Clearwater Beach:
The #1 Beach
in the USA.
White sand. Turquoise water. Legendary sunsets.
Just under two hours west of Orlando sits the beach travelers vote the best in America. Here's how to plan the perfect day trip with your rental car.
The Best in America
Why Clearwater Beach earns its #1 ranking.
On Florida's Gulf Coast, about 105 miles west of Orlando, Clearwater Beach has been crowned the best beach in the United States time and again. The sand here is unusually fine and white — almost like powdered sugar — and it stays cool underfoot even at midday.
Unlike the Atlantic beaches closer to Orlando, the Gulf of Mexico delivers calm, shallow, bath-warm water in shades of turquoise and emerald. It's ideal for families, gentle swimming, and long walks along a shoreline that stretches for miles.
Add a buzzing pier, dolphin-watching cruises, fresh seafood, and one of the most celebrated sunsets in Florida, and it's easy to see why Clearwater is the most popular beach escape from the theme parks. The best part: with a rental car, the whole experience is a short, scenic drive away.
Getting There
The drive from Orlando
Roughly 105 miles, about 1 hour 50 minutes via I-4 West. Simple, flat, and well-signed.
Every GS Car Rental vehicle includes a SunPass transponder, so any tolls on the way are handled automatically.
What to Do
Highlights of Clearwater Beach
Sunsets at Pier 60
A nightly festival with craft vendors, street performers, and live music as the sun sinks into the Gulf. Free and family-friendly.
Swim & Relax
Calm, warm, shallow water perfect for kids and casual swimmers. Rent a chair, an umbrella, or a paddleboard right on the sand.
Dolphin Cruises
Boat tours leave from the marina to spot wild dolphins in the Gulf — one of the most popular activities on the beach.
Explore Beyond the Sand
Worth a detour nearby
With a car, Clearwater opens the door to the wider Gulf Coast.
The GS Difference
The easiest way to reach the best beach in America.
A beach day at Clearwater is only as good as the trip getting there. With GS Car Rental you get a clean, reliable vehicle delivered free to your Orlando airport (MCO, MIA, FLL, SFB) or hotel, so you can hit the road the moment you land.
Every car includes a SunPass transponder for hassle-free tolls, there are no underage fees for drivers 21 and up, and you get personal service over WhatsApp from booking to return. Pack a towel, grab the keys, and the #1 beach in the USA is less than two hours away.
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