Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL • Gulf to Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL • BEACHES & COMMUNITIES

VisitSPC.com/ClearwaterBeach • Though there are hundreds of things to experience on Clearwater Beach, the glorious beach itself remains its most famous attraction. Year after year, it is consistently ranked among the finest beaches in the U.S. and even the world, including its No. 1 ranking in the U.S. on Tripadvisor’s list of Top Beaches for 2019, 2018 and 2016. You’ll realize these accolades are richly deserved when you've first set foot on its gorgeous white sands and taken a splash in its warm, shallow, emerald green waters. There are plenty of fabulous hotels to choose from, many offering gorgeous waterfront views and beachside dining, including the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, the Opal Sands Resort and the Sandpearl Resort. Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride down the Beach Walk Promenade where you can enjoy the lush landscaping and beach views, or hang out at the bustling Pier 60, where you can shop, play, catch a picture-perfect sunset, live music and even an outdoor movie in the evening. Be sure to take advantage of free parking in downtown Clearwater, then take the scenic route on the Clearwater Ferry to the beach or the nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll have plenty of dining options on the beachfront, including Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Marina Cantina, Pearly’s Beach Eats and the laid-back Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar. After dinner, enjoy tasty tropical drinks and live music at a variety of lively nightlife spots, including Shephard’s Tiki Beach Bar & Grill. Could this be the beach of your dreams? Come see for yourself.

St. Pete Beach

VisitSPC.com/StPeteBeach • Gorgeous. Laid-back. Magical. All three adjectives (among many others) only begin to describe this exceptional beach town, which is famous for its nearly unparalleled sand and sunsets. Named the No. 1 Beach in the U.S. for 2021 by Tripadvisor (up from No. 2 in 2020), St. Pete Beach offers a variety of water-sports, shopping, restaurants, galleries and more - plenty of options that please families, partygoers, solo travelers and retirees alike. It also offers a variety of places to stretch out for the night, from old-school Florida motels and inns to much posher hotels, including the iconic Pink Palace - The Don CeSar, the TradeWinds Island Resorts or the trendy retro-modern Postcard Inn. If you want to break away from the shore for a few hours, the lively Corey Avenue Shopping District - a staple of St. Pete Beach for over six decades - features a variety of funky shops, dining spots and galleries to explore and enjoy. In the evening, check out The Drunken Clam, a local favorite that serves up cocktails and fresh wings 'til the early morning hours, or sip on martinis at RumFish Grill as you lounge in the glow of an aquarium.

Honeymoon Island State Park

VisitSPC.com/Honeymoon • A natural barrier island and the most visited state park in Florida, Honeymoon Island State Park features four miles of sandy beaches, nature trails and a plethora of wildlife (keep an eye out for wandering gopher tortoises!) The name dates back t o a 1939 Life Magazine contest where a newlywed couple won a two-week honeymoon stay on the island (photos of the lovebirds are on display at The Rotary Club Centennial Nature Center). There's a wide beach for dogs where your furry friend can swim and play, and an extensive nature trail network. While there are places for food and drinks, the island mostly has a secluded vibe that's well-suited for long walks, birdwatching, cookouts at a picnic pavilion, and sunset viewing. In addition to being a great destination, it's also the launching point to Caladesi Island State Park.

Caladesi Island State Park

VisitSPC.com/Caladesi • If you're in the mood for true seclusion, look no further than this immaculate barrier island. Despite its proximity to Clearwater Beach and downtown Dunedin, Caladesi Island State Park cannot be accessed by any road - you must take a boat before wandering its shores. To get here, you can either cruise over in your own vessel or hop aboard the Caladesi Ferry from Honeymoon Island State Park and cross Hurricane Pass. Once on the island, you'll see sugar-white sand and plenty of mangroves; what you won't see is much commercial development. In fact, outside of boat docks, a ranger station, some picnic shelters, a well-stocked concession stand (including beer and wine), a few outbuildings and a network of boardwalks, it'sjust you and Mother Nature! Caladesi's wildlife includes everything from ospreys to dolphins, and you can rent a kayak to explore the mangrove trails. Speaking of trails, there are three miles of them on the island, giving you clearviews of animals from air, land and sea.

