Clearwater Beach in Florida has some of the best beaches in the USA. They have sparkling waters and white sands on which you can relax. You can also canoe, kayak, hike, have a picnic, skate, ride a bicycle and camp. Although some beaches don't permit dogs, you can find plenty of space designated for your canine friends.
Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman from Florida International University, nicknamed Dr. Beach, named Caladesi Island the best beach in the USA in 2008. Located off the north end of Clearwater Beach, it is one of the few natural islands along Florida's Gulf Coast. You can swim or sunbathe on its white sands or picnic at the beach tables and picnic pavilions. You can also fish from a boat or surf fish. The island has a three-mile nature trail for hiking and a three-mile kayak trail through mangroves and bay.
Conde Nast Traveller once voted Clearwater Beach as the beach with the Best Sand on the East Coast. Clearwater Beach has marinas, a bathhouse, boat ramps, full-time lifeguards, showers and accommodations. Various attractions abound nearby, including Clearwater Marine Aquarium, restaurants and nightlife. You can fish at Pier 60 or take a stroll along the BeachWalk just south of Pier 60. Disabled visitors can use Surf Wheelchairs on the sand and water and the kids can play at the nearby playground.
TripAdvisor named Fort De Soto as America's Top Beach in 2008 and 2009. Made up of five interconnected islands, Fort De Soto Park has white sands and an easygoing atmosphere. Dr. Beach also named Fort De Soto America's best beach in 2005. It has a seven-mile paved trail for jogging, cycling and skating. You can canoe or kayak through the mangroves. Bring your dog to the Paw Playground or the Dog Beach and bring the kids to play at the old fort.
Opened in August 1984, Sand Key Island has a beach and a park. The beach has cabana rentals, two beach wheel-chairs, nine outdoor shower towers and two bath houses. The park also features a salt marsh with viewing benches from which you can watch heron, roseate spoonbill, great horned owl, anhinga (water turkey) and common moorhen. If you plan to have a beach wedding in Clearwater, you can use one of the nine boardwalks that lead to the beach. You can't bring dogs to the beach, but there is a dog park nearby.
