Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL - Gulf to Bay 2025
Beaches & Communities
2025-05-27 07:25:38
EXPLORE OUR GULF BEACHES & INLAND COMMUNITIES
Bask in warm, tranquil, emerald-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.
Clearwater Beach
Sink your toes into ultra-white sand as soft as powdered sugar or melt your worries away soaking in a sparkling surf so calm the little ones can play in it. Clearwater Beach is a family favorite and rated one of the top 15 white-sand beaches in the world by Travel + Leisure. Offshore, Mandalay Avenue and Gulf Boulevard are loaded with cafes, amusements, shops, dessert parlors and, of course, plenty of places to people-watch. Visitors from around the world love to stroll its strip.
RECENT BUZZ: USA Today readers named it the Best Beach in the South in 2023. Pelican Walk Plaza includes Hulk Hogan’s Wrestling Shop, where a statue of the famous wrestler greets customers (and yes, the real-life Hogan might pop in).
WHERE TO STAY: Treat yourself to luxe guest rooms with a rooftop pool and bar, elevated dining and more, just steps away from the beach at The Hiatus Clearwater Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton. Enjoy stunning views of the Gulf at the Opal Sands Resort. The eco-friendly Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club enchants kids with nods to the locally shot “Dolphin Tale” movies.
WHERE TO PLAY: Clearwater Watersports is your one-stop shop for sightseeing tours, floating Tiki bars and Jet Skis. Zip across the Gulf in the world’s largest speedboat, the Sea Screamer. Enjoy fishing? Pier 60 baits anglers with ample underwater lighting. A beloved tradition, the daily dusk celebration at Sunsets at Pier 60 welcomes the night sky with entertainers and vendors. Or, laugh it up at Clearwater Comedy Club.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Stroll the shore of upper North Clearwater Beach for a quieter beach trip. Pose for a photo by artist Chad Mize’s bright and colorful mural at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. And in case you missed it, Frenchy’s Original Café is the home of the world-famous grouper sandwich.
BEST BEACH
1 CLEARWATER BEACH/SAND KEY
➋ St Pete Beach/Pass-a-Grille Beach
➌ Fort De Soto Park
➍ Caladesi Island/Honeymoon Island State Park
➎ Madeira Beach
Sand Key
Indulge in a quick getaway to a coastal oasis without straying too far from the action. Sand Key’s wispy sea oats and pristine shoreline conspire to deliver a mini-retreat with maximum relaxation.
RECENT BUZZ: Maggie Mae’s Waterfront, across the boulevard, won a Best Of Readers’ Choice Award in 2024 from Tampa Bay Newspapers for its breakfasts with a view.
WHERE TO STAY: Neighbors Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort offer sumptuous amenities and rentals.
WHERE TO PLAY: Skim the waves or lounge on tiki boat rides with Wet Rentals & Tours. Get nautical at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center. Grill some hot dogs at outdoor tables. Play with the kids on a playground and the pups at a dog park.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The park’s nature trail and salt marsh attract several seabirds. From May 1 through Oct. 31, loggerhead sea turtles nest and hatch at the park, and at all of the Gulf Beaches of St. Pete-Clearwater.
St. Pete Beach
If you’re looking for beauty and personality, St. Pete Beach is the whole package. Stroll along the glimmering shoreline or cruise Gulf Boulevard, where iconic hotels and tall palm trees line a strip with vintage vibes and contemporary restaurants and resorts. Classic and international, St. Pete Beach has something for every mood or craving. Cafes galore, craft cocktail bars and brewpubs are just the beginning. Relax at hotels chock-full of amenities. Or, sip a rum runner at one of several bars right on the beach.
RECENT BUZZ: St. Pete Beach was named one of the best beaches in the U.S. in Tripadvisor’s 2023 Travelers’ Choice Awards. It also made Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Beaches in the U.S. list in 2022 and was chosen as Tripadvisor’s No. 1 beach in the U.S. and No. 5 Beach in the World in 2021.
WHERE TO STAY: Budget-wise and family-friendly accommodations right on the beach. Choose from TradeWinds Island Resorts’ two distinctive hotels: Island Grand, which includes Salty’s Tiki Bar & Beach Lounge for adults, and RumFish Beach, where you can roast s’mores by a fire at night. The historic, palatial Don CeSar, known locally as the Pink Palace, caters to guests with world-class dining and spa amenities.
