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.

CLEAR WATER BEACH

➋ St. Pete Beach/Pass-a-Grille Beach
➌ Treasure Island/Sunset Beach
➍ Fort De Soto Park
➎ Caladesi Island/Honeymoon Island

The vibe: A yin and yang of natural beauty and nonstop fun, Clearwater Beach has been named TripAdvisor's No. 1 beach for back-to-back years — consecutive honors that have yet to be achieved by another beach community. Clearwater Beach also earned a spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2021 list of Florida’s best beaches.

Where to stay: Families and young singles alike enjoy the daytime amenities and nightlife at Shephard’s Beach Resort. Do it up in style at the four-star Opal Sands or treat yourself to a uniquely boutique-y stay at the Hotel Cabana.

Where to go: Head to Clearwater’s South Beach for beach volleyball, outdoor seafood dining and nightlife. Take the 22 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES kids to the playground at Pier 60, and stroll the eclectic and revamped shops, bars and eateries of Mandalay Avenue. For solitude, seek out the northernmost shores bordered by peaceful neighborhoods.

A must-see: Sunsets at Pier 60 is a daily twilight festival with jugglers, stiltwalkers and other entertainers and artisans wowing crowds amid a swirly dusk backdrop.

Where to play: Boats for dolphin sightseeing tours and a mock pirate-ship line the marina. Tampa Bay Aviation can take you on a helicopter ride over the beach. Or get high-tech at SimCenter. Ride some indoor waves at Surf Style FlowRider. After the sun comes out, tread the Gulf with WaveRunners and other watercrafts from Clearwater Watersports.

A local institution: Frenchy’s Original Café, home of the grouper sandwich.

SAND KEY PARK

What to expect: Sand Key Park stands out like an emerald and blue sapphire on concrete amid its neighboring highrises. Sweeping panoramas of the Clearwater Pass and the Clearwater Pass Bridge are accentuated by boulders and Australian pines.

Offshore: Picnic areas, a playground and a dog park round out a full day of family fun. If you forget your picnic basket, The Sand Key Grill food truck serves up cheap eats right on the beach. Just a six-minute walk away, the Shoppes on Sand Key offers dozens of stores and eateries.

Where to stay: The Sheraton Sand Key Resort and Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites are a walk or quick car or golf cart ride away.

Where to play: Sand Key Power Sports rents paddleboards, kayaks and more. Go boating with the professional guidance of the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, located just outside the park.

TRADEWINDS ISLAND RESORTS

Just Let Go on St. Pete Beach’s award-winning shoreline with loads of sun and a mountain of adventure. A tropical paradise on over 40 acres awaits you and your crew, with soft white sands and endless memories. Palm trees, warm gulf breezes, and pink sunsets make TradeWinds the perfect destination with more fun and more sun!

From action and adventure to lazy lounging, it can all be found at TradeWinds. Cruise the Gulf shoreline on a paddleboard, snorkel in a 33,500-gallon aquarium, kick back on a floating lounger, or soar through the sky on a three-story beachfront zipline!

When it’s time to unwind, visit their toes-in-the-sand beach bars and kick back with an island cocktail as you watch the sunset over a white-sandy beach. Afterward, choose a place to dine – so many choices, so little time! At night, sip, savor, and relax by the fire while you just let go.

ST. PETE BEACH

Among the best: St. Pete Beach won Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Beach in the U.S. award in 2021.

Something new, something old: Enjoy the singularly cool experience of aquarium dining at RumFish Grill. Take the fam for a round of mini golf at the classically retro Polynesian Putter. Cruise past 1960s hotels you’d swear the Rat Pack stayed in. Chill out at the chic contemporary rooftop lounges of Hotel Zamora and Bellwether Beach Resort.

Insta-worthy backdrops: Head north to Upham Beach Park, where a boardwalk nestled in the sea grapes leads to a picture-perfect lagoon with dramatic boulders. For a truly iconic photo-op, head south to the pink palatial Don CeSar, aka “The Don.”

