Clearwater Beach Named Top Beach In South By USA Today Readers

CLEARWATER, FL — While it didn't make Dr. Beach's List of Best Beaches this year, USA Today more than made up for the slight when it named Clearwater Beach Best Beach in the South in its 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

USA Today editors selected 20 beaches in the southern United States, from Virginia to Texas, and invited USA Today readers to vote for their favorite beach. Voting opened April 27 and closed May 22.

On Friday, USA Today announced that Clearwater Beach took first place, followed by Emerald Isle Beach, North Carolina; Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Beach; Venice Beach; and Folly Beach, South Carolina.

Related: Florida Beach Earns Top Spot On Dr. Beach's 2023 List Of Best Beaches

Other contenders were Virginia Beach Oceanfront; Cape Hatteras National Seashore; Gulf Shores Beach, Alabama; and Mustang Island State Park, Texas.

In addition to the USA Today's 10Best Awards, Clearwater Beach/Sand Key also was recognized as Visit St. Pete/Clearwater's 2023 "Best Of" winner in the category of "Best Beaches."

Like the 10Best Awards, the "Best Of" winners are selected by the destination's fans.

Clearwater Beach is known around the world for its sugar-white sands, warm Gulf of Mexico waters and fiery sunsets. Home to the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival and the Sunsets at Pier 60, the Clearwater Beach provides a safe and clean experience for visitors.

The beach is monitored by lifeguards year-round and is cleaned and raked every day by city staff.

The beach is also known for its eclectic selection of beachside restaurants and shops along the along Beach Walk, a winding beachside promenade with lush landscaping, artistic touches and unencumbered views of the beach,