WHERE TO PLAY: You’ve heard of e-bikes? What about e-boats? Rent electric Duffy boats, or cruise around town in a golf cart e-moke from St. Pete Beach Electric Boat Co. Take in sunset views and the illuminated Sunshine Skyway Bridge riding about St. Pete Coastal Cruises.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: St. Pete Beach’s Corey Avenue has the charm of an old Main Street, and is where the Corey Avenue Sunday Market sets up every weekend.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Say “I do” to a beach park where serene shores court pristine nature. A retreat named in honor of contest-winning newlyweds, Honeymoon Island State Park basks in wildflowers, virgin slash pines and fan-like saw palmettos. Ospreys soar above while great horned owls and gopher tortoises bring you down to earth.
RECENT BUZZ: The island’s Pet Beach won Best Dog Park in Creative Loafing’s 2022 Best of the Bay awards.
WHERE TO STAY: The Hampton Inn, located at the entrance of Honeymoon Island, squares you away with clean and welcoming accommodations, and Beso del Sol Resort, just a few miles away, offers bike rentals.
WHERE TO PLAY: Enjoy bike and kayak rentals or cast a line at a fishing pier. Take the fur babies to the Pet Beach, and hop on a ferry to Caladesi Island, which was ranked the No. 4 beach in the U.S. in 2023 and 2024 by Dr. Beach.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The island may have areas closed due to post-hurricane repairs.
Caladesi Island State Park
With restoration efforts continuing through 2026, Caladesi Island’s man-made amenities will soon be back in action. Until then, its palm trees, sea oats, lush mangroves and pristine shore will continue to enchant visitors who are few and far between.
RECENT BUZZ: In 2023 and 2024, Dr. Beach ranked Caladesi as the fourth best beach in the U.S. and is well worth the extra time and effort. Its lush canopies, wildflower-dotted meadows and 4 miles of glistening shore might tempt you never to return to the mainland.
WHERE TO PLAY: Once the island reopens, you can rent a kayak from the island’s cafe. Venture into the brush on a 3-mile loop that winds to the early 19th-century Scharrer Homestead Ruins. Or, stretch out on the island’s pristine beach. Camping is not allowed on the island, but boaters can dock overnight; a reservation is required. The Caladesi Island Ferry docks at Honeymoon Island if you need a way there.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: There’s a remote land bridge if you’re willing to take a long walk from North Clearwater Beach; you must pay the park’s admission fee after arrival.
Indian Rocks Beach/Indian Shores
Kick back with easygoing vibes at Indian Rocks Beach or Indian Shores. These mainstays boast small-town neighborhood charm and oodles of fun stuff to do, from delicious dining options to aquatic pleasures. Festivals and other special events make both communities great gathering places.
RECENT BUZZ: Test your knowledge with beer and wings at Guilty Sea Sports Pub’s Wednesday trivia nights. Enjoy a healthy breakfast, lunch and espresso in stylish digs at Grove Surf Café.
WHERE TO STAY: Soak in the coastal village vibes of Indian Rocks Beach by renting a pristine cottage from Gulfside Resorts.
WHERE TO PLAY: Zoom down a 42-foot-high waterslide or bob along a lazy river at Splash Harbour Water Park at the Holiday Inn & Suites Harbourside. Flock to the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary to see rescued gulls, hawks and owls. Ride an e-bike from Green Iguana Rentals.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Say “oui” to European-style pastries and espresso at Café de Paris. Down a local draft at Anecdote Brewing Co. Take in the beachside vibes with live bands every Second Saturday of the month at Crabby Bill’s Indian Rocks Beach.
CLEARWATER BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT ON SAND KEY
Experience the all-new Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key – where modern luxury meets coastal charm. After a stunning five-month transformation, our refreshed guest rooms offer enhanced comfort and style, while upgraded meeting spaces feature state-of-the-art technology and elegant decor. Lounge by the revitalized poolside cabanas, stay active in our updated fitness center or unwind poolside at Kokomo’s Bar & Grille with expanded seating and a vibrant waterfront atmosphere. Your perfect getaway just got even better – discover the ultimate Florida escape today!
www.clearwaterbeachmarriottresort.com
@ClearwaterBeachMarriottResortonSandKey
TRAVEL RESORT SERVICES
Beachfront Vacation Rentals – Your Perfect Getaway! For more than 40 years, TRS has offered stunning vacation rentals along Tampa Bay’s best beaches. From cozy efficiency units to spacious three-bedroom gulffront retreats, enjoy white-sand beaches, family-friendly resorts and pet-friendly options. Book direct for the best rates and start your beach adventure today!
