Clearwater Beach Parking
A list of 13 parking lots and parking garages around Clearwater Beach. Includes distance to the beach, parking spaces, hours of operation and rates.
Parking lots and street parking are located throughout the beach area from the southern end of the island to the northern public parking limit at Acacia St. Availability varies widely by season, on weekends and during popular events. At busiest times, it can be quite challenging to find a place to park. Following is a list of parking options with location and distance to the beach. (Rates and hours listed are subject to change).
Free Spring Break Trolley Service to Clearwater Beach!
Parking at Clearwater Beach during Spring Break is very challenging and at times nearly impossible. Avoid this by taking the trolley.
From February 25 through April 27, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Clearwater will offer free shuttle and trolley service from downtown Clearwater to the beach. Parking in designated locations is also free (versus $3/hour and higher at the beach).
Free parking locations:
Seven days at week
- 112 S. Osceola Ave - The former city hall lot
- 200 S. Osceola Ave
Additional Parking on Saturday and Sunday
- 310 Court Street (County Garage)
This PSTA Shuttle and Jolley Trolley service runs every 30 minutes from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and every 15 minutes from 10:00 am to midnight Friday, Saturday, and until 10 pm on Sunday.
City Beach Parking
Hundreds of parking spaces are available around the beach area. City parking lots and on-street parking along the beach fill quickly. Most rates are $3 per hour. On-street parking rate is $3.50 per hour with 5-hour limit. All city parking uses either pay kiosks or meters. Kiosks accept credit cards or coins. In addition to city parking, there are a number private parking areas/garages that have considerably more parking spaces often with higher prices per 12 hours or for the day.
Parking Nearest to Main Beach and Pier 60
Pier 60 City Parking Lot (#31)
- 160 S. Gulfview Blvd (Pier 60)
- Closest to main beach and Pier 60
- Spaces: 139
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- 6 am - 11 pm; After hours: closed
On-Street Beach Parking (City)
- Streets along the beach and on many side streets
- Distance to beach - varies
- Spaces: 389 - throughout island
- Kiosks/Meters use coins or credit cards
- $3.50 per hour
- 5 hour time limit
- Hours vary - posted on meter or Kiosk
Gateway Parking (City #43)
- 390 East Shore Dr
- Distance to main beach - about 1,400 feet
- Spaces: 41
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- 6 am - 11 pm; After hours: open, no charge
Municipal Marina Parking (City #30)
- 25 Causeway Blvd - at Beach Marina
- Spaces: 346 (no beach parking 6 am - 11 pm)
- Parking for Marina activities only: 6 am - 11 pm
- Next to marina - across from main beach
- After hours: open, no charge
- $.50 per 1/2 hour. For more than 1/2 hour time limit, code from marina merchant required to purchase more time.
- Permits available from merchants and boating excursions.
Parking Near Northern Area of Beach
Rockaway Parking (City #36)
- 4 Rockaway St
- Next to northern area of beach
- Spaces: 36
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- 6 am - 11 pm; After hours: closed
Avalon Parking (City #37)
- 6 Avalon St
- Next to northern area of beach
- Spaces: 53
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- 6 am - 11 pm; After hours: open, no charge
Mandalay Parking (City #34 & #35)
- 429 and 461 Mandalay Ave
- Distance to beach - about 500 feet
- Spaces: 48
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- 6 am - 11 pm; After hours: open, no charge
North Beach Parking Plaza
- 490 Poinsettia Ave
- About 1/3 mile north of the roundabout / Pier 60
- Distance to northern area of beach - 800 feet
- Multi-level parking garage with 450 spaces
- Pay on exit - credit card
- Now privately owned. Rates controlled by owner - check for current rates.
