Clearwater Beach is a popular destination on the Gulf Coast of Florida, known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant beachfront community. Accessing this stunning location can be done in several ways, including public parking lots, private lots, and alternative transportation options. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various methods to help you seamlessly reach and enjoy Clearwater Beach.
Public Parking Lots
Clearwater Beach offers several public parking lots to accommodate visitors. These lots are conveniently located both north and south of the iconic roundabout, providing easy access to the beach and surrounding amenities.
North of the Roundabout
- Lot 36: Located on Rockaway Street, this lot offers 145 parking spaces.
- Lot 37: Situated between Avalon and Kendall streets, this lot has 53 parking spaces.
- North Beach Parking Plaza (Lot 66): Situated on Poinsettia Avenue, this shaded parking lot offers hourly and daily rates, with 450 parking spaces.
- Family Aquatic & Recreation Center (Lot 38): East of Mandalay Avenue and south of Bay Esplanade, this lot has 79 parking spaces.
South of the Roundabout
- Pier 60 (Lot 31): Located southwest of the roundabout, this beachside lot has 139 parking spaces.
- Lot 32: Where Gulfview Boulevard bends, at the corner of Devon and Hamden drives, this lot offers 65 parking spaces.
Private Parking Lot (Open to the Public)
In addition to the public lots, there is a private parking lot located directly north of the Hyatt Regency, between South Gulfview Boulevard and Coronado Drive, south of Second Street.
On-Street Parking
Clearwater Beach also offers on-street parking throughout the area, both north and south of the roundabout, with a total of 389 parking spots available.
Alternatives to Parking
For those who prefer to avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot, Clearwater Beach offers two convenient alternative transportation options:
- Jolley Trolley: A local “bus” service that connects Clearwater Beach, Downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor, and Tarpon Springs. The Jolley Trolley runs every 30 minutes, making it a great way to explore the area without the need for a personal vehicle.
- Clearwater Ferry: This ferry service provides transportation between downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, offering a scenic and stress-free way to reach the beach.
Public Facilities
Clearwater Beach also offers various public facilities to enhance your visit:
- Restrooms: Available at various public parking lots and beach access points.
- Accessibility Mats: Three beach access mats are provided on Clearwater Beach to facilitate movement on the sand for visitors with mobility challenges.
Tips and Reminders
- Parking fills early during busy season, weekends, and holidays, so it’s best to arrive early or consider alternative transportation options.
- Plan your travel time: The 2-mile journey across the Memorial Causeway (State Road 60) can take anywhere from 5 minutes during the least busy times to over 30 minutes when the area is congested, especially during peak seasons.
- Payment Options: Many parking kiosks support “pay-by-plate” functionality, and the ParkMobile app on your mobile device is an alternative to paying at the kiosks.
By understanding the various parking and transportation options available, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable visit to the beautiful Clearwater Beach. Whether you choose to park in one of the public lots, utilize on-street parking, or opt for alternative transportation, this guide will help you navigate your way to this stunning Florida destination.