JC RESORTS BEACHFRONT VACATION RENTALS
Paradise, reputation and reliability since 1981. Located on award-winning St. Pete-Clearwater beaches. One, two and three bedrooms. Spacious and 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
Toll-free: 800-535-7776
The Redingtons
Step through a sea grape tunnel and gasp with surprise at the view on the other side. Mellow and enchanting, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Beach span 2.5 miles of uninterrupted shoreline through peaceful beach communities named after real estate mogul Charles Redington.
RECENT BUZZ: A longtime favorite on North Redington Beach, the DoubleTree Beach Resort by Hilton recently completed a major transformation—modernizing its spaces while retaining its coastal allure.
WHERE TO STAY: Go back in time in a good way at Far Horizons Motel, a vintage hotel with upgraded boutique elegance right on the beach.
WHERE TO PLAY: Rent futuristic and fun e-foils and wheels from Rad Bikes, Beach, Surf & Rentals (by appointment only).
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Sweet Sage Café and Gypsy Souls Coffeehouse are favorites for breakfast and lunch. The Redington Shores Beach Access has showers, restrooms and metered parking.
Madeira Beach & John's Pass
At first glance, Madeira Beach is a cute Old Florida beach town, but dust off those sunglasses. Mad Beach - as the locals call it - is now a recreation-filled epicenter of family fun. The town’s walkable strip offers dining options, shops and restaurants at all price points. Some have even been around for more than five decades. Even more impressive, Madeira’s spacious sandy beach sits on 2.5 miles of continuous shoreline, perfect for sandcastle construction projects and napping under big umbrellas.
RECENT BUZZ: A mix of tranquil escape and spunky fun explains why Madeira Beach scored No. 9 on Tripadvisor’s Best Beaches in the U.S. list for 2021.
WHERE TO STAY: The Courtyard by Marriott Madeira Beach relaxes guests with next-generation comfort and west coast Florida charm. The super-stylish Cambria Hotel has a rooftop infinity pool.
WHERE TO PLAY: There’s no better example of old meets new than John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. Rustic shanty trappings lead to a waterfront view and Hubbard’s Marina, where you can charter a boat to go fishing, rent Jet Skis and get giggly on floating Tiki bars. Spend hours enjoying contemporary eats, memorabilia shops and even homemade taffy.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The Candy Kitchen is celebrating its 75th anniversary in the community in 2025. Alcoholic beverages are allowed on the beach but not in glass containers.
Treasure Island
Ooh and ahh at Treasure Island’s big, beautiful beaches. Chuckle at its pirate lore. Fall in love with its retro charm. Treasure Island is like a gorgeous old dame with a frisky side. It’s got an immense beachfront, just short of a quarter-mile from the town’s scenic paved trail to the shimmering Gulf. Enjoy souvenir shops, beach cottages and more dotting Gulf Boulevard, which includes iconic sites like the Thunderbird Beach Resort and The Florida Shell Shop.
RECENT BUZZ: The city has installed an ADA beach access mat called a MobiMat, which is 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 Treasure Island Beach Trail. Glide above it all at Parasailing the Pass. The Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis Recreation Facility is a perfect place to play pickleball, or instead, shimmy down the world’s tallest inflatable waterfront slide, the Hippo, at Treasure Island Waterslide and Cabanas.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Sanding Ovations, a high-caliber sandcastle tournament, fetches a large crowd in November, and the Treasure Island Kite Festival takes flight in January.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Ever wonder what it’s like to step into a 1920s Florida postcard? Let Pass-a-Grille Beach show you. Sea oats border windswept narrow beaches. Rows of Victorian homes form a conga line with Queen Anne houses and Craftsman bungalows. Pass-a-Grille’s quaint, historic downtown and vintage motels sprinkle a touch of salty mystery. Festive restaurants and colorful shops spike it with contemporary fun.
WHERE TO STAY: The Berkeley Beach Club indulges guests with elegance and comfort in classic Key West-style.
WHERE TO PLAY: Take your pup to the Dog Beach. Raise a cold one at the town’s half-century-old tavern, Shadrack’s.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Take in the sunset with a margarita on the rooftop terrace of the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant.
Fort De Soto Park
Ahhh, it’s so magnificent. From shorelines with dramatic driftwood to nature trails and scampering shorebirds, Fort De Soto Park offers miles of pine-shaded picnic grounds, a historic bastion and campgrounds. It’s locals’ favorite and a big sparkling emerald in St. Pete-Clearwater’s crown of Gulf Beaches.
