Our location is convenient to many local attractions.  It’s a short drive to Clearwater Beach (2.5 miles), but sometimes Spring Break or weekend summer beach traffic can be heavy.

Tips & Tricks:

We have some suggestions to help you on your way and avoid the traffic delays when possible.

• Leave early!  If you’re on the road by 10 a.m., you shouldn’t have any problems with beach traffic.
• Various parking lots are available at Clearwater Beach.   City lots are listed here, and there are also private parking garages next to the Grand Hyatt.   We tend to visit the north beach area – it’s usually a little less crowded than the central point at Pier 60, and it’s convenient to use the food/beverage/restroom facilities at Palm Pavilion or Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill.
• There are some free parking spots, but you’ll need to go early, and look for them in the north beach area, or south beach area.
• Sand Key Park is a great alternative – it’s a county park with $5/day parking.   If the traffic is heavy over the Route 60 causeway, you can reach it by going south to West Bay Drive and take the Bellaire Beach Causeway to the barrier island, and then head north toward Clearwater Beach.
• The Jolley Trolley and Suncoast Trolley have routes from downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Beach.    However, if traffic is heavy on the causeway, the trolleys will also be delayed.   There is also a new pontoon ferry service from downtown Clearwater to different beach points, and it’s a fun way to avoid the traffic and parking.
• We tend to check Google Maps or Waze on busy days, and if necessary use the Belleair Bridge Causeway instead of the Clearwater Memorial Causeway (Route 60).   It may be a longer drive, but you’ll see less traffic. Click on the map images shown below for live traffic or alternative routes.

Directions to Clearwater Beach

• North on S Prospect Ave to Turner St
• Turn left on Turner St and continue to red light at S Myrtle Ave.
• Turn Right
• Turn left onto Court St/SR-60 W.
• Continue to follow SR-60W
• SR-60W ends on Clearwater Beach at Pier 60

 

 

 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

En route to the beach you will pass Clearwater Marine Aquarium on the right at Island Estates Drive, just over the bridge. If you turn at the light, signs will direct you to the entrance.   You can also visit the aquarium by going first to the museum located downtown on Osceola Street.   There you can buy tickets for admission (with smaller waiting lines), then take the free ferry or free trolley ride to the aquarium (with return trip).

Sunsets at Pier 60

Sunsets at Pier 60 is a daily festival that celebrates the end of the day.

The Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival is a nightly sunset celebration that takes place in Pier 60 Park on Clearwater Beach, Florida.
This free family event features artisans, crafters, street performers and musical entertainment, weather permitting.