Clearwater Beach: Day Trips and Tours from Orlando

Named after its turquoise waters and picture-perfect setting—Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s top natural attractions and is the perfect location for activities like swimming, tanning, jet skiing and paddleboarding.

Day trips to Clearwater Beach from Orlando provide an ideal way for those staying in the big city to spend the day at the coast and see a different side of Florida. Pack your swimsuit and prepare for a perfect beach day!

Read on to discover more about Clearwater Beach, one of the most scenic day trips from Orlando.

How to travel to Clearwater Beach from Orlando?

Clearwater Beach is located on the Clearwater barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, roughly 180 kilometers west of Orlando.

From Orlando to Clearwater Beach by car

If you plan to drive from Orlando to Clearwater Beach, the most direct route would be to head west on Interstate 4 until you reach Tampa. From there, you’ll take State Road 60 to Clearwater. The journey by car should take roughly 2 hours, depending on traffic.

From Orlando to Clearwater Beach by train

The Silver Star train is the only time-efficient form of public transport that runs between Orlando and Tampa—which is the closest train stop to Clearwater Beach. The train takes around two hours and once you get off at the station, you’ll need to take a taxi to the beach.

Guided tour to Clearwater Beach from Orlando

Have an expert local guide take care of all your travel plans and enjoy a relaxing trip to Clearwater Beach from Orlando in a comfortable private vehicle. Most trips are full-day excursions, lasting around 12 hours including travel time.

What is the typical itinerary on a tour to Clearwater Beach?

While each Clearwater Beach day trip from Orlando is slightly different from the next, many of these excursions follow a similar itinerary. Your day usually begins with an early morning pickup from your Orlando hotel.

You’ll meet your guide and other tour participants and spend the next 2 hours being driven to Clearwater Beach, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Once at the beach, you’ll get to explore the coast and the famous Beach Walk Promenade filled with shops.

Most Clearwater Beach day trips are inclusive of a lunch at one of the beachside restaurants and you may also be treated to activities such as deep sea fishing, boat trips and more. After a fun-filled day at the beach, you’ll be taken back to your hotel in Orlando.

What kinds of tours to Clearwater Beach are there to choose from?

When browsing the various options available for Clearwater Beach day trips, you can choose between guided tours, shuttle transfers, private tours and tours that include other activities and attractions.

No matter your budget and preferences, there is a Clearwater Beach day trip that is perfect for you!

Guided tours to Clearwater Beach from Orlando

Join a group of like-minded travelers as you all make your way to Clearwater Beach in a comfortable, private vehicle. An expert guide will lead the way and tell you everything there is to know about Clearwater Beach and the various activities on offer.

Guided group tours are typically inclusive of lunch and some sort of outdoor activity, such as a boat trip, and provide the perfect opportunity to make friends.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Clearwater Beach from Orlando

Explore Clearwater Beach when you choose to visit the beach with a shuttle service. Your driver will take you to wherever you want to go near Clearwater Beach and wait for you while you enjoy your time at the coast.

Most roundtrip shuttle services will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Orlando and will provide you with a lunch voucher to use at one of the restaurants at Clearwater Beach.

Private tour to Clearwater Beach from Orlando

Make the most of your time at Clearwater Beach by opting for a private tour. You’ll enjoy a customized itinerary and you’ll be able to choose a convenient departure time as you and your travel companions will be the only tour participants.

Prepare yourself for a luxury experience as you spend an unforgettable day at Clearwater Bay in the company of your travel companions, with your expert local guide leading the way.

Day trip to Clearwater Beach plus Marine Aquarium from Orlando

Make your trip to Clearwater Beach just a little extra special when you choose a tour that includes admission to the nearby Marine Aquarium. These group excursions are perfect for the entire family, so bring the kids along and enjoy a day at the coast.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is known for its marine life rehabilitation center and its famous dolphin, Winter.

What are the prices for a day trip to Clearwater Beach from Orlando?

Roundtrip shuttle services to Clearwater Beach from Orlando typically cost around US$100 per person, including a lunch voucher for a beachside restaurant.

Guided group trips to Clearwater from Orlando can cost anywhere between US$100 and US$170 per person, including the activities and inclusions offered by the tour operator. For example, some group tours include boat rides and these excursions will usually cost more.

Clearwater Beach day trips from Orlando that include admission to Clearwater Marine Aquarium usually cost around US$165 for a full-day group excursion, including roundtrip transfers and lunch at a local restaurant.

Private tours, which can be customized to your preferences and needs, typically cost around US$2,350 for groups of up to 13, so the price per person will differ depending on how many people there are in your group.

What's there to see and do in Clearwater Beach?

Clearwater Beach is one of the developed barrier islands along the Tampa Bay coast. Thanks to its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, Clearwater Beach is one of Florida’s most popular destinations and there are loads of things to see and do.

Beaches

While Clearwater Beach is the most famous beach in the area, the barrier island is also home to a few other beaches, where you can swim, tan and relax on the pristine white-sand shores. With its moderate weather all year round, Clearwater Beach provides the perfect beach day.

Boat Tours

There are so many different types of boat tours in Clearwater Beach to choose from, including pirate boat trips, dolphin-watching boat tours and even deep-sea fishing excursions. The waters surrounding Clearwater Beach are home to a wide variety of sea life, so keep your eyes peeled.

Taking a boat trip allows you to immerse yourself in nature and see the gulf from an entirely different perspective.

Beach Walk Promenade

Clearwater Beach’s Beach Walk Promenade is a bustling waterfront promenade that is home to dozens of shops and restaurants. The 1-kilometer-long walkway is paved and is perfect for taking a stroll as you window-shop and admire the adjacent beach.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one of the barrier island’s top attractions and is home to a diverse number of marine species, including dolphins. This is a great place to visit if you are eager to learn more about marine animals and see them up close.

What's the best time of year to visit Clearwater Beach?

The best time to visit Clearwater Beach is spring, from March to May, when the weather is pleasantly warm and not as intense or humid, as it is in the summer. While spring break might bring crowds in March, April and May tend to be less congested.

During spring, the waters are inviting, and there's a lower chance of rain compared to the summer. Additionally, you'll sidestep the peak hurricane season, ensuring a more relaxing beach getaway.

Travel tips

• Arrive early to claim a good spot on the beach, especially during peak seasons. Mornings also offer cooler temperatures for beach activities.
• Florida sun can be intense. Bring ample water, apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat, and use UV-protective sunglasses.
• Try local seafood joints for fresh catches, especially grouper.
• Don't miss the daily Sunset Festival at Pier 60, which features artisans, crafters, and street performers.