Beach Walk

Clearwater's number one industry is tourism, and at the center of the tourism here is the beach. With this in mind, local city and tourism officials set in motion an ambitious $30 million project, Beach by Design, to revitalize the community surrounding the popular south beach area and attract additional hotel development. A key aspect of this project is Beach Walk, a winding beachside promenade.

Beach Walk has been five years in the making. It includes lush landscaping and unimpeded views of Clearwater's white sands and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Here, bicyclists, inline skaters, and pedestrians have safe and convenient beach access, backed by commercial zones for lodgings, socializing, dining, shopping, and entertainment.

One concern as Beach Walk construction got under way was the elimination of beachside parking to make way for the promenade. To compensate, inexpensive city-operated parking facilities have been opened at various intervals on the side streets along Mandalay Avenue. Additionally, new hotels, such as the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, have been encouraged to provide extra public parking spaces. Meanwhile, public parking on the north end of Clearwater Beach has been entirely unaffected.

Beach Walk runs along the coast north from South Gulfview Boulevard past Pier 60. It is within easy access of the parking lots at McKay Field and the Family Aquatic Center on Bay Esplanade. There is no charge for use of the promenade or the public beach, which are both open throughout the year.