RECENT BUZZ: A new and improved Fort De Soto Park Bay Pier is now 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 are available.
WHERE TO PLAY: Go back in time to the historic fort. Bring the fur babies 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 make Fort De Soto Park’s sandy apex a popular spot for kiteboarding.
St. Pete
St. Pete has skyrocketed in popularity. The ever-evolving ’Burg dazzles you with world-class museums, an award-worthy restaurant scene, serene nature, ultra-cool shops and cafes and breathtaking waterfront views. Spend a leisurely afternoon playing shuffleboard. Hop on a bike and tour the city’s exquisite murals. Mosey downtown after dark to enjoy St. Pete’s acclaimed craft breweries and live music hot spots. Tripadvisor named the city the No. 2 Trending Destination in their Travelers’ Choice: Best of the Best Destinations for 2024 and WalletHub named it among its happiest cities in 2024. Forbes ranked St. Pete its third Most Educated City in the U.S. in 2024. The BBC recommended it as a great place to spend an “artsy, nature-filled weekend.”
St. Pete Pier/Waterfront
St. Pete’s Waterfront Arts District is the good life times a thousand. Walk, bike or jog along a flora-filled promenade and take in the shimmering bay and shorebirds gliding above the water. After your morning walk, hightail it to the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg or The Dalí Museum, where internationally acclaimed artists take you to unimagined places. At the Dalí Dome, a multi-sensory art experience awaits with 360-degree animations and other visuals. Catch a concert at the Mahaffey Theater. Or, greet the weekend at the hip and happening Saturday Morning Market.
The St. Pete Pier is a family favorite, where nature, art and architecture interplay in jaw-dropping ways. Take in the bayfront panorama from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Treat the kids to ice cream at Driftwood Café or dress up for dinner at Teak St. Pete.
RECENT BUZZ: Owners of the Mandarin Hide cocktail bar, Trophy Fish seafood restaurant and the 60-year-old El Cap burger joint have opened the casually chic Perry’s Porch, a coastal eatery on the pier approach.
WHERE TO PLAY: Sip a cocktail and enjoy a heart-stopping view of the ’Burg’s illuminated skyline from the Pier Teaki rooftop bar. Little ones can burn off energy at St. Pete Pier’s Glazer Family Playground.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Pose for a pic by Naomi Haverland’s amazingly aquatic mural at the pier’s Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, and don’t forget to step inside to explore the many facets of Tampa Bay’s estuary system.
Warehouse Arts District
Step into a world where artistic magic happens daily. Be amazed by the transformative glass sculpture of the Duncan McClellan Gallery. Be inspired by the educational outreach of artists training young aspiring artists. See talent be molded, literally, at the Morean Center for Clay. Grab a craft brewski at 3 Daughters Brewery or sip some spirits at The Urban Stillhouse.
RECENT BUZZ: FloridaRAMA is the district’s immersive arts attraction (formerly known as Fairgrounds St. Pete).
WHERE ELSE TO PLAY: Enjoy hands-on creativity in the Morean Center for Clay’s sculpture classes. Free kids classes on Sunday.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Walk or bike to the Warehouse Arts District via the Pinellas Trail, which displays murals along the way. Shop for vinyl at Daddy Kool Records.
Central Arts District
Access all of the best of St. Pete in one district. Browse exceptional fine and functional art at Florida CraftArt and the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. See some of the best Native American contemporary artists at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Ooh and aah at the glass masterpieces of the Chihuly Collection, and see the works of locals at the Morean Arts Center and the Studio@620. Speaking of performances, American Stage puts on awe-inspiring, polished plays and musicals starring sought-after performers. Some of the best restaurants can also be found in the Central Arts District. Reservations are recommended at Brick & Mortar and Il Ritorno.
RECENT BUZZ: A five-story food hall, Central Park, is making its debut, offering multitiered culinary delights.
WHERE TO PLAY: Formerly known as the State Theatre, The Floridian Social now is a live music mainstay. The celebrated Art Deco building recently turned 100. Also iconic, Jannus Live is popular for outdoor, standing-room-only concerts.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: The literati have been congregating for wine and poetry at Book + Bottle. Also, get around stress-free on the Central Avenue Trolley’s Downtown Looper route. It runs every 15 minutes seven days a week. For elevated comfort food, the Social Roost is a great spot to gather your flock for fun noshes and creative cocktails.
