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Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach offer beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, waterfront dining, resorts, boating and plenty of ways to slow down after a busy few days in Central Florida.
If you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO), traveling across the state after a flight can take some planning. Clearwater Beach is approximately 105 to 115 miles from MCO, with the trip generally taking about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic and your exact destination.
In this guide, we’ll look at Clearwater Beach and St. Pete, what you can do once you arrive and how private Orlando Airport Transportation can make the journey to Florida’s Gulf Coast easier.
Why Visit Clearwater Beach?
Clearwater Beach is known for its soft white sand, Gulf waters and lively beachfront atmosphere. In 2026, Tripadvisor named it the number one beach in Florida and number two beach in the United States.
Things to Do in Clearwater Beach
There is plenty to enjoy beyond relaxing on the sand.
- Spend the day swimming and enjoying the beach
- Visit Pier 60 and its nightly sunset celebration
- Take a dolphin-watching or sightseeing cruise
- Explore Clearwater Marine Aquarium
- Enjoy waterfront restaurants and beachside dining
- Try boating and other water activities
Pier 60 is one of the best-known spots in Clearwater Beach and makes a great place to finish the day while watching the Gulf Coast sunset.
Why Visit St. Pete Beach and St. Petersburg?
A little farther south, St. Pete Beach offers another Gulf Coast experience with beachfront resorts, restaurants, water activities and easy access to nearby St. Petersburg.
Explore St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is known for its wide shoreline and resort atmosphere. Visitors can spend the day at the beach, explore Pass-a-Grille or choose from waterfront restaurants and hotels throughout the area.
Discover Downtown St. Petersburg
If you want to add arts and culture to your beach vacation, downtown St. Petersburg is worth exploring.
The St. Pete Pier stretches across 26 acres of waterfront and includes restaurants, green spaces, family activities, public art and views of Tampa Bay.
St. Petersburg is also known for its museums and galleries, including The Dalí Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and Chihuly Collection.
How Do You Get From Orlando Airport to Clearwater Beach?
After a flight, renting a vehicle, navigating unfamiliar highways and coordinating luggage may not be the way you want to begin your beach vacation.
Why Choose Private Transportation?
Orlando Airport Transportation provides direct, private service from Orlando International Airport to Clearwater Beach and Gulf Coast destinations.
Your vehicle is reserved for your party, with no shared passengers or unnecessary scheduled stops. Vehicle options include:
- Executive sedans
- Luxury SUVs
- Stretch limousines
- Mercedes Sprinter vans
- Mini-coaches
Transportation can also be arranged from Disney, Universal Orlando, Kissimmee and other Central Florida locations.
For families, child seats and booster seats can be requested in advance. Larger vehicles are also available for groups traveling with beach equipment, strollers, coolers or additional luggage.
Book Private Transportation to Clearwater Beach & St. Pete
Whether Clearwater Beach is your final destination or you’re continuing to St. Pete Beach, arrange your Gulf Coast transportation before you arrive.
Contact Orlando Airport Transportation
From Orlando International Airport to Florida’s Gulf Coast, enjoy private transportation planned around your flight, group and destination.