Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL

Bask in emerald-green, warm waters along 35 miles of white-sand beaches recognized as some of the best in the world. After you've soaked up enough of our Gulf Coast breezes and sunshine, explore savory dining and endless entertainment options. Like the beaches, our inland communities sport their own distinctive vibe, from enriching cultural landmarks to quaint neighborhoods where you can dine, shop and take a leisurely moonlit stroll. This is St. Pete/Clearwater. There’s nothing quite like it.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Tranquility onshore, excitement offshore. Clearwater Beach has that wow factor with vast expanses of sugary white sand and shimmering emerald Gulf waters. Tool around on an array of guided tours unique to the Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina.

RECENT BUZZ: Clearwater Beach ranked as USA Today’s No. 1 Beach in the South in 2023 and landed on Travel + Leisure’s list of Florida's best beaches.

WHERE TO STAY: Beach-chic accommodations with panoramic views of the Gulf can be enjoyed at the sleek Opal Sands Resort or the new AC Hotel by Marriott Clearwater Beach, with a streamlined European aesthetic, Mediterranean touches and Spanish-style tapas in a dreamy lounge. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Choice Hotels opened the Winter the Dolphin's Beach Club, an enchanting eco-friendly hotel inspired by the "Dolphin Tale" movies.

WHERE TO PLAY: Entertainers juggle, stiltwalk and make crowds ooh and aah against a dreamy dusk sky during Sunsets at Pier 60.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Frenchy’s Original Cafe, home of the grouper sandwich, is an institution beloved for its fresh and filling epic fish sandwich and other super seafood bites.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Sand Key has her upscale high-rise side but lets her hair down on the sweeping shore of Sand Key Park, where a white shawl of sugar-sand beach hugs a glistening emerald coastline. Boulders and Australian pines guard Clearwater Pass.

WHERE TO PLAY: Hit the picnic areas, a playground and a dog park before grabbing grub from the Sand Key Grill food truck on the beach. Shops and restaurants, like Poolside or Mio's Grill & Cafe, accommodate beachgoers across the boulevard.

WHERE TO STAY: Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites offer top-notch amenities and recreation a quick ride away.

WHERE TO PLAY: Brave the waves with Jet Skis from Wet Rentals and Tours or lounge on Tiki boat rides. Serious seafarers visit the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: A boardwalk, nature trails, salt marsh and wildlife habitats let you forget the noise for a bit.

Reserve your place in the sun on award-winning St. Pete Beach. Styled with classic coastal charm and spread over 40 tropical acres, TradeWinds is chock-full of extraordinary amenities like a three-story high-tide water slide, lazy river paddleboats, pickleball courts, and many ways to unwind with your toes in the sand.

Kids will love to splash and bounce on the floating water park or fly through the sky on the three-story beachfront zipline! Drop anchor with your crew on a PartyBana or set your course with a floating lounger. With so much recreation, refuel with an extensive array of options, from grab-n-go to an under-the-sea dining experience at our signature Floribbean restaurant, RumFish Grill.

Whether you choose Island Grand Beach Resort or RumFish Beach Resort, both offer great amenities; as a huge bonus, you will have limitless fun and access to sun-filled adventures at both!

WHAT SETS IT APART: With its sweeping shorelines of white, toe-sinking sand, sparkling saltwater, sea oats and dramatic boulders, St. Pete Beach is beautiful, to be sure, but doesn’t take itself too seriously.

RECENT BUZZ: It landed on Tripadvisor's Top 25 Beaches in the USA list for 2022 and was named Tripadvisor's No. 1 Beach in the U.S. in 2021 and No. 5 in the world!

WHERE TO STAY: The iconic Bellwether Beach Resort dazzles guests with a revolving rooftop restaurant. The acclaimed TradeWinds Island Resort has it all: sophistication, casual dining, beachfront cocktails, wellness amenities and kid-friendly fun. The Don CeSar Resort, the pink lady herself, pampers with world-class dining and spa amenities.

WHERE TO PLAY: Grab your oars. Sharkey's LED Illuminated Night Tour departs on glass-bottom kayaks. Jimmy B’s Beach Bar has live music. Putter around at the Polynesian Putter, a vintage 18-hole mini-golf course.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: St. Pete Beach’s Corey Avenue has the charm of an old Main Street, where the Corey Avenue Sunday Market hawks fresh, gourmet goods. New on the strip: Uncle Funz Provisions serves elevated grab-and-go sandwiches.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Four-plus miles of sparkly beach and wildlife habitats. A 3-mile nature trail winds through virgin slash pines. Spot ospreys, great horned owls and gopher tortoises.

