Sand Key Park sits on a narrow barrier island just south of Clearwater Beach, separated from the main beach island by the short Clearwater Pass bridge. It's a 95-acre county park wrapped around one of the widest, quietest stretches of Gulf shoreline on Florida's west coast — and it's a favorite of locals who want a beach day without the Pier 60 crowds.
Where Sand Key Park Is
The park is a five-minute drive south from Clearwater Beach. Cross the Clearwater Pass bridge, and Sand Key Park is immediately on your right. Address: 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767. Open daily 7 AM – sunset.
What Makes It Different
- Wider beach. The sand here is noticeably wider than Clearwater Beach, which means more space for chairs and less jockeying for position. Repeated sand nourishment, most recently in fall 2025, explains why the Sand Key beach is wider.
- Fewer crowds. Weekday mornings can feel almost private. Even weekends are manageable.
- Lifeguarded section. Pinellas County staffs the beach with seasonal lifeguards, so outside peak season you may find no guard on duty.
- Better shelling. Less foot traffic means more shells survive to be found. Shelling tips here.
- Quieter wildlife. Shore birds, osprey, and occasional dolphins pass close to shore. The park is a Great Florida Birding Trail site; see shorebirds and dolphins by month.
Parking
Sand Key Park has a paid lot with roughly 300 spaces. Parking is $6 per day through November 30, 2026. Starting December 1, 2026, Pinellas County switches to $3.50 per hour, capped at $12 per day. Even at the new cap, a full beach day costs less than Clearwater Beach garage rates ($3–$5 per hour); see the cheapest parking options compared. The lot usually has space even on busy weekends until about noon. Two exceptions: the park is closed the day after Thanksgiving, which in 2026 is also the first day of the AVP and college volleyball tournament weekends next door at the Sheraton Sand Key, and on Clearwater Marathon weekend every race starts and finishes in the park.
Amenities
- Clean public restrooms and outdoor showers
- Covered picnic pavilions (reservable for groups)
- Large playground, gazebo, walking paths
- On-site café with snacks and drinks in season
- Fishing permitted along the jetty at the north end
- An on-site dog park (Paw Park) within Sand Key Park (dogs are not allowed on the beach itself)
Who It's Best For
- Families who want breathing room
- Seniors and snowbirds (easy walk from parking to sand)
- Shellers and bird watchers
- Fishermen (jetty fishing is legitimate here)
- Anyone who's been to Clearwater Beach on a busy weekend and wants a calmer option
See how Sand Key stacks up against other nearby shores in our ranking of the best beaches near Clearwater Beach.
Combine With
Stay at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort or Marriott Suites on Sand Key and you have Sand Key Park essentially out your back door, with Clearwater Beach a five-minute drive north. It's a popular move for repeat visitors who've done the Clearwater Beach scene once and want something quieter. If you're still deciding where to base your trip, our Sand Key vs Clearwater Beach comparison weighs the two sides. Next door at 1001 Gulf Blvd, the Clearwater Community Sailing Center offers sailing lessons and boat rentals on Clearwater Harbor.
Local tip: arrive at 9 AM on a weekend, pay for parking, and walk south along the shore. Within 10 minutes of walking you'll have a quiet beach stretch that feels 200 miles from a tourist zone — even though Pier 60 is visible on the horizon.Back to Beach Articles