Edge District
The Edge District, as the name suggests, takes you outside the orbit of the ordinary. The winner of fifteen Outstanding Main Street Awards from the Florida Secretary of State is full of good vibes, offering stylish bars and cafes. What’s more, The Edge District is a community with heart, home to several nonprofits. Head there every month for its outdoor Mezzo Market, comprising over 80 curated vendors.
RECENT BUZZ: The Moxy boldly goes where few boutique hotels have gone before, tucking you in with a distinctively lavish, urban style. Take the elevator to the top, where you can sip on sophisticated cocktails and nosh on Asian fusion appetizers at the Sparrow rooftop bar.
WHERE TO PLAY: Green Bench Brewing Company keeps families entertained with lawn amusements and ample space to play. Intermezzo is both hip and grand, drawing inspiration from Parisian cafes. Raise a toast to James Beard-nominated Webb's City Cellar.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill is a local institution. While there, get your frustrations out flinging sharp weapons at St. Pete Axe & Ale or test your swing in Ferg’s golf simulator. If you’re a booze snob, you’ll be in heaven at Bar Mezzo, Bar Chica, 1st Ave Clubhouse Bourbon Bar and CellarMasters Wine Bar & Bottle Shop.
Grand Central District
Wander through one of St. Pete’s loveliest neighborhoods, where oak canopies offer shade alongside clever shops and cafes. The Grand Central District is welcoming and inclusive, home to Come Out St. Pete and the St. Pete Pride parade. The Imagine Museum dazzles with some of the highest-profile glass art in the region, and the district’s Halloween on Central is one of Florida’s biggest Halloween festivals.
RECENT BUZZ: Hailed as a “must-visit,” Pulpo serves “Latin and beyond” fare and craft cocktails.
WHERE TO PLAY: Par Bar is above par with an 18-hole course designed to be challenging for adults. LALA St. Pete amuses funlovers of all ages with festive karaoke rooms and an activity garden with cornhole and boules, a French lawn game.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Shop for novels at Tombolo Books. Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe sports charmingly mismatched furniture and a staggering beer and wine list. Bringing the doggo? With an acronym like PAW, Pinellas Ale Works is all in for the fur babies. Of course, microbreweries reign supreme in the Grand Central District, with Cage Brewing and Grand Central Brewhouse as perennial faves.
Deuces Live District
Experience a vibrant community with deep roots in St. Pete with Black-owned businesses and creatives who reimagined and transformed Deuces Live along historic 22nd Street South. Start at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum of Florida, which conveys heritage and expression through art and storytelling. You might even catch a jazz show or trivia night there. The museum collaborates with community stakeholders, such as the renovated Manhattan Casino.
WHERE TO PLAY: Browse Afro-centric art, groove to live music and find fun for the kids at the district’s Second Saturday Art Walk at Deuces Corner Park. Every February, the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival revisits and reinvents a soul food staple with a cooking competition, food trucks, entertainment and more.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Take a self-guided walking tour along the African American Heritage Trail and learn about African American trailblazers. Jugler’s Old Time Tradition Gallery blends history, culture and art.
Clearwater
Bustling with family-friendly places to play and stay, Clearwater has its quiet moments, too. Peaceful parks and marinas offer a tranquil escape, or experience the life aquatic at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Stroll past palm trees and bougainvilleas to a walkable downtown area brimming with acclaimed restaurants, shops and concert venues. Yell “Hey, batter, batter” at Philadelphia Phillies spring training games.
Shop like a European at international boutiques or sip an espresso at cafes in Clearwater’s pristine historic downtown district. It’s where you can dine at acclaimed restaurants, such as local fave Clear Sky on Cleveland or rock out at the 100-plus-year-old Capitol Theatre or the gleaming state-of-the-art amphitheater, The BayCare Sound, located in scenic Coachman Park. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Clearwater Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway, the park relaxes you with freshly designed common areas, murals, sculptures and lush green spaces.
RECENT BUZZ: The Cleveland Street Market dining hall houses coffee, tea and bites from around the world.
WHERE TO PLAY: Score a hole-in-one amid the waterfalls, caves and rainforest trappings of Congo River Golf. Race and play at the Tampa Bay Grand Prix, where you can zip around on a climate-controlled go-kart track.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Find affordable and easy-to-access downtown parking at the old City Hall parking lot, 112 S. Osceola Ave. If you’re craving fresh-made pasta and pizza, Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza and Soul Sicilian Fusion are run by native Italians from southern Italy.