RECENT BUZZ: The park’s Pet Beach won people’s choice in Creative Loafing’s 2022 Best of the Bay and Best Nature Trail in the paper’s 2023 Best of the Bay edition.

WHERE TO STAY: No camping allowed, but the Key West-style Blue Moon Inn provides clean and welcoming accommodations 4 miles away.

WHERE TO PLAY: Snap pics at Pelican Cove, a hangout for scores of shorebirds. Recline on Oasis Beach. Play with the kids at the playground or charter a fishing boat at the Ozona Fish Camp. Refuel at the South Beach Pavilion Cafe, which serves up burgers, shrimp, and sandwiches.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Learn how the island got its name at the Rotary Centennial Nature Center.

WHAT SETS IT APART: A world away, Caladesi Island transports you to a pristine, unabated natural paradise.

WHERE TO STAY: Camping is not allowed, but boaters can dock overnight; a reservation with the Florida State Parks office is required.

WHERE TO PLAY: Rent a kayak from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway. Row through a mesmerizing mangrove tunnel, or follow a 3-mile trail lined by saw palmettos and palms to the early 19th-century Henry Scharrer Homestead Ruins. Cafe Caladesi serves food from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

WHAT THE LOCALS KNOW: Get there by foot across a remote landbridge at the top tip of North Clearwater Beach, but you must pay for admission after arrival. Honeymoon Island, where the Caladesi Island Ferry docks, gets you there by boat.

WHAT SETS THEM APART: Vibrant but never too boisterous, “the Indians” are laid-back barrier-island beach communities with fun festivals and great dining.

RECENT BUZZ: Coco’s Crush Bar & Grill is one of the newest establishments on the scene and features all-you-can-eat crab legs and live music.

WHERE TO STAY: The Holiday Inn & Suites Harbourside lures fun lovers of all ages. As seen on HGTV’s “100 Day Dream Home: Hotel Edition,” the Sunburst Inn is a freshly renovated boutique hotel right on the beach.

WHERE TO PLAY: The Splash Harbour Water Park zooms swimmers down a 42-foot-high waterslide, or bob along a lazy river. Visit feathered friends at the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. Take in a moment of Zen at Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve, or, go on a guided tour with Coconut Kayak Tours.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The breezy waterfront eatery Caddy’s Indian Shores is both affordable and scenic. You can find freshly baked, European-style pastries and exquisitely brewed espresso at Cafe de Paris. Down a draft at a corny old favorite bar, Mahuffer’s.

WHAT SETS THEM APART: They’re so mellow, you’d swear that they’re private. Nope, these idyllic gems are public beaches with public access points. Charming cafes and restaurants line its strip.

RECENT BUZZ: A new bar and grill occupies the freshly renovated DoubleTree Beach Resort. Coconut Charlie’s Beach Bar & Grill delights with a fun, contemporary spin on the Florida beach haunt.

WHERE ELSE TO STAY: Go retro at the charming, 1950s-era Sand Vista Motel. Rent condos through JC Resorts or Monterey on the Beach.

WHERE TO PLAY: Tool around with Rad Bikes, Beach, Surf & Rentals or let the little ones get their energy out at Constitution Park.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Arrive early in the morning, late afternoon or during non-holiday weekdays to score peacefulness and free parking. Sweet Sage Cafe and Gypsy Souls Coffeehouse are favorites for breakfast and lunch. The Redington Shores Municipal Beach has metered parking, showers, and restrooms.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Powder-soft sand with room to stretch out, Madeira Beach is famous for its family-friendly vibe.

WHERE TO STAY: Barefoot Beach Club invites you to rest your weary bones in roomy suites with private balconies. Bring the furbaby to Changing Tides Cottages on Boca Ciega Harbor.

WHERE TO PLAY: For watercraft, head to Suncoast Watersports. The Pirate Ship Royal Conquest spirits ye away with water gun battles, treasure hunts, limbo dancing and tall tales. John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is a sprawling shanty wonderland right out of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The Bamboo Beach Bar & Grill, aka the “Boo,” is a favorite with locals and snowbirds who return yearly to enjoy fun, food and live music.

Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites features an upscale waterfront restaurant and an additional pool/waterside bar and grill to enjoy while soaking up the sun on the largest pool deck in Clearwater Beach. Uniquely, every room is a suite and features a water view where you can enjoy watching dolphins and manatees from your private balcony. This amazing hotel is great for every occasion and also has extensive meeting and event space with a view. Plan your escape now and be sure to stay up to date on events and giveaways with the QR code below.

