Clearwater Beach is the nearest Gulf of Mexico beach to Orlando and routinely ranks among the best beaches in the United States. The sand is soft, white and fine, and the water is calm and shallow. Pier 60 hosts a nightly sunset festival with artists and street performers. The drive is long, so plan an early start or overnight stay. The trip is about 110 miles (177 km) west from Orlando, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes by car. Take I-4 west to I-275 south, then SR-60 west over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway to Pier 60; about 1 hour 45 minutes. Costs: Beach is free; parking about $2-$5 per hour; umbrella and chair rental about $30-$50 per day. Before going, confirm hours and any closures with the operator at 727-562-4800 or www.visitclearwaterflorida.com.
| Distance | About 110 miles (177 km) west |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 45 minutes by car |
| Getting there | Drive: Take I-4 west to I-275 south, then SR-60 west over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway to Pier 60; about 1 hour 45 minutes. No LYNX or SunRail service reaches this destination, so rent a car, book a tour or use rideshare. |
| Cost | Beach is free; parking about $2-$5 per hour; umbrella and chair rental about $30-$50 per day |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767 |
How to get there
- Mode
- Rental car
- Cost
- Gas; beach lots cost about $2-$5 per hour (about $25-$40 per day on busy days)
- Frequency
- Any time; leave early to beat I-4 traffic
- Operator
- Rental agencies at MCO or Orlando hotels
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
- Mode
- Guided tour or coach
- Cost
- Day tours from Orlando cost about $70-$130 per person
- Frequency
- Daily departures where available
- Operator
- Orlando tour operators (book via Viator or GetYourGuide)
- Departure point
- Selected Orlando, I-Drive and Disney area hotels
- Mode
- Rideshare one way
- Cost
- About $170-$250 each way
- Frequency
- Any time
- Operator
- Uber / Lyft
- Departure point
- Anywhere in Orlando
Location
1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
27.9783, -82.8277 View on map
Highlights
- Swim in calm, clear Gulf water
- Watch the nightly Sunset Festival at Pier 60
- Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of Winter the dolphin's story
- Walk Pier 60 at dusk
Tips for visiting
- Leave Orlando by 7:00 AM to have beach time
- Parking fills on weekends; use municipal garages
- Check red tide reports before swimming
- Stay for sunset, but allow for heavy return traffic on I-4
When to visit
Year-round; October to May is most comfortable. Arrive in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Accessibility
Beach access has mats and some beach wheelchairs are available from the city; phone 727-562-4800.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How far is Clearwater Beach from Orlando?
About 110 miles, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
Is the water calm?
Usually yes; Gulf waters are calmer than the Atlantic.
Is a day trip realistic?
Yes with an early start; overnight is more relaxed.