Sand Key

VisitSPC.com/SandKey • A tranquil paradise amid the bustle of its larger sibling, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key Park provides the perfect getaway without having to venture too far. Ideal for family outings, this amenity-rich park features a beautiful white-sand beach, umbrella and cabana rentals, large bathhouses, a dog park, a playground, picnic shelters and more. Just across the road, you'll find the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, which offers sailing classes and boat rentals. Within steps of the park, two full-service resorts - the Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites - offer numerous amenities and spectacular views, whilea nearby shopping center features a trio of popular waterfront restaurants - Backwaters, Basimo Beach Cafe and the Columbia Restaurant, which is a sister location of the original Columbia (Florida's oldest restaurant) in Tampa's Ybor City district.

Indian Shores Indian Rocks I Bench

VisitSPC.com/IRB • Bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, these two small communities are celebrated for their mellow family-friendly ambience, powdery white beaches, locally owned eateries and shops, and charming old-school fun. Play a round or two of classic mini-golf at the locally famous Smuggler's Cove Adventure Golf, which features a live alligator exhibit, or rent a boat for a few hours at Island Marine Rentals. And, thanks to the district's particularly narrow barrier island, there's never a far walk to the shoreline or attractions from the many public-access points. Spend a fun-filled day in the sun with your loved ones at Splash Harbour Water Park (connected to the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Harbourside), where you can speed down two 42-foot tall waterslides, float down a lazy river or swim in a zero-entry pool. Take a trip back in time at the Indian Rocks Historical Museum, or meet the local wildlife at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary or the Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve.

The Redingtons

VisitSPC.com/TheRedingtons • REDINGTON BEACH, NORTH REDINGTON BEACH, REDINGTON SHORES: Stretching three miles and situated about halfway between St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach, these three beach towns are indeed compact compared to the more-popular neighboring communities, but they're also vibrant with character. Redington Shores caters a bit morplaces to stay, including the quintessential beach motel Hotel Sol, as well as tennis courts and two playground areas for the little ones. There are also more places to eat, including the mega-popular Seabreeze Island Grill, “Florida Fresh” seafood restaurant Broke ’n’ Bored Grill and the aptly named Friendly Tavern. Redington Beach, meanwhile, has no commercial businesses and very little parking; instead, it offers plenty of privacy, especially for locals and retirees. In North Redington Beach, you can book a private furnished balcony with stunning Gulf Views at Hilton's Double-Tree Beach Resort or grab a bite at the family-owned Frog Pond restaurant and Conch Republic Grillboth local favorites. There's also some notable local history here: once upon a time, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio used to hang out at what's now know as The Tides Beach Club. Combined, the Redingtons offer wide, White-sand beaches, as well as plenty of fishing, boating, parks and more, while remaining close to all of the surrounding area's attractions.

Madeira Beach

VisitSPC.com/MadeiraBeach • Beaming with good vibes and positive energy, Madeira Beach (aka Mad Beach) is an ideal spot for the classic Florida beach vacation. A place where hitting the glowing white beaches, named the No. 9 Beach in the U.S. for 2021 by Tripadvisor, taking a swim in the emerald-turquoise waters and shading underneath a beach umbrella isn't so much an option as it is an essential daily routine. But Mad Beach offers much more than obligatory beachcombing. The waterfront features John's Pass Village & Boardwalk, a massive outdoor shopping and dining complex with more than 100 stores and eateries; it also has quite the nightlife scene, with bars like The Hut Bar & Grill and the Bamboo Bar offering tropical cocktails, live music and bites to keep the party going. Nearby at Hubbard's Marina, you can book a deep-sea fishing charter, rent a WaveRunner or take a dolphin-watching cruise. There are myriad lodging options, like the new Madeira Bay Resort & Marina, only steps away from the pristine white sand. Seafood lovers take note: Mad Beach is often considered the "Grouper Capital of the World," and for good reason - this town knows its seafood. In fact, every year it hosts the John's Pass Seafood Festival for a full weekend of fresh grouper and other seafood, arts, crafts and entertainment.

Treasure Island

VisitSPC.com/TreasureIsland • Treasure Island is like an alluring seaside town ripped from the pages of some escapist novel, with its 3-mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches and the promise of excitement emanating from its shores. Is it an easygoing beach town or a happening tourist destination? The answer is both, much to the delight of locals and visitors who frequently return to swim, snorkel, sun, parasail, stroll or take in a postcard-ready sunset. The town's annual events, such as the Sanding Ovations Sand Sculpture Competition, are also a big draw. There are plenty of accommodations to consider, from retro hotels like the Thunderbird Beach Resort and the Tahitian Resort to more upscale options like the Treasure Island Beach Resort and the FUSION Resort. There's also a busy commercial strip brimming with restaurants, shopping and well-known watering holes, including Ricky T's and Caddy's Treasure Island. Be sure to check out the bohemian Sunset Beach, a popular spot among the local LGBTQ community.

