Destination Accolades

Discover the St. Pete/Clearwater beaches that consistently rank atop many "best of" lists.

Two beachgoers walk along the white sandy shoreline and emerald green waters of St. Pete Beach on a bright sunny day.

Two beachgoers walk along the white sandy shoreline and emerald green waters of St. Pete Beach on a bright sunny day.

St. Pete/Clearwater's beaches regularly win praise, though the beaches aren't the only part of the destination earning recognition. St. Pete/Clearwater was just named one of the 100 Most-Loved Travel Destinations in the World by travelers who visited in 2022, according to the Tourism Sentiment Index.


Here's a round-up of the area's award-winning beaches and their claims to fame, from Tripadvisor's Top Beaches in the U.S. and World lists, to USA Today and Travel & Leisure accolades.

Clearwater Beach

  • "No. 1 Beach in the South for 2023" – USA TODAY
  • "No. 1 Beach in the U.S. for 2019" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 1 on America's Top 25 Beaches for 2018" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 7 on World's Top 25 Beaches for 2018" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 4 on America's Top 25 Beaches for 2017" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 1 on America's Top 25 Beaches for 2016"– Tripadvisor
  • "No. 20 on World's Top 25 Beaches for 2016" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 2 Best Florida Beach" - USA TODAY (2015)
  • “No. 8 on America’s Top 25 Beaches for 2015” – Tripadvisor
  • “Best Beach Town in Florida for 2013” – USA TODAY
  • “Best Beaches in the U.S.” – Peter Greenberg (2013)

St. Pete Beach

  • "No. 1 on America's Top 25 Beaches for 2021" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 7 on America's Top 25 Beaches for 2018" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 3 on America's Top 25 Beaches for 2017" – Tripadvisor
  • "No. 4 on America's Top 25 Beaches for 2016" – Tripadvisor
  • “No. 2 on America’s Top 25 Beaches for 2015” – Tripadvisor
  • “America’s No. 1 Beach for 2012” – Tripadvisor

Anclote Key Preserve State Park, Dunedin

  • "Best Hidden-Gem Beach" – USA TODAY (2014)

Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin

  • "No. 9 Beach in America" – Dr. Beach (2016)
  • "No. 6 Best Beach in Florida" – USA TODAY (2015)
  • “No. 11 on America’s Top 25 Beaches for 2014” – Tripadvisor
  • “No. 1 Beach in America” – Dr. Beach (2008)

Fort De Soto Park

  • "No. 8 Best Beach in Florida" – USA TODAY (2015)
  • “Best Family Beach” – USA TODAY (2014)
  • “No. 4 on America’s Top 25 Beaches for 2013” – Tripadvisor
  • “No. 20 on World’s Top 25 Beaches for 2013” – Tripadvisor
  • “No. 1 Beach in America – Dr. Beach (2005)

Pass-A-Grille Beach, Pass-A-Grille

  • "No. 5 Best Florida Beach" – USA TODAY (2015)
  • “No. 15 on America’s Top 25 Beaches for 2013” – Tripadvisor

Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin

  • “No. 10 on America’s Top 25 Beaches for 2009” – Tripadvisor