Why St. Pete/Clearwater Deserves a Top Spot on Your Travel Bucket List
For the second consecutive year, TripAdvisor crowned Clearwater Beach America's #1 beach—and the only U.S. beach in the global top 10 for 2019. With its 2.5 miles of powdery white sand and crystal-clear aquamarine waters, it's reason enough to book your trip. But the St. Pete/Clearwater region offers even more compelling draws. Here are five standout reasons to visit.
The Craft Beer Scene Has Evolved from Stellar to Epic
The renowned St. Pete/Clearwater Beer Trail boasts over 40 local craft breweries. St. Pete's beloved Green Bench leveled up in 2019 with Webb’s City Cellar next door—a massive two-story beer cellar amid towering aging barrels. Featuring 12 experimental taps, it's perfect for trying "wild" pours fermented with unique yeast and bacteria blends.
Don't miss favorites like 3 Daughters, Cage, St. Pete Brewing, Mastry’s, Big Storm, and Dunedin Brewery (Florida's first craft brewery). Beer enthusiasts can join a Thirsty Pelican tour of the "Gulp Coast" or grab a Gulp Coast Passport for a self-guided adventure—with a designated driver, of course.
The Food Scene Is Keeping Pace
St. Pete's culinary landscape spans pub fare to global fusion. In mid-June 2019, Datz debuted with creative American comfort food, like Datchos—sweet-salty chips loaded with chili, jalapeños, and blue cheese. They go through 500 pounds of potatoes daily.
Ichicoro Ane, a Japanese fusion spot, delights with small plates, ramen varieties, and craft cocktails. Try the CuBaoNo (Cuban sandwich reimagined Asian-style) with Goblin Punch.
For casual vibes, Trophy Fish offers "bait shop chic" with fresh seafood like hush puppies, fried pickles, and grouper nuggets.
The Dali Museum Takes Immersive Art to New Heights
St. Pete’s iconic Dali Museum builds on its "Dreams of Dali" VR experience with 2019 innovations. "Dali Lives" uses AI from archives, letters, and interviews to bring Salvador Dalí to life on screens—complete with selfie ops.
Through early November, "Visual Magic: Dali’s Masterworks in Augmented Reality" features eight large works in a dark room, enhanced by app or headset for in-depth insights.
The arts scene expands with The Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement opening in December 2019, showcasing 2,000 pieces from collector Rodolfo “Rudy” Ciccarello.
Festivals Offer World-Class Entertainment
The reimagined Savor St. Pete Festival (Nov. 2-3, 2019) features top eats, craft beers, wines, and celebrity guests.
Longtime hits include GeckoFest (Aug. 31) in Gulfport with music, food, crafts, and performers; Clearwater Jazz Holiday (Oct. 17-20) boasting Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, and fireworks; Clearwater Beach Chalk Art Festival (Oct. 18-20) with stunning 3D chalk art; and Sanding Ovations Master's Cup (Nov. 20-24) on Treasure Island.
Cap it with Enchant Christmas (Nov. 22–Dec. 29) at Tropicana Field: market, ice-skating trail, and the world’s largest light maze.
Historic Hotels Shine Brighter After Renovations
Iconic stays get upgrades: St. Pete Beach's Don CeSar ("Pink Palace by the Sea") refreshes its Lobby Bar, Maritana Grille, shops, and suites by November 2019.
The Vinoy in St. Pete unveils frescos, modern décor, and spacious rooms. In Dunedin, the Fenway Hotel—a 1920s gem—now an 83-room Autograph Collection property with rooftop bar, jazz, and bay views.