Beach bars on the beach: St. Pete Beach has held on to some of its most cherished watering holes, many still right on the beach. For live music by the shore, head to Jimmy B’s or enjoy a piña colada and some volleyball at the Postcard Inn. Sway to reggae at Undertow.

A cute little downtown: Cafés and shops line St. Pete Beach’s Corey Avenue. The Corey Avenue Sunday Market features the best of the fresh, gourmet and artisanal as well as live entertainment.

HONEYMOON ISLAND

A marriage made in heaven: Outdoor recreation and natural beauty make beautiful music together at Honeymoon Island State Park.

Hike or bike: Navigate lush nature trails and marvel at one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests. Unspoiled beaches, mangroves and a bevy of critters, from great horned owls to gopher turtles, call this peaceful park home.

Where birdwatchers flock: On the north shore, Pelican Cove provides a hangout for hundreds of shorebirds.

How to pass the time: Recline with a riveting novel on Oasis Beach. Play with the kids at a playground nestled in a palm tree grove. Fish for flounder, snook, trout and redfish. Grab lunch at Café Honeymoon and the South Beach Pavilion Café. Shower off near the boardwalks leading out to the main beach areas.

A doggy oasis: Take a brief hike with the pups to swim at the island’s Pet Beach.

CALADESI ISLAND

One of Dr. Beach’s top picks: Caladesi Island was named Dr. Beach’s No. 2 spot in the U.S. in 2022, besting beaches in Hawaii and California. While there, spend ample time on Caladesi’s immaculate beach, collecting shells and relaxing by the shimmering shoreline.

How to get there: Head to Honeymoon Island, where the Caladesi Island ferry docks. Or, rent a kayak from Sail Honeymoon on the Dunedin Causeway. Locals' tip: You can get there by foot across a remote land bridge at the uppermost reaches of North Clearwater Beach. Pay the park’s admission fee upon arrival.

Rent a kayak: Row through a wondrous tunnel of interlocking mangrove branches.

Lay of the land: A 3-mile nature trail takes you to the early 19th-century Scharrer Homestead Ruins. Saw palmettos and sabal palms co-mingle with majestic oaks along the route. Gather the gang for lunch at one of the picnic pavilions. Café Caladesi has reopened post-pandemic shutdown and serves food from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

A floating campsite? Camping is not allowed on the island, but boaters can dock overnight; a reservation with the Florida State Parks office is required.

INDIAN SHORES & INDIAN ROCKS BEACH

Sweet tranquility: Indian Shores glimmers and charms; a less boisterous family favorite. If you enjoy the homey charm and the easygoing bohemian vibe of locales like Key West, opt for Indian Rocks Beach, a thriving, tight-knit, festive town that’s beloved by visitors and locals alike.

Local faves: For a date night, head to Salt Rock Grill. If you brought the pup, head to the scenic, dog-friendly waterfront eatery Caddy’s Indian Shores. For liquid refreshment, try the top-notch java of Indian Shores Coffee Co. Distinctive, critically raved-about eateries attract diners from through-out Central Florida to IRB such as Guppy’s on the Beach and the Original Crabby Bill’s. Enjoy a heavenly Euro-style pastry and espresso at Café de Paris.

Walk it off: Indian Shores’ long stretch of shore is contiguous with the shores of other beach towns, so you can stroll for miles, hunting for shells, exploring offshore establishments and spotting dolphins bobbing from the surf.

Known for the quick dip: With a 3-mile stretch of beach access points and a narrower shore than other Gulf beaches, IRB is a favorite for locals seeking a quick and no-hassle escapade, and mobility-challenged beachgoers who need to avoid a sandy slog.

Stay and Play: The Holiday Inn & Suites Harbourside lures fun lovers of all ages to its Splash Harbour Water Park. Whoosh down a 42-foot-high waterslide or float on the lazy river. Little ones can scamper safely in their own splash zone. Hungry? Jimmy Guana’s offers a variety of eats right by the Cruzan Rum Shack for adult bevvies. On rainy days, opt for mini golf and an indoor game room.

