How is the beach? Is the water really clear? What is the best time of year to go?

The Gulf Coast beaches of Florida are much nicer than the Atlantic side. Clearwater is a very wide beach with a lot of activity. It's not a place to go if you are looking for a quiet get away. The water is clearest in Destin which is in the Panhandle of Florida. The drawback to Destin is that it is in the heart of the "Redneck Riveria". There really is no "best time" to go, it is really hot in July and August though.

Clearwater Beach is rather commercial, but it's a good place if you want to hit some bars/restaurants after a day on the beach (Ft. Myers is very similar). The majority of the beach is very big and very nice, but there are places where a hotel may advertise "ocean front" but then there is only rocks and no sand. Just be sure to ask the hotel owners how big the beach is directly infront of the property - they'll be honest with you.
Unlike Darren, I prefer the Atlantic side of Florida better. While the beaches are not as white and the water is not as clear, the sand is harder packed (easier for walking, jogging, frisbee) and the water actually has waves (unlike the gulf side which is often as calm as a lake). But to each his own!

Clearwater has the best beach in Florida as far as i am concerned. We travel from England every year and although it is 5 years since i visited Clearwater the beach/sea are very clean. Do not go in June,July or August though as it is too hot. September/October is better. The only problem in Clearwater is there is not much else to do but sit on the beach, if you do not like beaches it is definitely not the place for you.

Local temp in mid 80s (F) & Gulf water temp 79 (F). Water is great & all beaches (west central) are GREAT. Later in hotter weather, water is almost too warm & you get into very hot/humid weather. Spring is fantastic.

Hi Brendan - well, you got the temps. from everyone else but I have been there almost every month of the year and can't complain. It's almost always better than PA weather! I do like the late spring and early fall best, however. Clearwater Beach is great. The sand is white and I love the rolling surf. For places to eat and shop, this is where to go. But for privacy there are smaller beaches futher north, but not too far. Try Caladesi State Park, has dunes and beach houses and that's it. Or Sunset Beach near Dunedin...perfect to watch, what else, the sunset. And we've always found lots to do besides the beach in Clearwater....good eating comes to mind. Visit Ybor City in Tampa, authentic Cuban area...hot, hot, hot. Or visit the Salvador Dali museum. Go to Tarpon Springs, a quaint, Greek area with a sponge-museum (really!) Go to the original Hooter's and gawk at the girls and eat wings (my husband gawks, I eat.) Golf. Go on a dinner cruise or fishing boat. Anyway -have fun whatever you do.

Brendan:
I have lived in clearwater for over 20 years now, and clearwater beach is great. It has become more commercial in the past 10 years but is still the nicest beach in pinellas county. The water is the cleanest in the spring as the summer afternoon showers haven't arrive yet and stirred up the bottom of the gulf. Summer is hot and muggy but if there is a pool around, it is tolerable.
My favority restaurant is Keegan's on Indian Rocks beach, about 3 miles south of Clearwater beach. The freshest seafood in the area. It's small and the locals know it. If you go in the summer, the rates are much better. Fall is also nice, particularily if it is Oct. or Nov. It is probably the least crowded time of year and and also the low season. The roads get pretty busy in high season, Feb, Mar and April. Hope this helps. If you would like any more advice please feel free to e-mail me.