Craving soft Gulf sands after your Orlando theme‑park days? Driving to Clearwater Beach lets you time the causeway vistas with sunset at Pier 60. Start with a convenient Orlando Airport car rental, then compare Tampa car hire options if you prefer to fly back from the Gulf Coast.
Best routes from Orlando
The most direct path is I‑4 West to Tampa, then FL‑60 West across the Courtney Campbell Causeway into Clearwater. Depending on where you’re staying, I‑4 to I‑275 and then FL‑60 is just as quick. Typical drive time is around 1 hour 50 minutes in normal traffic.
Where to park at Clearwater Beach
City‑managed lots and on‑street spaces cluster around South Gulfview Blvd. Rates are commonly $3.00–$3.50/hour with posted time limits (Pier 60 Lot, Rockaway St., and others). Lots fill on weekends and during festivals, so arrive early or target mid‑week afternoons outside holidays.
Local tips
- Sunset at Pier 60: Plan your arrival for late afternoon and stay for the nightly sunset celebration.
- Traffic windows: Eastbound returns toward Orlando move easiest early morning or after 7:30 p.m.
- Tolls: I‑4 is toll‑free; FL‑60 and I‑275 have non‑tolled causeways on this route. Your Hola Car Rentals booking still includes toll coverage for other Central Florida drives.
- Flexibility: Free Cancellation up to 48 hours before pick‑up when booked with Hola Car Rentals.
Make it a 2‑day mini‑break
Pair Clearwater with Dunedin’s breweries and Honeymoon Island’s nature trails, then return the vehicle in Orlando or Tampa depending on your flights. If you’re flying home from the Gulf Coast, browse Tampa airport pick‑ups or keep it simple by returning at MCO with your original reservation.—and keep our Florida network in mind for multi‑city trips.
Why Hola Car Rentals: All‑Inclusive+ maximum coverage, no hidden fees (save up to 60%), and free travel insurance up to US$150,000. Book your Orlando city car rental and hit the road.
CTA: Reserve now with Hola Car Rentals and catch that Pier 60 sunset stress‑free.
What to pack & beach etiquette
- Footwear: Sand gets hot—pack sandals and a shade tent if you’ll be out mid‑day.
- Keep it light: Meter time limits mean you’ll likely move the car once; strollers and backpacks beat heavy coolers.
- Respect signage: Some residential streets near North Beach prohibit public parking; use city lots and garages.
Add‑on ideas nearby
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of “Winter”), Dunedin’s Main Street, and Caladesi Island State Park are easy side trips. If you want more Gulf beach time, overnight in Clearwater and return your car in Tampa the next morning.
Clearwater vs. St. Pete Beach
Clearwater puts you steps from Pier 60 and family‑friendly amenities; St. Pete Beach skews a bit quieter with long, walkable stretches. Driving time between them is about 25–35 minutes depending on causeway traffic—easy to sample both with your rental car.
When to go
Weekdays outside school holidays deliver the easiest parking and the least congested causeway crossings. For families, plan a late‑morning arrival, beach time through sunset, and a quick dinner before the return drive—both routes back to Orlando generally ease after 7:30 p.m.
One‑day sample timeline
- 10:30 — Depart Orlando after rush hour.
- 12:30 — Lunch in downtown Clearwater, then head for the beach.
- Afternoon — Swim, shade, and a stroll to Pier 60.
- Sunset — Nightly celebration with artisans and street performers.
- Evening — Drive back or check into a Gulf‑front hotel.