THE REDINGTONS

Mellow beaches: Because their beach accesses cater mostly to residents and pedestrians, the shores of North Redington Beach, Redington Beach and Redington Shores tend to be more peaceful — ideal for a family vacation or romantic getaway.

Wake-up calls: Sweet Sage Café & Boutique, in North Redington, is a locals’ favorite for breakfast, teas and coffee. In Redington Shores, Gypsy Souls Coffeehouse serves espresso drinks and baked treats.

Where to stay: Hotel Sol offers beachfront stays at a surprisingly affordable rate. For more deluxe amenities, opt for the Grand Shores West and the Hilton DoubleTree, both in North Redington Beach.

Where to park: Arrive early in the late afternoon or on non-holiday weekdays. Look for public parking along Gulf Boulevard or at Redington Beach Town Park. Also, a Redington Shores municipal parking lot can be found at 18200 Sunset Blvd.

Where to eat and drink: Enjoy a meal or relaxing cocktails on an outside patio at the Friendly Tavern. Or sip a piña colada right offshore at Mangos Restaurant and Tiki Bar

MADEIRA BEACH

Best place to ‘Pass’ the time: John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk looks like a sea village renovated by Walt Disney’s animation team with wooden boardwalks with killer views, 100 shops and restaurants, and a slew of tours and boat rentals.

Family-friendliness abounds: The Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center shelters more than 60 rescued and surrendered American alligators. From its beloved mom and pop businesses to its glimmering shores, Madeira is all about casual fun. Perhaps, that’s why Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine selected the community among their favorite family-friendly beaches in 2021.

Avast ye, kiddies! A pirate ship swashbuckling cruise keeps you and the kids busy with water gun battles, treasure hunts, limbo dancing and tall tales of legendary pirates.

Where to ‘wine’ down: The Florida Winery features award-winning wines made on the premises along with hand-rolled cigars, jellies, jams and other giftable items.

CLEARWATER BEACH MARRIOTT SUITES

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 every suite has a water view, and 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 enter to win with the QR code below.

TRAVEL RESORT SERVICES VACATION RENTALS

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

TREASURE ISLAND

A casual classic: Treasure Island harbors a classic family vacation vibe with colorful mom and pop shops and motels, and a non-skyscraper skyline. Its clear waters and expansive beachfront add jaw-dropping beauty to its kitschy charm.

A massive shore: Lest you be confused by its name, St. Petersburg Municipal Beach is in Treasure Island. It offers one of the widest stretches of shore with 800 feet(!) of sugary sand on the Gulf coast. Add the winding, paved, 1.9-mile Treasure Island Beach Trail, and you have amazing, scenic ways to log your steps.

Where to stay: Sleep in sleek style with ample amenities at the FUSION Resort. Or, stay right on the beach at the Treasure Island Beach Resort, where you can indulge yourself with the newest accommodations on the Gulf. The luxury property includes 77 one-and two-bedroom suites, all offering a view of the Gulf, with kitchens and a porch or balcony.

Where to play: Catch some air and glide over the Gulf with the help of Parasailing the Pass, located at Crabby’s On The Pass. Find out your net worth at the Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis Recreation Facility, home to waterfront golf, FootGolf, tennis and pickleball.

Fresh-air fun: Sanding Ovations, a premier annual sandcastle competition, takes over the beach each November, and the Treasure Island Kite Festival takes flight in January. Browse the Treasure Island Friday Morning Market every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. September through April.

PASS -A- GRILLE

Step back in time: Turn of the 20th-century cottages and Victorian homes join swaying palm trees and sea oats to hearken back to scenes from old Florida postcards.

Head ‘downtown’: The Eighth Avenue quarter resembles Main Street USA with a contemporary twist. Decorated with string lights and a colorful flourish, the district features the Berkeley Beach Club, a chic Key West-style boutique hotel with a rooftop bar, the cigars and couture of Paradiso, and the espresso or frozen treats of Paradise Sweets.

Locally recommended: The Seahorse has been a local favorite for 80 years. For waterfront ambience in another enduring locale, head to Red, White & Booze. Get cheap eats at Paradise Grille, right on the beach.

