Sand Key Park
Sand Key Park
4.5
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Top ways to experience Sand Key Park and nearby attractions
The area
Address
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Best nearby
Restaurants
233 within 3 miles
Attractions
100 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Joel SLargo, Florida12 contributionsA very nice parkOk, so at the entrance to the doggy park there's a big sign reminding you to pay for parking. But where, how? Except for that faux pas the park is great. Two dog runs, broad beach, a walkway for fishing (but where are the big fish), etc.Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 16, 2023
- Andrew WIndianapolis, Indiana258 contributionsBeautiful Beach Along The GulfSand Key Park is a smaller park with a white sandy beach and beautiful views. Conveniently located near the heart of Clearwater, FL there’s sufficient parking and amenities (including umbrella and cabana rentals). It’s a great place for families to relax and enjoy the scenery and it is CLEAN! The fees aren’t bad, and the staff we encountered were friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend Sand Key Park if you’re in the area.Visited January 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 4, 2023
- JlwittePlymouth, Michigan1 contributionPeaceful Ocean EnjoymentFirst we went to clearwater beach, which was wall-to-wall people with three rows of cabanas and chairs. You couldn't enjoy the ocean because there were too many people in front of you. Sand Key is only a quarter of a mile away from Clearwater Beach and was perfect! There were fewer people, $5 parking, cabana rental was less, flat sand, and trails. The bathrooms were clean. We loved watching the ocean waves and shelling. Many of the parking meters were not working. There is an app, but there was no zone number posted. We finally found a fee machine by the bath house that worked.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 8, 2023
- katie12637 contributionsBest beach in Clearwater!We spent a week in Orlando and wanted a beach day! We had planned to head to Clearwater, but happened upon sand key beach and were so pleased. The Clearwater beaches were PACKED (it’s spring break-we knew they would be). Sand Key was busy, but nothing like the other beaches. We were able to rent 2 chairs and an umbrella for $30, and parking was $5 for the whole day. Our kids had plenty of room to play in the sand, and the changing facilities weren’t bad at all! So glad we found this gem!Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 1, 2023
- Cynthia FFair Lawn, New Jersey2,353 contributionsLove the walking trails with Gulf viewsToday I tried the hard-packed sand walking trails that begin near the park entrance and continue through the parking lot towards the beach. These trails connect to many different boardwalks that lead to and from the parking lot and to and from the sandy beach along the Gulf. Today I saw a food truck on the beach selling high-priced beverages and fast food. I will appreciate this concession if I ever run out of water while walking in this park. I believe there are 2 buildings with bathrooms near the parking lot.Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 7, 2023
- Halie H1 contributionLow parking and small crowdBeautiful beach. Not at all crowded and parking was only $5! We went the week of July 4th and couldn’t have asked for a better first beach experience with my toddler. Would highly recommend especially with young children!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 7, 2023
- nicole_chelliNew Haven, Connecticut322 contributionsA true hidden gemI’ve stayed at the Sheraton Marriot which the hotel is right next to the park so I’ve been to the beach area before. Since I wasn’t staying at the hotel this year but wanted to escape the craziness of downtown clearwater beach we opted to come here… twice over 4th of July weekend. Plenty of parking (despite clearwater beach having no available parking). Parking was $6 for the day. There were bathrooms, and water fountains, life guards. The beach itself was not crowded despite all the cars. It truly is a hidden gem, and not as crowded or expensive as clearwater beach.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 21, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,702 reviews
Excellent
1,042
Very good
502
Average
126
Poor
21
Terrible
11
Robogator0
Windermere, FL2,800 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
This is a nice white sand beach area just south of the Clearwater Pass. We found plenty of parking, which was kind of surprising for a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Parking costs $5 for the day, pay is at automated parking machine.
Restroom facilities near the parking area. Boardwalk from parking to beach.