Travel Resort Services offers beachfront condos directly on the Gulf of Mexico. Our resorts are family friendly and some pet friendly as well. Your choices are endless with our range of rentals from economic efficiency condos to luxury waterfront 3-bedroom condos.

Paradise, reputation and reliability since 1981. Located on award-winning St. Pete/Clearwater beaches. One, two and three bedrooms. Spacious, well appointed, with full kitchens and private balconies. Visit JC Resorts online to select your favorite. Heated pools, Jacuzzis and everything the Tampa Bay area offers. These properties overlook nothing but the Gulf!

JC Resorts Beachfront Vacation Rentals
17200 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach, FL 33708
Toll free: 800.421.6663

WHAT SETS IT APART: Lively but never too wild, Treasure Island has an immense beachfront, just short of a quarter-mile to the glimmering Gulf. Offshore, souvenir shops and beach cottages dot Gulf Boulevard from the iconic Thunderbird Beach Resort to John’s Pass.

RECENT BUZZ: The city has installed an ADA beach access mat called a Mobi-mat, accessible at Gulf Front Park.

WHERE TO STAY: Treat yourself to a sumptuous stay at the FUSION Resort, full of amenities. Or, splurge on a magnificent view at the Treasure Island Beach Resort.

WHERE TO PLAY: Bike or stroll the paved, 1.9-mile Treasure Island Beach Trail. Glide above it all at Parasailing the Pass. Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis Recreation Facility has pickleball, or shimmy down the tallest inflatable waterfront slide, the Hippo.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Sanding Ovations, a high-caliber sandcastle tournament, fetches oohs and aahs each November, and the Treasure Island Kite Festival takes flight in January.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Pretty as an old Florida postcard, Pass-a-Grille is a breezy little beach town with century-old cottages and homes bordered by palm trees and sea grapes. Billowy sea oats line narrow, easy-to-access beaches.

WHERE TO STAY: Modernizing Key West-style, The Berkeley Beach Club offers elegance and comfort.

WHERE TO PLAY: Take the pup to the dog beach. Enjoy a friendly old tavern like Shadrack’s, the gourmet sandwiches of Paradise to Go and the ice cream of Paradise Sweets, all in one stroll.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Open since 1948, The Seahorse serves up the breakfast of champions. Red, White & Booze is a dockside fave, and you can get cheap eats at Paradise Grille right on the beach. Take in the sunset with a margarita on the rooftop terrace of the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Magnificent beaches with dramatic driftwood and frolicking shorebirds skirt lush estuaries and pine-shaded picnic grounds.

RECENT BUZZ: A new and improved Fort De Soto Park Bay Pier is even more optimal for spotting dolphins, fishing, watching the sunset, and embarking on the Egmont Key Ferry.

WHERE TO STAY: Campgrounds offer clean restrooms, showers, and waterfront sites. Note: The campsites get snatched up quickly. Book in advance. Pet-friendly spots available.

WHERE TO PLAY: Go back in time at the historic fort. Bring the furbabies to the pet beach and pet playground. Kayak through mangrove-enshrouded inlets. Picnic under shady pines next to exquisitely unadulterated beaches. A paved trail helps you see it all.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The crosscurrents of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico make its sandy apex a popular spot for kiteboarding.

From world-class museums to an evergrowing bumper crop of indie cafes and shops, St. Pete brims with sunny vibes. Gleaming, contemporary high-rises rub elbows with historic homes and landmarks, revitalized by preservation efforts. Speaking of Old Florida pastimes, shuffleboard reigns supreme at the St. Pete Shuffleboard Club. Celebrating their centennial in 2024, the 'Burg's shuffleboard courts came back to life in the 21st century, when young families and single hipsters rediscovered the Zen appeal of the laid-back game. Tripadvisor named the city its No. 2 Trending Destination in their Traveler's Choice: Best of the Best Destinations for 2024 and Outside Magazine named it one of the Happiest Towns in America in 2023.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Nonstop eye candy. Stroll the waterfront from the Museum of Fine Arts to The Dalí Museum and the St. Pete Pier, where sweeping bayside views lead up to the Pier’s nature trails, giant sculptures, public art and lushly landscaped green spaces. Take in the view from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille, grab casual bites at Driftwood Cafe or gussy up for date-night delights at Teak.

