Clearwater Beach is located just off the coast of Florida in the Gulf Coast, and is often seen as a ticket to paradise. This beach is known for its world-class beauty and attracts tourists who come to frolic on the powdered white beaches year on year. If you want to unwind and have some fun, Clearwater Beach is the place to go.
Despite Clearwater Beach being small, finding a place to stay in Clearwater Beach isn’t all that straight forward. The area is divided into two distinct areas, each with its own vibe and things to offer. But here’s the catch: Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s most expensive playgrounds, which can make budget travelers and backpackers break out in cold sweat.
Fear not! I’ve created this guide to give you the low down of where to stay in this stunning region. Clearwater Beach offers something for everyone, whether you want to be in the thick of the action, find a more secluded spot, or save your precious dollars with budget-friendly accommodation.
So, are you ready to dive into the beauty that is Clearwater Beach? Let’s do it.
Photo: @amandaadraper
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- Where is the Best Place to Stay in Clearwater Beach?
- Clearwater Beach Neighborhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Clearwater Beach
- Clearwater Beach Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Clearwater Beach
- What To Pack For Clearwater Beach
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Clearwater Beach
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach
First time visiting the Tampa area? You’re in for a real treat! Make sure to book the perfect accommodation that fits your travel needs. To make it a bit easier for you, I’ve listed my top recommendations for places to stay in Clearwater Beach.
Gulfview Hotel – On the Beach | Best Budget Hotel in Clearwater Beach
Gulfview Hotel – On The Beach provides an ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience for travelers escaping to Clearwater Beach. It offers an array of amenities designed for ultimate comfort, including clean rooms with private balconies, all in a great location. They even boast their own private beach, making this place crazy good value for money.
Opal Sands | Best Luxury Hotel in Clearwater Beach
This four-star beauty in Clearwater Beach is the crème de la crème, and it’s got the reviews to prove it! Picture yourself lounging by a ginormous pool, sipping something delicious from the Tiki Bar, and soaking in those beachfront vibes. This place has it all – and then some!
Happy getaway nest | Best Airbnb in Clearwater Beach
This apartment is beautiful, private, and clean, and it is located in a wonderful but peaceful neighborhood just minutes away from a plethora of exciting activities. Everything you need for your stay is here, including a large kitchen, a king-size bedroom, and a year-round heated pool.
South
South Clearwater Beach is the main tourism hub on the island – and therefore where you will find most of the major attractions!
Downtown Clearwater
There’s no escaping how expensive Clearwater Beach is – but for those on an extreme budget, Downtown Clearwater has some more affordable accommodation options and is only a short journey away from the island!
North
North Clearwater Beach still benefits from the gorgeous white beaches and crystal clear waters of the South, but has far fewer tourism numbers!
Clearwater Beach is your go-to destination for those gorgeous white sands and crystal-clear sea, which, let’s be honest, are the main attractions you’ll keep coming back to again and again. But it’s not all about being a beach bum. It’s also known for its laid-back nightlife, multiple eateries, and oh-so-cool boutique shops.
It’s a combination of the high-end and the budget-friendly, with elegant hotels rubbing shoulders with affordable motels. If this is your first visit, South Clearwater Beach is the best place to experience all of the thrills that this area has to offer.
But if you want some peace and quiet, the North is calling! North Clearwater Beach has fewer hotels and a much more chilled vibe. The beaches up here aren’t overcrowded, so you can stretch out and relax without tripping over someone’s beach towel.
Downtown is a hidden gem, with plenty of nature-based activities and local tours to help you explore. It also has many wonderful indie coffee shops, bars, and restaurants, making it ideal for a chilled day out. Clearwater Beach is easily accessible from Downtown, and there are many options for transportation available, including a lovely cycling route for those looking to stay active while on their vacay.
If you’re willing to venture off the beaten track, I promise that you’ll find some incredible hidden gems in Florida.
Still not sure? No worries – I’ll talk about each area in more detail to help you make up your mind!
Clearwater Beach Three Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Clearwater Beach can be seen as one of the main attractions in Tampa, so you need to make sure you know where you want to stay. Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the three best neighborhoods in Clearwater Beach. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighborhood that’s right for you.
1. South – Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach for Your First Time
South Clearwater Beach is the main tourism hub on the island – and therefore where you will find most of the major attractions! The beach in this area has all of the facilities you could possibly need – including restaurants with delectable menus, an eclectic bar scene, and even some laid-back cafés for unwinding in the morning.
If living large is your vacation vibe, then the South is perfect for you as it’s home to the best hotels in Clearwater Beach. JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa in particular is up there with the best, and its own private part of the beach is real luxury. But hey, if you’re not looking to break the bank, don’t worry! There are plenty of other comfy hotels in the area that’ll let you kick back and relax in style, no matter what your budget looks like.
