Clearwater Beach Island — Local services in Clearwater

This is one of my favorite beaches on the West Coast of Florida. It is about 25 minutes from Tampa International Airport. If you arrive in the area in the afternoon, you may have a difficult time finding parking spaces here at this beach.

PARKING-There is a parking lot directly in front of the beach near the fishing pier. In the summer, you need to get to it early, before 9 am, if you want to get a close up space. The ticket machines for parking take coins and credit cards.

Note, should it get full, there is another beachfront lot about 3 blocks north. Take Mandalay Avenue up a few blocks and turn left on Rockaway St. If that lot is full, you will have to use public garages around the area.

PIER-There is a very long fishing pier, which you have to pay a small fee to access. It is an excellent place to photographs birds. Pelicans and heron are always around trying to figure out how to grab a fisherman's catch.

SAND-It is pretty much a very bright power white sand with more shells revealed near the water edge.

WATER-I have witnessed the surf smooth and clear enough to see to the bottom. This weekend it was rough and churning like a dishwasher.

BEACH PROFILE-This is definitely a family friendly type beach. There are not a lot of skimpy bikinis and beautiful bikini bodies there. You usually don't have a lot of loud music, playing from someone's music box. If it too loud or perverse, believe me, someone will ask that the volume be lowered.

BEST TIME TO GO-Early in the morning by 8 a.m. The beach is so quiet with only a few morning walkers. Birds are skimming the water with Pelicans trying...

Phenomenal beach. Powdery white sand, clear water and loads of seashells to collect. The beach has beautiful views and miles of coastline. You will need to pay for parking anywhere from $15-$30 depending on where you choose. You are able to rent umbrellas for $22 and cabanas for $40. Bars and restaurants right on the beach; as well as a fantastic board walk filled with unique shops. We are so blessed to live by this...

Clearwater Beach is truly a wonderful place! The water is warm and refreshing, and its clarity allows you to see the fish clearly. The sea is pristine and clean, making the beach experience exceptional. However, the only downside is that it gets quite crowded after 11 a.m. Arriving early will help you enjoy this beautiful beach to...