Dunedin
Warning: charm overload alert! The Main Street Historic District is postcard-pretty, immersing you in all the good things that come with the Floridian lifestyle. Experience time well spent at mellow cafes, outdoor markets, art galleries, ice cream shops, world-class restaurants, craft cocktail bars and inviting brewpubs. Not sure what to eat? Dunedin Mix, a trendy food hall, tempts you with beaucoup choices dressed up in a Big Easy vibe. Looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion? The Black Pearl and Bon Appétit are longtime favorites for their ambiance and date-night appeal.
RECENT BUZZ: The historic Dunedin Golf Club underwent major renovations and has reopened for play. The club’s signature restaurant, Highland House, features a raved-about New American menu and bar, tucked away amid the course’s scenic greens.
WHERE ELSE TO PLAY: Gawk at majestic hawks and other wildlife at the 75-acre Hammock Park. Bike the Pinellas Trail to restaurants, shops and drinking establishments. Get to know Dunedin’s wild Scottish side at the Dunedin Highland Games & Festival in April. Root for the Toronto Blue Jays at the TD Ballpark, the team’s spring training hub. Get inspired at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Take the scenic route by driving northbound on Edgewater Drive past the majestic Fenway Hotel, a rejuvinated Mediterranean Revival hotel, and a jaw-dropping procession of towering palm trees.
Safety Harbor
Head northeast toward Upper Tampa Bay to an almost hidden bohemian town embraced by grand old oaks and a picture-pretty historic neighborhood with brick streets. Take in waterfront views from the Mediterranean-style, historic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Feed your hunger and soul at locally raved-about eateries in charmingly restored bungalows.
RECENT BUZZ: Buy sweets for your sweetie at the oh-so-tantalizing Rocking Delicious candy store. Water Oak Grill serves supreme surf and turf, and The Kitchen makes you feel at home in its chic bungalow trappings.
WHERE TO PLAY: A wonderland of artsy kitsch and musical greatness, Safety Harbor Art & Music Center grabs your attention with mirror-mosaic walls. Or giggle inside the owners’ world-famous Whimzeyland, aka the “bowling ball house.” Romp in a butterfly garden at the Folly Farm Nature Preserve.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Locals continue to mingle at the monthly Third Friday Street Celebration. In nearby Oldsmar, take to the sky with Empower Adventures, ziplining above Tampa Bay.
Tarpon Springs
Discover a Grecian oasis north of Clearwater, where you’ll encounter the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the U.S. Their great-grandparents brought a thriving industry to the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, where you can now shop for souvenirs (and, yes, sponges) in Old World-style. The best part: Greek-American dining meccas like Mykonos and Hellas Restaurant & Bakery draw you in with irresistible aromas. Planning a date night? Reserve a sunset dinner at Dimitri’s on the Water.
RECENT BUZZ: The recently planted Urban Roots restaurant downtown calls itself “fresh, local and refined.” Choose from fresh, locally sourced entrees, craft coffee and cocktails.
WHERE TO PLAY: Go retro with your pinball and joystick skills at the Replay Amusement Museum, where unlimited play on 100-plus vintage arcade and pinball games entertains kids and their nostalgic parents.
WHAT LOCALS KNOW: Where do the locals go? Historic downtown Tarpon Springs. Head there for the district’s First Friday monthly celebration. The northern stretch of the Pinellas Trail cuts through downtown, and it’s where you’ll find St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which hosts the town’s historic Epiphany Celebration. Take a short drive to the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, where local, modern and contemporary art joins 20th- and 21st-century masters.
Gulfport
Gulfport is quaint but so endearingly cool. Take a walk along its main strip, Beach Boulevard, and you’ll feel like you stepped into a miniature Key West. Music plays from cafes. Palms sway in the Gulf breeze. Colorful, distinctive places to dine, such as the authentically Italian Pia’s Trattoria, beckon foodies and wine enthusiasts. Even if you’re after something lighter on the wallet, Gulfport has something for all tastes and appetites.
RECENT BUZZ: Tommy’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Pub is dog-friendly and features huge $10 burgers on Wednesdays.
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 Gulfport Night Market gathers local artisans and retailers the first Friday and third Saturday of each month from 5-9 p.m. On Labor Day weekend, GeckoFest, a family-friendly Mardi Gras-like festival, takes over the town.
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