RECENT BUZZ: The Dalí Dome is a multi-sensory art experience with 360-degree animations and other visuals.

WHERE TO PLAY: Dine al fresco at Allelo on Beach Drive. Sip a cocktail and enjoy a heart-stopping view of the 'Burg's skyline at the Pier’s rooftop lounge, Pier Teaki. Little ones can burn off energy at the Glazer Family Playground, a state-of-the-art romp stop.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: After dark is the best time to see the St. Pete Pier’s “Bending Arc,” the illuminated, netted public art installation that billows 76 feet high.

WHAT SETS IT APART: It’s where possibilities come to life, where creative minds have built outside-the-box spaces out of boxy warehouses.

RECENT BUZZ: Fairgrounds St. Pete, the district’s interactive art and tech attraction, has launched an immersive kinetic sculptural installation. The outdoor AX Theater located on the ArtsXchange campus is a new venue for live music, movie screenings and public events.

WHERE TO PLAY: Muddy up those hands at the Morean Center for Clay’s sculpture classes.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Walk or bike to the Warehouse Arts District via the Pinellas Trail to see amazing murals along the way. Shop Daddy Kool Records for vinyl.

WHAT SETS IT APART: So much art. Experience the magnificent makers of the Florida CraftArt gallery and the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. Escape to the American frontier via The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art. Behold the glass magic of the Chihuly Collection. Morean Arts Center and Studio@620 showcase works by local professional artists. Or, take in a play at American Stage. Head to Brick & Mortar and Il Ritorno for fine dining. For healthy and casual noshes, head to Pacific Counter.

RECENT BUZZ: Pan-Asian restaurant and steakhouse Fortu has opened at the Ponce de Leon Hotel.

WHERE TO PLAY: Formerly known as the State Theatre, The Floridian Social now is a live music mainstay. The celebrated deco building turns 100 this year. Also iconic, Jannus Live is popular for outdoor, standing-room-only concerts.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: See sleights of hand and be part of the show at the Zubrick Magic Theatre. A laid-back fave, The Ale & the Witch nestles inside the Tower Plaza Courtyard with live music and a menu of 32 brews.

WHAT SETS IT APART: The Edge, as the name suggests, has a charmingly fringe-like quality. Walkable and approachable, it’s won 15 Florida Secretary of State Awards for Outstanding Main Street programs, businesses and volunteers.

RECENT BUZZ: The monthly Mezzo Market features locally made food and goods, jewelry, plants, clothing, flowers and decor.

WHERE TO PLAY: Green Bench Brewing keeps families entertained with lawn amusements and ample space to play. Intermezzo is both hip and grand, drawing inspiration from Parisian cafés.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Fresh-painted murals show up and replace the old ones, making for delightful surprises.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Grand Central enchants you with shady oaks lining rows of inventive shops and cafes. Folksy but sophisticated, it’s home to Come Out St. Pete and the anticipated St. Pete Pride Parade every June, a jubilant celebration and one of the biggest Pride parades and events series in the nation. Imagine Museum displays some of the highest-profile glass art in the region, and the Halloween on Central festival offers family-friendly fun.

RECENT BUZZ: A new collection of shops features the dispensary Gold Leaf; the Cleopatra Ink tattoo and piercing parlor; Balance House, a spa with saunas and cold plunges; and Harbour Thread, a clothing and accessories shop.

WHERE TO PLAY: Ingenious, comically themed rooms test your wits at The Great Escape Room. Paw-hop to PAW, the dog-friendly Pinellas Ale Works (the acronym is no accident!).

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe is an eclectically charming venue with mismatched furniture and oodles of charm. Choose from 300-plus beers, 75 wines and eight deli offerings.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Predominantly Black-owned businesses and artists bring a dynamic, exciting energy to the district along historic 22nd Street South. The Woodson African American Museum of Florida serves as “the historic voice of the community.” The museum collaborates with community stakeholders such as the renovated Manhattan Casino.

RECENT BUZZ: The district’s Collard Green Festival gives us gourmet, creative twists on the classic dish.

WHERE TO PLAY: Take a stroll and learn about the past along the African American Heritage Trail.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Iconic murals include tributes to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. The Black Lives Matter street painting is also a must-see.

