St. Pete/Clearwater Beaches: Florida's Perfect Getaway for Every Mood
Our members consistently rank beaches as their top vacation choice, regardless of season or circumstances. With fresh sea breezes, abundant sunshine, and natural social distancing, a beach trip is the responsible choice for your next getaway.
St. Pete/Clearwater stands out as one of America's premier beach destinations, offering 35 miles of pristine sugar-white sand where an unforgettable vacation is practically guaranteed.
Beach days vary—some are for lively games with friends and family, others for serene relaxation with a book and ocean waves. St. Pete/Clearwater delivers a beach for every mood. Here are eight standout options, backed by top rankings from TripAdvisor and others.
Beach Buzz
St. Pete/Clearwater uniquely claims two of TripAdvisor's top five U.S. beaches (2020 Travelers' Choice): St. Pete Beach (#2) and Clearwater Beach (#5). Experience the excitement firsthand.
Clearwater Beach earns repeated top beach list spots for its powdery sand, lively atmosphere, and crystal-clear waters. Attracting visitors with upscale resorts, arrive early for parking and prime spots. Refuel at Frenchy's Rockaway Grill with their famous grouper sandwich, caught by their own fleet. Cap off the day at Pier 60's sunset festival, featuring performers, food vendors, and breathtaking views.
The pink Don CeSar hotel welcomes you to St. Pete Beach, but its legendary beach shines brighter. Dive into activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding, or surfing at Upham Beach on Long Key's northern tip. Casual spots like The Drunken Clam extend the fun past sunset. Detour to Corey Avenue's eclectic shops and galleries.
Island-Style
For untouched seclusion, these offshore islands are worth the short journey.
Reach Caladesi Island State Park via ferry or kayak from Honeymoon Island for a pristine, largely uninhabited barrier island. Enjoy low-key beach time with concessions and showers. Explore hiking trails through slash-pine forests or kayak mangrove channels.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park—USA Today's 2014 best 'hidden-gem' beach—covers four islands off Tarpon Springs. Ferry, charter, or boat in for birdwatching, sea turtle nesting, and the 1887 lighthouse. Self-sufficient: Bring all supplies and pack out trash; no amenities available.
Peace & Quiet
These beaches provide serene escapes without roughing it, ideal for relaxed lounging.
South of St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Beach boasts dunes and Old Florida cottages amid open sands wrapping Long Key's tip. Stroll the Eighth Avenue Historic District for unique shops and eateries. Savor sunsets from Hurricane Seafood Restaurant's rooftop during happy hour (12-6 p.m., Mon.-Fri.).
Accessible by causeway from Dunedin, Honeymoon Island State Park features four miles of beach—spacious on weekdays despite weekend crowds. Dog beach at the south end; exceptional shelling from Gulf currents.
Family Faves
Shallow, warm Gulf waters and gentle waves make St. Pete/Clearwater family paradise. These beaches shine for kids.
Near Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park offers affordable parking, wide uncrowded sands, and resorts. Morning seashell hunts, boardwalk birding, and dolphins in Clearwater Pass delight all ages.
Fort De Soto Park—hailed 'best family beach' by Parents and USA Today—offers more than sands. North Beach's tidal pool and sandbar yield shells and sand dollars at low tide; pirate playground thrills kids. Discover the historic fort, trails, fishing pier, dog beach, campground, and iconic Gulf sunsets.
Ready to Go?
Pack your beach bag and plan your Florida vacation with St. Pete/Clearwater hotel deals.
