Clearwater Beach, once known as Clear Water Harbor, is not only exquisite, but boasts a rich history dating back to its original inhabitants, the Tocobagan Indian Tribe. Around 1835, the U.S. Army began construction of Fort Harrison as an outpost during the Seminole wars. The fort was situated on a bluff overlooking Clearwater Harbor, known today as Harbor Oaks.

The name "Clear Water" is thought to have originated because of a once-powerful, fresh water spring flowing near the location where the City Hall building is located today. The beach is said to have a number of freshwater springs, providing the crystal clear water that makes its bay so stunning.

During the Civil War, Union gunboats repeatedly raided Clear Water’s supplies as most of the able-bodied men were away fighting for the Confederate States of America army. However, the city survived and began to boom when its first passenger railroad line arrived in 1888. Clearwater was incorporated as a town in 1891 and James E. Crane became its first mayor. The town's reputation as a tourist destination took off when the Belleview Biltmore was built in 1897.

In 1915, a bridge was built across Clearwater Harbor, joining the city with modern-day Clearwater Beach. Remnants of the original bridge still remain as boating hazards in the harbor's shallows.

During World War II, Clearwater was a major training base for U.S. troops destined for Europe and the Pacific. Virtually every hotel in the area, including the historic Belleview Biltmore and Fort Harrison Hotel, became luxury barracks for new recruits. The remote and isolated Dan's Island, now Sand Key, was used as a target for U.S. Army Air Corps fighter-bombers for strafing and bombing practice.

Far from a military training destination today, Clearwater Beach has become one of the finest and most alluring waterfront destinations in the United States. While a surge of hotel and condominium construction began to transform the beach during the 1970s, 80s and 90s, major development and revitalization took off around 2004.

Beach Walk, for example, is a key component of Clearwater Beach’s current renewal plan. Completed in 2008, it is a half-mile long winding beachside promenade that stretches from south Clearwater Beach north to Pier 60 Park. It has improved the overall beach experience by providing better beach access for more strolling, sunset gazing, dining and shopping. 

Beach Walk also attracts interest from private developers, who have brought new upscale hotel rooms, suites, condo-hotels, and residential and rental condominiums to the beach.

Today, new construction includes the Sandpearl Resort, which opened in August 2007 and is Clearwater Beach’s first new beachfront resort in over 25 years.

Also, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa and the Aqualea Resort are currently under construction, with openings scheduled for late 2009.

According to the Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, expect to see the beach’s renewal continue with two additional large-scale private developments in planning stages right now.