Pass-A-Grifle

VisitSPC.com/PassAGrille • When you pass The Don CeSar heading south on Gulf Boulevard, you'll notice that the vibe almost immediately changes as the shopping plazas, high-rises and crowds of beachgoers quickly fade into the rearview. You're in Pass-a-Grille now, a distinctly laid-back district on the National Register of Historic Places and the southernmost point of St. Pete Beach. Formerly a sleepy fishing village that's been welcoming visitors since 1857, this refreshing slice of Old Florida features four miles of undeveloped, public Gulf Coast beaches and gorgeous views of Boca Ciega Bay on the harbor side. Though predominantly residential, the neighborhood offers plenty of cozy places to stay, including old-school charmers like the Keystone Motel and the Coconut Inn. Eighth Avenue features a variety of boutiques, small galleries and restaurants, including upscale dining options like Grace and The Dewey, which is part of the Berkeley Beach Club and includes a rooftop bar. Speaking of places to catch a glorious sunset, you'll find The Hurricane around the corner. Breakfast is essential at The Seahorse, and the ice cream at Paradise Sweets can't be missed. Merry Pier on the eastern side of the island offers fishing and charter boats, as well as ferries and shuttles that will take you to Egmont Key or Shell Key. Pass-a-Grille also offers plenty of street parking that's only a few steps away from the water, which is especially convenient if you have beach gear.

Fort De Soto Park

VisitSPC.com/FortDeSoto • Covering five islands and over 1,100 acres on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, Fort De Soto Park is much more than award-winning beaches. Located at the southern end of St. Pete/Clearwater, Fort De Soto is the largest park in the Pinellas County parks system and packed to the gills with activities and amenities. Families could easily spend more than a day here, with its kayaking trails, dog beach, hiking and biking trails, fishing piers, boat ramp and expansive campground for longer stays. Its North Beach earned Parents magazine's top honors, thanks in partto the wide tidal pool that's perfect for playful splashing; it was also named "Best Beach for Families" by USA Today in 2014. There's rich history here too: Fort De Soto was named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1900, when its namesake military post was constructed to alleviate concerns about the Spanish-American War. You can explore this historic fort and Fort De Soto Batteries on its largest island, Mullet Key, where you can also visit the Quarter-master Storehouse Museum. Be sure to grab a snack at the concession stand before taking the ferry to Egmont Key and its lighthouse.

St. Pete

VisitSPC.com/StPete • Imagine, if you will, a city that radiates culture, sophistication and outright coolness in nearly every square inch of its urban landscape. This may sound like the premise of an obscure fantasy novel, but St. Pete (or, "The Burg," as many locals affectionately call it) is definitely not a work of fiction. Incredibly vibrant and artsy, St. Pete is brimming with hip restaurants, neighborhood bars and breweries, independently owned boutique shops, galleries, street murals and museums practically everywhere you look (pro tip: start on Central Avenue), which has earned the waterfront city a heap of accolades and awards, including being named one of Conde Nast Traveler's Top Big Cities in the U.S. in 2020 and one of "52 Places to Go in the World" by The New York Times.

St. Pete Pier Distriet

This exciting new district is already being touted as the Southeast's largest waterfront playground and truly offers something for everyone. Spread out along 26 acres of dazzling Tampa Bay coastline, the Pier District features plenty of public green space to explore, a beach, enticing restaurants (Fresco's Waterfront Bistro, Teak, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille), an interactive family playground and splash pad, a marketplace of local artisans and vendors, world-renowned artist Janet Echelman's remarkable (and massive) "Bending Arc" net sculpture, a fishing deck and much more. It's the perfect getaway for strolling, relaxing, playing, walking, biking, entertainment and dining.

Waterfront Museum District

Anchored by the Dalf Museum and the Mahaffey Theater, this dazzling district is bordered by the city's beautiful waterfront park system. Though there are plenty of amazing restaurants and boutiques along the bustling sidewalks of Beach Drive (the Eurocentric Cassis, The Birchwood and its Canopy rooftop lounge), as well as posh lodgings at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort, the district is true to its name with an impeccable roster of museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, The James Museum and several others.

