Do I need a car when visiting Clearwater Beach, Florida?

A frequently asked question is “Do I need a car when visiting Clearwater Beach, Florida?”.

No, a car is not needed when visiting Clearwater Beach, Florida. Clearwater Beach is a very walkable vacation destination. When on vacation in Clearwater Beach you’ll find almost everything is in walking distance no matter where you stay. It doesn’t matter if you’re staying on the South Beach side of Clearwater Beach or the North Beach Side, you’ll find many restaurants, bars, stores, playgrounds and even the Clearwater Marina is within walking distance.

Visiting Clearwater Beach without a car

Your trip to Clearwater Beach does not need to include the cost of a car. Parking can be difficult at times, and while we do not charge our guests to park when staying at our beachfront condos, may hotels have a daily rate to park your car even when staying with them. Clearwater Beach is filled with delicious restaurants, fun bars, and great shopping opportunities all across the island. You really do not need a car to have an amazing vacation. The whole area is very walkable.

If you’re trying to get somewhere slightly further, such as Publix grocery store or the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you can take the Jolley Trolley to these locations that stop every few blocks and can you around Clearwater Beach and the surrounding area with ease and at low cost.

Clearwater Beach Vacation Day Trips

If you’re wanting to check out other places of Florida when visiting Clearwater Beach, you may want a car then. It would be easier to get around to your own desired locations and on your own time with your own car. There are some surprising acceptations though. You can take some day trips even without a car. The Clearwater Beach Jolley Trolley can also take you to some great day trip locations such as to and from Dunedin, as far north at Tarpon Springs, and as far south as John’s Pass and Tradewinds on St. Pete Beach.

How to get to Clearwater Beach from the airport

The only time you truly need to get into a car when visiting Clearwater Beach is when you’re headed to a from the airport. But there are many ride options and airport shuttles that have you covered there. Uber, Lyft, Way2Go Rides, and more!

A new ride option, Grouper Airport Express, has recently opened from the St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Grouper Airport Express provides very affordable rides to and from St. Pete/Clearwater Airport (PIE) to any location on Clearwater Beach.

Grouper Ride Cost
– $8.00 per person
– Groups of 3-4: $20 one way total cost
– Groups of 5-8: $30 one way total cost

To catch a Grouper, you download the Grouper app and book just like you would using the Uber or Lyft app, or you can book a ride online from the PSTA-Grouper website. They pick you up in large shuttles (see picture above) and have plenty of room for you, your guests, and all of the luggage you’re bringing with you.