Tranquility and excitement both find a home in Clearwater. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or cracking open oysters, shopping till you drop, or rocking out to live bands, you can enjoy variety, vintage charm and contemporary style here. In the late afternoon, tall palm tree shadows cross sidewalk paths, reminding us of what makes Clearwater so beautiful.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Sophisticated shops and eateries for every mood have taken over charming historical buildings — such as the 100-plus-year-old Capitol Theatre. The waterfront Coachman Park takes you along winding sidewalks and lush green spaces to a gleaming state-of-the-art concert venue called The BayCare Sound.

RECENT BUZZ: The new Cleveland Street Market dining hall houses coffee, tea and international bites.

WHERE TO PLAY: Get your Indiana Jones on with a touch of Tiger Woods (you wish!) at the explorer-themed Congo River Golf. Unlock laughs in the Tampa Bay Escape Room. For faster-moving fun, the Tampa Bay Grand Prix fulfills the need for speed on a climate-controlled go-kart track.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: If you’re craving Italian food, Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza and Soul Sicilian Fusion serve up some of the most authentic pie and seafood dishes.

WHAT SETS IT APART: It’s got the U.S.’s highest per capita representation of Greek Americans. Their forebears brought commerce to the once-sleepy Sponge Docks Historic District, where Old World-style shops mingle with Greek eateries that lure hungry passersby with tantalizing aromas. Planning a date night? Reserve a sunset dinner at Dimitri's on the Water. For a bit of history and entertainment, take a short cruise with the St. Nicholas Boat Line, celebrating its 100th anniversary and staking the claim as the second oldest attraction in Florida!

RECENT BUZZ: The historic 129-year-old G.W. Fernald Building is home to COhatch, a new co-working space and cafe.

WHERE TO PLAY: Get a blast from the past at Replay Museum, which offers unlimited play on 100-plus vintage arcade and pinball games. Brooker Creek Preserve is a hiker’s paradise. River Wild Kayaking provides a guided eco-tour to Anclote Key Preserve State Park. You can even scale the inside stairwell of the lighthouse the second weekend of each month. Visit anclotecso.org for details.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The idyllic downtown Tarpon Springs is a gem, too. The northern stretch of the Pinellas Trail cuts through it, and it’s where you’ll find St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, hosts of the town’s historic Epiphany Celebration. Love art? The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art displays modern and contemporary art as well as works from 20th- and 21st-century masters.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Quaint charm, Floridian tranquility and artsy sophistication converge in downtown Dunedin.

RECENT BUZZ: Mais, oui! Dunedin Mix, a new food hall, recalls the courtyards and cobblestone alleyways of New Orleans.

WHERE TO PLAY: The Main Street Historic District, a district that intersects the Pinellas Trail, bustles with popular restaurants, shops and drinking establishments.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The kilts go full tilt at the annual Highland Games in April. Cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training games at TD Ballpark. See creativity in action at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. Arrive at Dunedin by driving northbound on Edgewater Drive, one of the most scenic, cinematic waterfront thoroughfares in the world.You’ll pass the majestic Fenway Hotel, a revived Mediterranean-Revival hotel, passing through a palm tree hall of giants.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Safety Harbor is almost hidden in giant old mossy oak groves ... that is, until you make your way to Upper Tampa Bay and then, pow! The Spanish-style, historic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa and waterfront panorama remind you that you are indeed in the Sunshine State. Offshore, stroll by eateries and businesses in restored bungalows.

RECENT BUZZ: A 17-foot-tall garden gnome, Gnomeo, greets visitors at the Folly Farms Nature Preserve.

WHERE TO PLAY: The Safety Harbor Art & Music Center features live music, poetry and art events between mirror-mosaic walls. Or giggle inside the ticky-tacky Whimzeyland, aka the “bowling ball house.” Locals gather monthly for the Third Friday evening street fest.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Shop till you drop at eclectic gift shops like Tupelo on 4th or the Safety Harbor Market on Main that pops up every Sunday.

WHAT SETS IT APART: Gulfport combines Main Street USA, a bohemian colony and a beach resort town in one. Residents support local businesses and it shows as you stroll by the colorful, vibrant cafes and shops on Beach Boulevard, embraced by oak canopies and residential enclaves of mid-century bungalows on brick roads.

RECENT BUZZ: The all-new Stormrunners Tavern sports three open-air bars and bodacious views of Boca Ciega Bay.

WHERE TO PLAY: Nature lovers and anyone wanting to decompress should hike or bike the trail at Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, also a great retreat for kayakers and paddleboarders.

WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The First Friday Art Walk displays fine art and crafts. The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is where you go for local produce. On Labor Day weekend, GeckoFest, an annual Mardi Gras-meets-family fun festival, takes over the town.

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