Best Beaches Near Clearwater for Families
Clearwater has one of the most famous beaches in the country, but for a family vacation it is not always the right beach for every day. Some days you want the pier, the playground, and the sunset festival. Other days you want shallow water, shade, and a parking spot without a fight.
Our two houses at Clearwater Coastal Stays sit about 10 minutes from Clearwater Beach and close to Dunedin, so our guests can reach all six of these in 25 minutes or less. Here is how we steer families, and what to know before you load the car.
1. Clearwater Beach (Pier 60) — the classic
Start here at least once. The sand is soft white quartz, the water is calm and shallow near shore, and lifeguards are on duty. Pier 60 Park has a covered playground, restrooms, and concessions right by the beach.
The free Sunsets at Pier 60 festival runs every evening, starting two hours before sunset: street performers, local artisans, and the sunset itself. Kids love it and it costs nothing.
Family tips: Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends or the beach lots fill. The Jolley Trolley runs along the beach if you park once and want to move around. Bring shade — there is very little natural cover.
2. Sand Key Park — quieter, same sand
Just across the bridge south of Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park is a county park with a big parking lot, restrooms, a playground, and seasonal lifeguards. The beach is wide and usually far less crowded than Pier 60, and sea turtles nest here in summer.
Family tips: Best choice for toddlers — calmer water and room to spread out. Paid parking by the hour, so bring a card.
3. Honeymoon Island State Park — nature day
At the end of the Dunedin Causeway, Honeymoon Island gives you miles of beach, a nature trail with ospreys and gopher tortoises, and a pet-friendly beach section if you brought the dog. Oasis Beach on the island is shallow and warm, which makes it an easy pick for small kids.
Family tips: State park entry is per vehicle, so one fee covers the whole car. Stop at the causeway on the way in — the sandbars there are perfect for wading and paddleboards.
4. Caladesi Island State Park — the adventure
Caladesi Island is reachable only by the ferry from Honeymoon Island, private boat, or kayak, and it regularly ranks among the best beaches in America. No cars, no high-rises, just three miles of sand, shelling, and mangrove kayak trails.
Family tips: Ferry seats are first come, first served, so go early. Pack everything — there is a small snack bar near the dock and nothing else.
5. Indian Rocks Beach — low-key local
About 20 minutes south, Indian Rocks Beach is a flat, wide beach with public access points every few blocks along Gulf Boulevard. Dolphin sightings are common, and the vibe is neighborhood rather than resort.
Family tips: Small lots at each access point. Pair it with lunch at one of the casual spots on Gulf Boulevard.
6. Belleair Beach — quiet and residential
Between Sand Key and Indian Rocks, Belleair Beach is mostly residential with calm water and a pavilion. It is the beach you go to when you want no crowds at all.
Family tips: Parking requires a permit or a paid spot — check signs carefully, because patrols are frequent.
Which beach on which day?
| Day type | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First day, want the full experience | Clearwater Beach / Pier 60 | Playground, lifeguards, sunset festival |
| Toddlers or a tired crew | Sand Key Park | Calm water, space, easy parking |
| Nature and wildlife | Honeymoon Island | Trails, dog beach, shallow Oasis Beach |
| A real adventure | Caladesi Island | Ferry ride, top-ranked sand, shelling |
| Escape the crowds | Belleair Beach or Indian Rocks | Quiet, local feel |
Where to stay for a Clearwater family vacation
Staying on the beach itself means paid parking every day and a resort price tag. Our two private houses at Clearwater Coastal Stays sleep up to 8, come with free parking, beach towels, fire tables, grills, mini golf, and cornhole, and sit about 10 minutes from Pier 60 and about 15 minutes from Honeymoon Island. Book direct and save 10% off the Airbnb rate.