Clearwater Beach Day Trip from Orlando: Drive, Tours and Tips

Clearwater Beach on the Gulf has the white sand and calm, clear water that Orlando visitors picture when they think of Florida. Here's how to do it as a day trip.

How far is Clearwater Beach from Orlando?

About 2 hours each way by car, mostly on I-4 West through Tampa. That's a long day, so leave early.

No car? A Clearwater Beach day trip from Orlando includes round-trip transportation from Disney, Universal, Orlando and Kissimmee area pickups, with options to add a dolphin cruise, a speedboat ride or a pirate cruise for kids.

What to do in Clearwater Beach

• The beach. Soft white sand and gentle Gulf water, good for younger kids.
• Pier 60. The center of the beach, with a nightly sunset celebration of street performers and vendors.
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A rescue and rehab aquarium, best known from the Dolphin Tale movies.
• Dolphin cruises. Wild dolphins are common in the bay and the Gulf. Boats leave from the marina near Pier 60.
• Caladesi and Honeymoon Islands. Quieter state park beaches just north of Clearwater.

Tips

• Leave Orlando by 7 AM to beat traffic through Tampa.
• Parking near the beach fills up and isn't cheap, another reason to take the tour.
• Stay for sunset. The Gulf coast faces west, and sunsets at Pier 60 are the highlight.
• Pack a change of clothes for the ride home.

Closer to Orlando

Short on time? Real Florida is 30 minutes from the theme parks: airboat tours at Boggy Creek and baby highland cows at Mini Moo Land, both 10% off through us.

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