Clearwater Beach derives its name from clear springs that once bubbled from banks into Clearwater Harbor along high bluffs where City Hall and downtown now sit, with 1859 postmaster David B. Turner designating 'Clear Water Harbor' on federal forms describing the body of water block from Pinellas County's first post office, combined to single-word Clearwater in 1895. This Pinellas County barrier island beach evolved from Hillsborough County Clearwater Key designation through early 1900s common name Tate's Island, serving Florida's Gulf coast heritage when 1917 three-mile wooden bridge from mainland at Seminole Street ended island isolation, with 1924 official renaming to Clearwater Beach after 1912 Pinellas County creation from western Hillsborough portions establishing Clearwater as county seat, connected south by short bridge to Sand Key barrier island used for World War II fighter-bomber target practice training.
The beach offers free year-round Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration featuring artisans, street performers and world-famous sunsets beginning two hours before sunset lasting two hours after with over 30 local crafts vendors, musicians, firebreathers and dancers entertaining families for over 30 years daily. Pier 60 fishing costs 0 daily with good underwater lighting attracting anglers, while children enjoy The Hippo giant inflatable waterslide and shaded jungle gym playground complementing water sports, birdwatching opportunities throughout the daytime. Beach wheelchairs available seasonally, with white sand shores ranked among America's finest beaches creating optimal swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing conditions along the Gulf of Mexico waters where clear springs historically defined the harbor naming inspiring the 1859 postal designation.
Clearwater Beach dining includes Caretta's on the Gulf at 500 Mandalay Avenue in Sandpearl Resort for beachfront fine dining, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill for grouper sandwiches and casual waterfront atmosphere serving generations since family establishment, and Clear Sky Cafe at 490 Mandalay Avenue voted best dining any time of day, while Heilman's Beachcomber at 447 Mandalay Avenue defines fine dining for over six decades, serving Pinellas County's barrier island community along this world-famous sunset destination where 1917 bridge connection transformed isolated Tate's Island into Gulf coast's premier beach resort celebrating clear spring waters flowing into the harbor.