Photo: Beyond My Ken (WikiCommons)
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Clearwater Beach and find a pocket of paradise, Sand Key Park is the place to go. This overlooked gem, located just south of Clearwater Beach, has a laid-back vibe, picture-perfect white sand, and enough space to sprawl out and relax. Unlike its lively northern cousin, Sand Key Park is all about peace and quiet. Lots of travelers staying in St Petersburg also make it up to Sand Key Park as it’s an excellent day trip.
The sand on Sand Key Park is as beautiful as it is at Clearwater Beach, but there are faaaaar fewer people. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and relax for a day of sunbathing, shell hunting, or simply doing nothing.
Gulfview Hotel – On the Beach | Best Budget Hotel in South
Gulfview Hotel – On The Beach provides an ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience for travelers escaping to Clearwater Beach. It offers an array of amenities designed for ultimate comfort, including clean rooms with private balconies, all in a great location. They even boast their own private beach, making this place crazy good value for money.
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach | Best Mid-Range Hotel in South
This modern, elegant hotel overlooks the Gulf Coast and is adjacent to Clearwater Beach, so you won’t have to go far before you reach the ocean. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach offers a variety of appealing amenities, including a fitness facility, a sun terrace, and a mini-market. The rooms are spacious and modern, making them ideal for relaxing after a long day in the sun.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Clearwater Beach | Another Great Mid-Range Hotel in South
The location of SpringHill Suites by Marriott Clearwater Beach is ideal; the beach and numerous eateries are just steps away. The friendly staff will accommodate any request, big or small and the room service is excellent. It’s an extremely clean hotel, and watching the sunset from my private balcony every evening was the highlight of my trip.
Opal Sands | Best Luxury Hotel in South
This four-star beauty in Clearwater Beach is the crème de la crème, and it’s got the reviews to prove it! Picture yourself lounging by a ginormous pool, sipping something delicious from the Tiki Bar, and soaking in those beachfront vibes. This place has it all – and then some!
JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Another Great Luxury Hotel in South
If you’re looking to indulge in some luxury during your Clearwater Beach stay, the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is your ideal destination. Enjoy spacious suites, a stunning rooftop pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a spa offering exceptional wellness packages. Plus, the private beach here is an absolute paradise. Treat yourself!
Beach Getaway | Best Airbnb in South
Despite being within walking distance of the main strip, this Airbnb is surprisingly peaceful and has a secluded atmosphere! Sleeping up to four guests across two bedrooms, it is ideal for small groups and families staying on the island. The host also has superhost status – meaning it’s one of the top-rated Airbnbs in Florida.
Things to See and Do in South:
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located on Sea Island, is an excellent attraction that lets you get up close and personal with the surrounding marine life.
- Embark on a dolphin cruise and sandbar tour from Clearwater Beach with a local expert.
- Swing by Sand Key Park for a lazy picnic – or if you’re feeling wild, grab a board and pretend you’re a pro surfer for the day!
- Shop till you drop at Pelican Walk Plaza, the region’s main shopping street.
- Clearwater Beach itself is, of course, the main attraction in the area. This spot on the Gulf Coast offers plenty of water sports, including windsurfing.
- Grab a Tampa Bay CityPass to see all of the best attractions in the region.
- The Beach Walk stretches almost the entire length of the island – it takes a couple of hours but provides some stunning views.
- Find your zen and practice yoga on Clearwater Beach itself. There are also some incredible yoga retreats in this region too.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Downtown Clearwater – Best Place to Stay in Clearwater Beach on a Budget
Let’s face it—Clearwater Beach can seriously burn a hole in your pocket. But if you’re ballin’ on a budget, Downtown Clearwater is your secret weapon. It’s only a short distance from the island and provides much more affordable digs. Perfect for you budget-conscious travelers looking to chill in the area without blowing your budget.
Downtown Clearwater may not scream “tourist hotspot,” but it does have some quirks worth experiencing yourselves. Known for being the headquarters of Scientology (yep, you read that right), it also has some fascinating cultural attractions and quirky indie coffee shops. It’s also well-connected to other Tampa Bay gems, making it a good place to stay if you’re only here for a few nights.
Tropical Inn & Suites | Best Budget Hotel in Downtown Clearwater
This motel keeps it simple, but it’s got everything you need for a comfy stay on a budget—perfect for backpackers looking to save their cash for more adventures! Every room comes with its own private patio, and free WiFi is available throughout the place. Plus, there’s a small outdoor pool for a quick dip.
Residence Inn by Marriot | Best Mid-Range Hotel in Downtown Clearwater
This three-star hotel might look pretty basic from the outside, but it’s packed with awesome facilities that’ll make your stay way more comfortable! There’s a spacious outdoor pool and a gym to keep you active, plus you can kickstart your day with a complimentary American-style breakfast buffet every morning.
