Clearwater BeachParking Guide
Find the best parking spots, save money, and avoid the stress with our complete guide to Clearwater Beach parking and transportation.
Parking Quick Facts
Average Cost
$2-3/hour or $5-25/day
Best Arrival Time
Before 9 AM on weekends
Total Spaces
1,000+ public spots available
Parking Locations
Pier 60 Municipal Lot
Location: 25 Causeway Blvd
Capacity: 300+ spaces
Rate: $3/hour, $25/day max
Hours: 24/7
Pros
- • Closest to main beach and Pier 60
- • Walking distance to restaurants
- • Well-lit and secure
- • Beach access right across street
Cons
- • Most expensive option
- • Fills up early on weekends
- • Limited shade
- • Can be crowded
Insider Tip: Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot
Beach Access Lot 1
Location: Mandalay Ave & Gulfview Blvd
Capacity: 150 spaces
Rate: $2/hour, $20/day max
Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM
Pros
- • Less crowded than Pier 60
- • Direct beach access
- • Reasonable rates
- • Usually has availability
Cons
- • Further from restaurants
- • Limited restroom facilities
- • No evening access
- • Less security presence
Insider Tip: Great for families wanting quieter beach area
Sand Key Park
Location: 1060 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater
Capacity: 500+ spaces
Rate: $5/day flat rate
Hours: 7 AM - Sunset
Pros
- • Best value for all-day parking
- • Large capacity
- • Beautiful, less crowded beach
- • Nature preserve trails
Cons
- • 10-minute drive from main strip
- • No evening beach access
- • Limited dining nearby
- • Can close early in winter
Insider Tip: Perfect for budget-conscious visitors and nature lovers
Street Parking - Mandalay
Location: Mandalay Ave (various spots)
Capacity: Limited metered spots
Rate: $2/hour, 3-hour limit
Hours: 8 AM - 6 PM enforcement
Pros
- • Cheapest short-term option
- • Free after 6 PM
- • Close to beach access
- • No daily maximum
Cons
- • Very limited availability
- • Time restrictions
- • Risk of tickets
- • No shade or security
Insider Tip: Best for quick beach visits or evening dining
Private Beach Lots
Location: Various locations on island
Capacity: Varies by lot
Rate: $10-20/day
Hours: Usually 24/7
Pros
- • Guaranteed parking
- • Often closer to beach
- • Some offer shuttle service
- • More shade available
Cons
- • More expensive
- • Quality varies significantly
- • May not accept cards
- • Less regulated
Insider Tip: Research reviews before parking to avoid scams
Money-Saving Tips
Early Bird Parking
Arrive before 8 AM for best availability and sometimes discounted rates
Weekend warriors: get there by 7:30 AM
Off-Peak Visits
Weekday parking is significantly cheaper and more available
Save 30-50% by visiting Monday-Thursday
Alternative Transportation
Consider Uber/Lyft, especially for evening visits when parking is free
Rideshare costs often less than parking + gas
Explore Other Beaches
Indian Rocks and Sand Key offer better parking value
Just 5-10 minutes away with cheaper parking
Skip the Parking Hassles
Consider these transportation alternatives that eliminate parking stress entirely
Clearwater Beach Ferry
Scenic ride from downtown Clearwater
$14 round trip adults, $7 kids
Benefits:
- • Beautiful views
- • No parking needed
- • Fun experience
Every 30 minutes, 10 AM - 10 PM
Jolley Trolley
Beach trolley service with multiple stops
$2.25 per ride, day passes available
Benefits:
- • Multiple beach stops
- • Air conditioned
- • Frequent service
Every 20 minutes, 6 AM - 2 AM
Ride Share (Uber/Lyft)
Door-to-door service to beach areas
$15-30 from Tampa area
Benefits:
- • No parking hassles
- • Drop off anywhere
- • Good for groups
Available 24/7
Hotel Shuttle
Many hotels offer free beach shuttles
Usually free for guests
Benefits:
- • Free service
- • Regular schedule
- • Air conditioned
Varies by hotel
Avoid Parking Tickets
Read all parking signs carefully - rules change by location
Don't park in fire lanes or handicap spaces without permits
Pay attention to time limits - enforcement is strict
Keep receipts visible on dashboard
Download parking apps for easy meter payment
Watch for temporary "No Parking" signs for events
Peak Season Parking (Dec-Apr)
Arrive Early
Parking lots fill by 10 AM on weekends. Consider arriving at sunrise for guaranteed spots.
Have Backup Plans
Research multiple parking options and be willing to walk further for available spaces.
Consider Alternatives
Peak season is the best time to use ferry service or other transportation options.
Need Directions?
Use these GPS coordinates for the main parking areas:
Pier 60
27.9729° N, 82.8262° W
Beach Access 1
27.9751° N, 82.8248° W
Sand Key Park
27.9445° N, 82.8373° W
Ready to Visit the Beach?
Now that you know where to park, check out our guides for the best beaches and activities to make the most of your visit.