Central Arts District

Comprising the 300-700 blocks of Central Avenue, this district's unique mix of historic buildings and urban construction is home to a number of independent artists, galleries and studios (Chihuly Collection, Morean Arts Center, Studio@620, Art Lofts and many more). The 600 block alone, which is arguably one of the coolest blocks in St. Pete, has some of the highest concentration of murals in the city (be sure to take Florida CraftArt's mural tour during your visit). Aside from the thriving art scene, this is also an ideal area to catch some live music and dine on some savory local cuisine (Pacific Counter, Brick & Mortar).

The Edge District

Vibrant, artsy, eclectic and rapidly growing, this historic, award-winning and highly walkable district (located between Dr. M.L. King Jr. and 16th Streets, and First Avenues North and South) features a wide variety of locally owned, independent businesses situated among gorgeous palms, numerous murals and classic architecture. Catch a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game at The Trop and enjoy some wings at Ferg's Sports Bar afterward. Speaking of food, the Edge includes well over a dozen restaurants (including Pinoy, Hawkers Asian Street Food, Dr. BBQ and Bodega), a microbrewery (Green Bench Brewing Co.), myriad bars and pubs (No Vacancy, Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails), and an abundance of shopping options (Ashe Couture Boutique).

Grand Central District

The Grand Central District is surrounded by historic neighborhoods for people who live, work and play in St. Pete. It's also home to Metro's LGBTQ+ Welcome Center and the new Tru By Hilton hotel, as well as numerous antique and specialty shops, including the Imagine Museum, Haslam's (Florida's largest new and used bookstore) and more. Like most of St. Pete's charming districts, there are plenty of great eateries and bars, too: Trophy Fish, Wild Child Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe, Casita Taqueria and more. Beer lovers won't want to miss the Grand Central Brewhouse, which is located next to the dog-friendly DogBar.

Warehouse Arts District

This district, which was formerly an industrial area, is one of the best places in St. Pete to witness talented local artists fully in their element. Located along 22nd Street South, the district's resurgence stems from artists needing much larger spaces to accommodate larger pieces and heavy-duty equipment. Gallery spaces include the Duncan McClellan Gallery, The Factory, Creative Clay and more. Studios are open to visitors and stay open later during the Second Saturday Art Walk. Forfine dining and spirits, be sure to visit Urban Stillhouse. Craft beer fans will also want to check out the breweries on this side of town, including 3 Daughters Brewing.

Deuces Live District

Celebrating St. Pete's rich African American heritage, the Deuces Live District includes a mix of locally owned art galleries (Uniquely Original Art Gallery), restaurants (Chief's Creole Cafe, Callaloo) and other specialty businesses. Adjacent to the Warehouse Arts District, Deuces Live also features a 19-marker African American Heritage Trail, which honors St. Pete's notable African American residents, and the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum.

Clear water

VisitSPC.com/Clearwater •Though it does have one of the best beaches in the entire U.S. (Clearwater Beach), this gulf-side city is much more than a beach town. As one of the Tampa Bay region's three major cities, Clearwater has it all - from the shore to the stage. After some essential fun in the sun on the gorgeous powdery sand and in the crystal-clear waters of its world-famous beach, be sure to head over to Pier 60 for its nightly sunset celebration (Sunsets at Pier 60), a free event that includes lively street performers, local vendors and an awe-inspiring view of the sun's descent. Head downtown to the city's reinvigorated Cleveland Street District and take your pick among the array of restaurants, bars and boutiques that line its sidewalks, or catch an intimate live performance at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre. You can also climb aboard the vintage-style Jolley Trolley for a fun and unique view of the city. Clearwater is a great place for sports fans - Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies hold their spring training here and the women's St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational (hosted by ESPN) is held each winter. People from around the country flock to the city's many special events every year, including the powerboat extravaganza Hooters Clearwater Offshore Nationals and the annual Clearwater Jazz Holiday, a weekend jazz festival that draws huge crowds to the waterfront Coachman Park every October.

Just across from the Clearwater Memorial Causeway, you'll find the recently expanded Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), home of Dolphin Tale star, Winter the dolphin. Both an aquarium and a marine rescue facility, CMA now includes the beautiful Ruth and J.O. Stone Dolphin Complex, where Winter, Hope and their fellow dolphin pals now dwell. The new habitat includes a massive 16-foot window that gives you an amazing view of the dolphins. The aquarium is also home to a variety of other marine life, including sharks, stingrays, otters, pelicans and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, the rarest and smallest sea turtle species in the world.