Happy getaway nest | Best Airbnb in Downtown Clearwater
This apartment is beautiful, private, and clean, and it is located in a wonderful but peaceful neighborhood just minutes away from a plethora of exciting activities. Everything you need for your stay is here, including a large kitchen, a king-size bedroom, and a year-round heated pool.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Clearwater:
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Hire a bike and take a trip along the Clearwater Memorial Causeway that connects Clearwater Beach with Downtown Clearwater.
- Set sail to see dolphins in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior with a local expert (they even provide doughnuts from a local bakery in the morning!)
- Coachman Park is a huge green space on the coast with plenty of great facilities as well as gorgeous views of Clearwater Beach itself
- Explore the breathtaking beauty of Clearwater Beach like never before on a 100% clear kayak guided tour!
- Cleveland Street Saturday Market is a real mish-mash of food, art, and bric-a-brac that often throws up some antique gems.
- Catch a show at the Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre.
3. North – Best Neighborhood in Clearwater Beach for Families to Stay In
North Clearwater Beach still benefits from the gorgeous white beaches and crystal clear waters of the South, but has far fewer tourists! Whilst this is mostly because of the lack of hotels in the area, there are still a few good options for those who are quick enough to snap them up. This peaceful neighborhood is perfect for families – especially those visiting during the peak season.
As one of the more residential neighborhoods in Clearwater Beach, North Beach also gives you a rare insight into how locals in the area live! Many of the restaurants and bars are locally owned, offering some awesome hidden gems that you won’t find in the South of the island.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Clearwater Beach | Best Mid-Range Hotel in North
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Clearwater Beach offers an excellent location, close to the beach and a short walk from the Pier and restaurants. There is a free shuttle that takes you to the main tourist hub, so you don’t have to walk as far in the heat, which is much appreciated. All of the facilities are excellent, but my particular favorite was the heated outdoor pool.
Hotel Cabana | Another Great Mid-Range Hotel in North
This three-star motel is surprisingly well-equipped and even offers family rooms that can sleep up to four guests! Rooms are stylish and come with modern perks like flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. Being a motel, it also has plenty of parking spaces for guests to use.
Sandpearl Resort | Best Luxury Hotel in North
This stunning four-star resort is perfectly located—far enough north for some peace and quiet but still a short walk from all the action down south! The rooms are decked out with luxurious touches, like plush bathrobes and fancy toiletries. Plus, there’s a huge pool outside and a jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation.
Things to See and Do in North:
Photo: @amandaadraper
- Set sail on a sunset cruise from Clearwater Beach and cruise under the illuminated bridges of Clearwater Harbor.
- Don’t miss out on the Famous Clearwater Boat Tour.
- Visiting with your furry friends? The northern end of Clearwater Beach has a dog-friendly stretch of white sand beach where you can let them off the leash.
- See and explore Florida’s beautiful beaches and waterways on a private scenic boat tour.
- Caladesi Island State Park is a vast area of natural beauty to the north of the island – there are even some kayak tours that head up there.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Clearwater Beach
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Clearwater Beach and where to stay.
What To Pack For Clearwater Beach
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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What is the best area for families to stay in Clearwater Beach?
North is a great location. This area is the perfect place to avoid all the chaos and simply relax. If you’re up for some wet and wild fun, there are loads of water activities to dive into with the whole family.
Where are the best beaches in the area?
Well, duh, Clearwater Beach is the crown jewel in this area. But if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, make a pit stop at Sand Key Park. It’s got those dreamy white sands and a laid-back vibe which make it a must-see spot to give you all the beachy feels. Trust me, it’s worth squeezing into your itinerary!
Is Clearwater Beach a walkable town?
For sure! Everything’s just a quick stroll away, from mouth-watering eats to cool boutique shops. No need for a car here – your two feet are all you need.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Clearwater Beach
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Clearwater Beach
With miles and miles of pristine beaches, it’s no wonder Clearwater Beach has long been regarded as one of the best beach destinations in the world! This Tampa Bay area gem has a well-established tourism industry, beckoning travelers to kick back and soak up those glorious Florida rays.
As for the primo spot to plant your beach towel, the North is my fave. Whilst the South can get very busy during the peak seasons, the North keeps things blissfully chill year-round, giving you ample opportunity to unwind.
Either way, both South Clearwater Beach and Downtown Clearwater have the benefits that make them worthy destinations! I hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options.
Craving a touch of luxury? Look no further than JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. Their amenities? Off the charts. And trust me, they pull out all the stops to ensure you reach peak relaxation mode.
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, definitely check out Gulfview Hotel – On the Beach. As the name suggests it boasts a prime location right on the beach that won’t break the bank like other hotels in the area.
And why limit yourself to just one part of the Sunshine State? Get in the car and head off for an epic Florida road trip! Beyond Clearwater Beach, there are several breathtaking places to discover, ranging from theme parks to stunning national parks.
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
Photo: @intentionaldetours
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Florida instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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