Clearwater
©

Clearwater

Pristine white-sand shores and vibrant pier sunsets along the calm turquoise waters of the Gulf.

Arrival airport
PIE
Airport drive
20 min · estimate
Suggested stay
3–5 days
Reservation demand
Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes
Standard vehicles are ideal; check rental agreements for restrictions on driving across sand or off-road beach areas.
Black Friday sale: save up to 35% off motorhome rentalsBlack Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.

Top tour

Most popular experience near Clearwater

Know before you go

Beachfront Parking Constraints

Public lots near Pier 60 fill early, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider using the Clearwater Ferry or local trolley systems to reach the beach from mainland parking garages.

Reliable Coastal Signal

Cellular service is excellent throughout the Clearwater and Dunedin areas. Connectivity may be slightly weaker on the outer edges of Honeymoon Island's nature trails.

Mainland Services

Fuel stations are abundant along the Hwy 60 corridor and in nearby St. Petersburg. Pricing is generally consistent across the Clearwater metro area.

Tide and Storm Cycles

Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; plan outdoor island visits for the morning hours. Consult tide charts if planning to walk the remote sandbars off Honeymoon Island.

Island Transit

Caladesi Island is accessible only by boat; there is no road access from the mainland. Pedestrian access to Honeymoon Island is via the Dunedin Causeway.

Check current conditions:Florida State Parks - Caladesi Island

2RVs, campervans & cars near PIE

Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4

From $245/day · typical rate

Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.

Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs

Sleeps 2 campervans

Est. from $95/day · typical rate

Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.

Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Airbus A220-300.jpg — illustrative photo, not partner inventory

Flights to PIE

Check on Aviasales
©
2024 Chevrolet Malibu sedan — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at PIE
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

Standard car rentals at PIE

Est. from $45/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at PIE
©
2018 Mazda CX-9 SUV on a Utah road trip — illustrative photo, not partner inventory
  • ✓ Compare suppliers at PIE
  • ✓ Free cancellation on many rates

SUV rentals at PIE

Est. from $55/day · typical rate

Pick your dates and vehicle class.

Compare rates at PIE
©

A little structure. Plenty of freedom.

3 days in Clearwater

  1. 01

    Coastal Promenades and Pier Views

    Suggested: 9 AM from Clearwater Beach Walk

    • Beach Walk

      Stroll the winding promenade to explore the local shoreline and access various Gulf-front shops.

    • Pier 60

      Walk the iconic wooden pier to observe local anglers and visit the evening artisan market.

    Allow 30 minutes; local congestion varies

    Pier 60 activities typically increase two hours before sunset.

    Pick up your vehicle at PIE →
  2. 02

    Barrier Islands and Mangrove Trails

    Suggested: 8:30 AM from Honeymoon Island

    • Honeymoon Island State Park

      Explore the nature trails to spot nesting ospreys and enjoy the rugged, uncrowded northern beaches.

    • Caladesi Island State Park

      Take the ferry to this undeveloped island for kayaking through mangrove tunnels and pristine shelling.

    Allow 1 hour including ferry wait times; conditions vary

    Verify the last ferry return time from Caladesi to avoid being stranded.

    Tours for today's stops →
  3. 03

    Marine Conservation and Gateway Charm

    Suggested: 9 AM from Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    • Clearwater Marine Aquarium

      Learn about the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles and native Gulf species at this working marine hospital.

    • Dunedin Main Street

      Visit the nearby gateway town for a walk through its historic district and a ride on the Pinellas Trail.

    Allow 45 minutes for regional travel; conditions vary

    Parking in Dunedin can be limited during weekend festivals.

    Find a place to stay →

Reservations · Low

State Park Capacity and Ferry Reservations

State Parks like Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island have strict daily capacity limits and may close once reached. The ferry to Caladesi Island operates on a first-come, first-served basis but has set return times that require monitoring. Official park websites should be checked for the latest vessel schedules and island access updates.

Check official reservation info

Fly in · nearest airport

PIEClearwater

St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport · 20 min drive

Find flights to PIE

Plan your road trip

From St. Petersburg Clearwater International Airport

20 min

about 11 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures

Get directions

Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.

Stays near the end of your drive

3Where you'll want to sleep

RVs at Fishing Bridge RV Park (16714369882).jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to bookWildParkRoutes's pick

RV parks near Clearwater on RoverPass

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.

Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Camping tent on tarp.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Campsites near Clearwater on Campspot

Campground

Best for: Tent camping

Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.

Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Broad view of Waterton RV Campground, Alberta.jpg, illustrative accommodation photo©Outside the park · easier to book

Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Clearwater

Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries

5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.

RV Park

Best for: RV travelers

Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.

Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off

Vrbo

Cabins & vacation rentals near Clearwater

Est. from $120/night · typical rate

  • Whole-home cabins and lodges
  • Kitchens and room for the crew
Search cabins on Vrbo

Expedia

Hotels & lodges near Clearwater

Est. from $110/night · typical rate

  • Hotels in nearby gateway towns
  • Inns and last-minute rooms
Search hotels on Expedia

4The moments you came for

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Clearwater

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Plan deeper

More destinations you'll love

All destinations