County is the only Florida destination which can say it has two of the "Top Ten Beaches.”

If you are interested in all the activity, you’ll find it all here too.  A wide variety of vessels berth at the Clearwater Marina, including dining yachts, sightseeing boats, dolphin encounters, sea life safaris, parasailing and more, including a pirate ship and rental boats.  Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and meet Winter, our tailless dolphin who is awaiting her prosthesis, and the other rescued sea and land animals.  Catch a theater production or concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall.  Visit Tampa’s world-class attractions, including Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium and Big Cat Rescue.  Heritage Village and the Florida Botanical Gardens offer their own special memories.  We offer more but space precludes additional mentions so visit www.visitclearwaterflorida.com to learn more or call 727-461-0011 for more information or your free visitor guide.