Tarpon Springs

VisitSPC.com/TarponSprings • Is there an American city more synonymous with its Greek heritage than Tarpon Springs? With the highest number of Greek-American residents in the U.S., this beautiful coastal city's Greek culture and heritage are evident in its architecture, cuisine, customs and much more. World-renowned for its sponge industry, Tarpon Springs still draws visitors from around the globe for its famous Sponge Docks alone, though there's plenty more to discover in this historic community. Start on the riverfront at Dodecanese Boulevard, where you'll find a plethora of gift shops that sell everything from Sponge Dock souvenirs to home goods (plus, you can grab a bite of fresh seafood at Rusty Bellies if you get hungry). Head a few blocks south to explore the antique shops on Tarpon Avenue, which is home to several restaurants that serve up delectable (and authentic) Greek fare, including Hellas, Mykonos and Mama's Greek Cuisine. The Tarpon Springs Historic District is the perfect place for a sightseeing stroll of old-Florida buildings; while you're at it, be sure to visit the iconic, ornate St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral (a local landmark) on Pinellas Avenue. When your day winds down, stick your toes in the white sandy beach at Fred Howard Park and enjoy a spectacular sunset alongside nesting ospreys and eagles.

Dunedin

VisitSPC.com/Dunedin • With a walkable downtown, pocket parks, a strong arts scene, close proximity to two of the world's best beaches (Honeymoon Island State Park, Caladesi Island State Park) and unique Celtic heritage, Dunedin is a community that will definitely delight. For outdoor fun, check out the Dunedin Highland Games & Festival each spring. You can party with a pipe band and witness muscular men and women compete in traditional Scottish Heavy Athletics. For a quieter experience, visit locally owned stores Back in the Day Books and the Celtic Shop of Dunedin. Grab a drink and enjoy the sunset at the rooftop bar of the historic Fenway Hotel, or catch a Toronto Blue Jays game if you're here during the spring training months. Winding its way from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs, the Pinellas Trail runs through the heart of Dunedin, making it an ideal stop for cyclists and pedestrians; the nearby Hammock Park trail is also worthy of exploration, and the views at Dunedin Marina shouldn't be missed. Dunedin is also a trendy destination for dining and nightlife. Black Pearl of Dunedin offers fine French cuisine in a romantic setting, while Waterfront Bar at Bon Appetit serves up cocktails and bar eats overlooking the water.

Safety Harbor

VisitSPC.com/SafetyHarbor • If you need a break from the brisk pace of daily life, this quaint town offers classic Old Florida escapism with charm to spare. According to local legend, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto thought he'd discovered the Fountain of Youth here. The site of these enchanted springs is now home to the 50,000-square-foot Safety Harbor Resort and Spa, a U.S. Historic Landmark and the perfect site to visit or stay in if you need to rejuvenate. Exploring the boutique stores and restaurants along Main Street may be your best place to start, so plan on parking the car and taking a walk down the brick-lined streets to map out your day. Enjoy a picnic lunch among the acres of hardwood trees and ancient Native American ceremonial mound at Philippe Park, then take a leisurely stroll along Bayshore Linear Park. Music lovers should head downtown for its long-standing and highly entertaining Third Friday Music Series.

Gulfport

VisitSPC.com/Gulfport • Artsy, quirky and funky, Gulfport could possibly be the St. Pete/Clearwater area's most underrated gem. The community's downtown waterfront plays host to numerous unforgettable events throughout the year, including its annual Fine Arts Festival and the lizard-themed GeckoFest, a truly circus-like event held at the end of every summer that features street performers, live music and lots of people dressed in bizarre costumes. If you're not in town for that particular event, you can still check out other events like First Friday Art Walk and Third Saturday IndieFaire Night Market, or the open-air Gulfport Fresh Market every Tuesday. Gulfport features plenty of dining options, with a free trolley taking hungry customers from Fortunato's to the Neptune Grill, and some great laid-back waterfront bars, such as Salty's Gulfport. There's also a beach, with a playground and sand volleyball courts, anchored by the Gulfport Recreation Center, and the Gulfport Casino Ballroom, a historic event space located just steps away from Boca Ciega Bay.