St. Pete/Clearwater: Florida's Premier Beach Escape Blending Timeless Charm and Modern Attractions
St. Pete/Clearwater offers the perfect recipe for an unforgettable beach escape: sunny beaches, nostalgic classics, and a expansive new waterfront playground—the largest in the Southeast, anchored by the $92 million Pier District.
The revamped waterfront features an aquarium, bayside dining, and more, while beloved local favorites have undergone refreshing updates. The area's beaches consistently rank among TripAdvisor's top beaches worldwide, as recognized in 2020.
The Best Beaches
St. Pete/Clearwater is the only U.S. metro area with two beaches in TripAdvisor's top five U.S. beaches for 2020: St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach. St. Pete Beach also secured a spot in the global top 20.
The iconic stretch at the Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach draws visitors, but public accesses north and south provide serene spots. Pass-a-Grille Beach, at the southern tip, remains a local favorite.
Clearwater Beach appeals to families with its powdery sands, playground, and Pier 60 sunset celebrations featuring musicians, artisans, and stunning skies.
Beyond the stars, discover hidden gems like Fort De Soto Park, with pristine shores and wildlife-rich ecosystems across five keys; Honeymoon Island State Park, offering quiet beaches, slash pine forests, and wildlife from osprey to gopher tortoises; and boat-accessible Egmont Key State Park, a refuge blending habitats, shorebirds, history, and a 19th-century lighthouse.
The Groundbreaking Waterfront Playground
The St. Pete Pier District extends downtown over the water with interactive attractions.
Highlights include the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, exploring the estuary's wildlife—like sea turtles and manatees—and restoration efforts via aquariums, touch tanks, and exhibits.
Families can enjoy the splash pad, while others relax on the bayside beach or rooftop tiki bar, all with skyline views and possible dolphin sightings.
The Retro Resurgence
Amid new developments, nostalgic spots shine. St. Pete honors its history with modern flair, like elevating shuffleboard at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club.
This 1920s landmark hosts public Friday nights with picnics and music (Editor's Note: Currently closed due to pandemic; check status). Historic hotels like The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club and The Don CeSar blend vintage exteriors with updated dining: Paul's Landing for Gulf Coast fare and Maritana for Mediterranean seafood.
The Ever-Expanding Art Scene
Seven arts districts and over 600 murals showcase St. Pete's creativity, from street art to the Pier's 'Bending Arc' sculpture by Janet Echelman.
The Salvador Dalí Museum houses the largest collection outside Spain, with VR/AR exhibits. The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement opened in 2021, featuring pottery and architecture.
The Flourishing Brew Scene
Nearly 50 craft breweries line the Beer Trail. Green Bench's Webb’s City Cellar offers experimental taps; favorites include 3 Daughters, Cage, St. Pete Brewing, Mastry’s, Big Storm, and Dunedin Brewery. Explore via Thirsty Pelican tours or the Gulp Coast Passport.
Ready to Go?
Plan your St. Pete/Clearwater escape with a free travel guide, virtual tours, and @VSPC on Instagram. Verify hours and status for all attractions, as operations may vary.
While the area has largely reopened, please check the hours and status of each spot.