Bring your own chairs/umbrellas, or you can pay $35 for the day for rental. If you do rent, note that they shut down at 6, which can be a problem if you want to stay later.
Park was open until 8, which was plenty of time to watch the sunset.
Restroom facilities near the parking area. Boardwalk from parking to beach.
Bring your own chairs/umbrellas, or you can pay $35 for the day for rental. If you do rent, note that they shut down at 6, which can be a problem if you want to stay later.
Park was open until 8, which was plenty of time to watch the sunset.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piranha44
Holt, MI829 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Decided to check this out after a breakfast stop in Sand key. Very nice park with a large beach and ample parking. Parking is a 5 dollar flat rate from sunrise to sunset per day. We were they at low tide after a stormy night. The beach had some pretty cluttered sections from things washed ashore. I assume that the sand is groomed like Clearwater beach is although we didn't see that while there. I think this is a good option if Clearwater beach is too busy.
Written January 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sskroll
Orlando, FL990 contributions
May 2020
We have decided that any time we go to the Clearwater area we will travel a little south of Clearwater Beach and for $5 all day you can enjoy the same beach just on the other side of the channel. Plenty of parking and social distancing was not a problem. There are lifeguards there as well.
Written May 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yesi
Orlando, FL3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Clean beach. The "bathhouse" is just toilets, sinks (with no mirror) and changing rooms. The showers are outside and the water pressure on them was great! It's those kinds that you push once and it stays on for a while(I was able to wash my hair with shampoo and rinse it off with just one push) The parking is 5$ for all day. I got there at 8:15 am and there was only a few people walking along, collecting seashells. The seashells are cute and located ALL OVER, a lot of nice people all around and though it took me a little over two hours to get there, I will be making the trip back because it's the best secluded beach I've visited.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hikinghappily62
South Bend, IN91 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
So many positives! Large, beautiful beach area with amazing views of Clearwater Beach and passing boats. $5 to park all day. Ample parking and clean restrooms. One day I watched over 30 surfers while the Coast Guard plane kept circling (training?). It was really neat to watch. This is an excellent family location.
Written March 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim r
Morgantown, IN86 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
We started at Clearwater beach and then headed to Sand Key. The sand wasn't as pristine and clean as Clearwater but it was still nice. Much less crowds. Parking is only $5 for the day compared to $3 an hour at Clearwater beach. An added bonus was the free EV charging station.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJ K
Chicago, IL89 contributions
Jun 2021
Pensacola Beach still rates as my favorite beach in the U.S. But this was close. It's the same sand, surf, and turquoise water of Clearwater Beach with half the number of people. Plenty of parking. And even a food truck if you didn't pack a lunch (although a little expensive). Chair/umbrella rentals were available, a little pricey ($35 w/ tip), but were comfortable and stayed put when the wind picked up.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele B
Lakeland, FL393 contributions
May 2020 • Family
Today we went to Sand Key Park, located just South of Clearwater.
Sand Key Park is almost exactly like Clearwater (sand is a little rougher, crushed shells) but with no crowds and ample CHEAP parking. Parking here is done by electronic pay stations, in a large lot, for only $5 for the entire day.
The park has restrooms, changing stations, a snack bar (veggie burgers, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, fries and ice cream), chairs and umbrellas for rent (2 chairs and an umbrella for $20), a dog park and picnic areas with grills.
The water was much less calm than all of the other beaches we have been going to but if you like riding waves, this is your place. Our teens were enjoying their body boards today.
But for no crowds, tons of parking, facilities and a beautiful beach, head to Sand Key.
Sand Key Park is almost exactly like Clearwater (sand is a little rougher, crushed shells) but with no crowds and ample CHEAP parking. Parking here is done by electronic pay stations, in a large lot, for only $5 for the entire day.
The park has restrooms, changing stations, a snack bar (veggie burgers, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, fries and ice cream), chairs and umbrellas for rent (2 chairs and an umbrella for $20), a dog park and picnic areas with grills.