- Open 24 hours
- No time limit - overnight parking welcome
Family Aquatic and Recreation Center (City #38)
- 51 Bay Esplanade
- Distance to northern area of beach - 700 feet
- Spaces: 79
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- Mon - Sat: 8 am - 11 pm; Sun: 12:30 pm - 11 pm. After hours: open, no charge
Mckay Field (City #39)
- 605 Mandalay Ave
- Distance to northern area of beach - 600 feet
- Spaces: 17
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- 6 am - 11 pm; After hours: open, no charge
Parking Near Southern Area of Beach
South Beach Parking Lot (City #32)
- 420 S. Gulfview Blvd
- Next to southern area of beach
- Spaces: 65
- Pay Kiosks coins or credit cards
- $3 per hour
- No time limit during open hours
- 6 am - 11 pm; After hours: closed
Private Parking Open to Public
In addition to the municipal parking and the private parking listed here, there are a number of other private parking areas with rates that are usually much higher. Take care to note parking rate before selecting your location.
Hyatt Parking Garage
- 301 South Gulfview
- Private parking garage
- Distance to beach - across street
- Pay at Kiosk on ground floor, or upon garage exit - credit card
- $6 per hour, 3 hour minimum, $38 day maximum
Surf Style Parking Garage
- 311 S Gulfview Blvd
- Private parking garage
- Distance to beach - across street
- First hour free
- $30 flat rate for day
- No overnight parking
Clearwater Beach Pay Here parking kiosk
More about Clearwater Beach Parking
- Parking fills early during busy season, weekends and holidays.
- The 2 mile travel across the Memorial Causeway (State Road 60) can take about 5 minutes during least busy times to over 30 minutes when busy and during peak seasons. Plan accordingly!
- All parking kiosks and meters show the hours and rates.
- Many kiosks support "pay-by-plate". Still pay normally, but you don't have to walk back to your car to put receipt on dashboard.
- Payment via the ParkMobile app on your cell phone/mobile device is an alternative to paying at the kiosks. The app is available for Apple and Android devices from their respective app stores.
- There is no public parking north of Acacia St. - north end of Clearwater Beach.
For more information see: City of Clearwater - Beach Parking page
Alternatives to Parking at Clearwater Beach
Jolley Trolley
The Jolley Trolley is a quaint local "bus" that serves Clearwater Beach, Downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Their motto is "Leave your Car Where You are, Ride the Jolley Trolley." The trolley has numerous stops every 30 minutes throughout the beach area (60 minutes other routes) and runs from mid-morning into the evening.
The trolley is unique with an oak and brass trim interior and a distinctive old-fashion exterior in red and yellow colors. The trolley has both air conditioning to handle the summer heat as well as opening windows for open air when comfortable. The trolley can accommodate up to 35 people and can be chartered for special occasions or large groups.
Catch the trolley anywhere along its route to go to Clearwater Beach and avoid the congestion and parking at the beach. Parking lots are available in downtown Clearwater if you wish to leave your car and take the trolley to the beach.
A trolley location tracker is available online (see link below), as well as through phone apps available at the Apple AppStore and Google Play store - app name: Ride Systems.
Jolley Trolley resources
Clearwater Ferry
The Clearwater Ferry is another great alternative to driving through heavy traffic to Clearwater Beach. The ferry has several routes serving downtown Clearwater to/from Clearwater Beach, and Downtown Clearwater to Clearwater Marine Aquarium to North Beach and return. The ferry also serves the same destination/return points to and from Dunedin Marina.
It is a nice way to avoid the Clearwater Beach traffic congestion and parking. And, the Dunedin Marina route is perfect for cruising along the Intracoastal Waterway with access to downtown Dunedin's shops, restaurants and breweries.
Free parking is available at the ferry's downtown Clearwater and Dunedin locations. Check the Clearwater Ferry website for routes, rates and current schedules.
Tickets can be purchased online or walk-up. Walk-ups have no guarantee of getting a seat, however, if the ferry is full.
Apps are available for the Clearwater Ferry at the Apple AppStore and Google Play.
Clearwater Ferry resources
CC excerpt from MyClearwater.com