The water was much less calm than all of the other beaches we have been going to but if you like riding waves, this is your place. Our teens were enjoying their body boards today.
But for no crowds, tons of parking, facilities and a beautiful beach, head to Sand Key.
Written May 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
636jeff
Fredericktown, OH346 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The beach sand is not as sugary as Clearwater Beach just across the inlet, but still white sand. Plenty of parking, which only costs $5 for the entire day. The Beach houses are clean and modern. Rental for an umbrella and two beach chairs is only $29 for the entire day. There are also a couple of very large shelter houses for family reunions. Nice place to go as an alternative to the Clearwater beach, where they charge you for everything including breathing!!!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mountain22
Mount Dora, FL751 contributions
Jan 2020
Very peaceful and quiet, feels like paradise compare to the hustle of Clearwater Beach. Enjoy either the beach or sit and enjoy the passing of the boats in the bay and occasionally seeing a dolphins.
There’s plenty of parking.
There’s plenty of parking.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there fish cleaning facilities at Sand key park?
Gatorman90
Atlanta, GA55 contributions
No
Arkyfromcali
Beebe, AR71 contributions
Is fishing allowed at this beach?
Traveling C
Virginia Beach, VA7 contributions
Yes, fishing is allowed.
Michele B
Hood River, OR
Windsurfing?
SmallTownBigLife
Cedar Rapids, IA30 contributions
There are no rentals here, so you need to bring your own windsurfing equipment. Also, the gulf side of Florida is not known for having big waves or a ton of wind--but it does happen on occasion. It all depends on the day. Beautiful beach--and fairly quiet--especially compared to Clearwater Beach.
Can you paddle board here?
SmallTownBigLife
Cedar Rapids, IA30 contributions
Yes, but watch for swimmers.
Virginia L
Tampa, FL
Can we bring a grill to cook at beach
Honest Suzy
Clinton, TN16 contributions
I did not notice anyone using a grill while I was on the beach. They do have a concessions trailer right on the beach. I did, however, make use of the picnic area in the park, which was wonderful. It is not on the beach, however. But it offers a covered (large) area with tables. There is probably a grill area there. This area is within walking distance of the beach and I enjoyed it just about as much as I did the beach.
yesi
Orlando, FL3 contributions
What is a bathhouse? Online it says "2 bath houses with separate changing stalls and restrooms." What exactly is it? Are the showers like gym showers (private) or just out in the open?
yesi
Orlando, FL3 contributions
There was no curtains. Recently went.. and they just had regular outside showers (the one that look like one pole and all around there are buttons you push to start the water to rinse off) and the bathhouse only had changing rooms and toilets.
Notanexpert
Huntersville, NC5 contributions
The park map on the website shows the restrooms are only open on weekends and holidays. Is this accurate?
Texas451
Beaumont, TX234 contributions
We were there during the week and they were open
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Claim your listingSand Key Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Sand Key Park
- Hotels near Sand Key Park:
- (0.29 mi) Sheraton Sand Key Resort
- (0.49 mi) Winter The Dolphin's Beach Club
- (0.43 mi) Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key
- (0.52 mi) Shephard's Beach Resort
- (0.51 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach
- Restaurants near Sand Key Park:
- (0.28 mi) Rusty's Bistro
- (0.43 mi) Watercolour Grillhouse
- (0.52 mi) Cabanas Coastal Grill
- (0.26 mi) Mainstay Tavern
- (0.52 mi) Gondolier Pizza Italian Restaurant
- Attractions near Sand Key Park:
- (0.00 mi) Sand Key Power Sports
- (0.54 mi) Clearwater Beach Scooter and Bike Rentals
- (1.17 mi) Clearwater Beach
- (0.52 mi) Makin Waves
- (0.74 mi) The Segway Adventure
Sand Key Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 1,042 |
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Very Good Reviews | 502 |
Sand Key Park Photos | 661 |