Walk the walk: Pass-a-Grille features boutiques, a dog beach, cafés, bars, tennis courts, ice cream and fishing piers all within walking distance.

A breezy institution: Take in the sunset with a margarita and Mom’s 1945 Crab Cake on the rooftop terrace of the enduring Hurricane Seafood Restaurant, built out of a 1912 bathhouse in 1977.

FORT DE SOTO PARK

A beachy bastion: Lucky for us, the county purchased the erstwhile military fortress of Fort De Soto Park after World War II, and now we get to enjoy its 7-mile-long keychain of estuaries, pine-shaded recreation areas and undeveloped beaches. Snap a pic of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at the park’s East Beach. Catch leaping dolphins at the end of the Gulf Pier.

Go fly a kite: Because it’s at the confluence of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the area’s crosscurrents make this sandy apex a popular spot for kiteboarders.

Bark if you love a dog beach: A few paw prints from the Bay Pier, Fort De Soto’s Dog Beach allows dogs and their humans to play together in the water and onshore.

Secluded picnic spots: Take a shady stroll at the Arrowhead Picnic & Fishing Area. At North Beach, pine-shaded picnic areas skirt white, sandy beaches with glistening tide pools. Mangroves and jagged, giant driftwood limbs enhance the area’s natural beauty.

Innovative, protective of its natural beauty and surroundings, ever-mindful of the quality of life of its visitors and residents alike, St. Pete is a city perpetually on the rise, topping national lists every year. In 2022, “the Burg,” as locals call it, was named the Most Dog-Friendly City in America by Modern Globe, An Inclusive Coastal Destination by National Geographic and Best-Run City by WalletHub.

ST. PETE PIER/WATERFRONT

Not just for fishermen: The award-winning St. Pete Pier spans 26 acres of thoughtfully designed trails, public art, restaurants, shops, relaxation areas and recreation spots. The marine-themed Glazer Family Playground encourages young ones to romp on colorful equipment and a wet zone spread out across 3,000 square feet. Or, get up close to marine life at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center and Wet Classroom.

Where to shop: The Marketplace, typically open Friday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., convenes under a distinctive latticed, metallic canopy.

Culture, culture everywhere! Cultural institutions dominate the rest of St. Pete’s waterfront. For a concert, check out the Mahaffey Theater. To see world-class fine art, the renowned Salvador Dalí Museum can be found to the south and the Museum of Fine Arts presides north of the pier.

Night-time fun: Singles and lovebirds flock to the Pier’s outermost point for fusion fare and stylish digs at venues such as Spa Beach Bistro and Teak. Pier Teaki, a festive Polynesian-themed spot, stakes out the scenic rooftop.

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

➋ Main Street, Dunedin
➌ Dodecanese Boulevard, Tarpon Springs
➍ Beach Boulevard, Gulfport
➎ Main Street, Safety Harbor

CENTRAL ARTS DISTRICT

Where is it? Along the 300-700 blocks of Central Avenue, a lively district overflows with first-rate visual and performing arts spots, including Florida CraftArt, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, the Chihuly Collection, the Morean Arts Center, Imagine Museum and Studio@620, plus local dining favorites, couture and more.

Where to go: Take in a play at American Stage. Meet an up-and-coming author at Tombolo Books, browse the stylish threads of MISRED Outfitters, or dine in some of the Burg’s best-reviewed restaurants, including Il Ritorno and Brick & Mortar.

For something different: Get animated amid the illustrated walls of the 2D Café.

A mecca for live music: The Floridian Social Club is a swanky venue and craft cocktail lounge.

WAREHOUSE ARTS DISTRICT

Art in a warehouse? Well, sort of, but not really. Built from the rubble of an abandoned industrial district, the Warehouse Arts District features shared artist spaces and galleries, and pulsates with fresh creative vibes. It keeps getting bigger and better every year.

New kids on the block: The Factory, a co-op of sorts, includes The Fairgrounds St. Pete, an immersive art experience; Daddy Kool Records; and a space for rotating art shows.

Not in a warehouse: The Morean Center for Clay occupies a historic train depot and features art classes as well as wares from more than 50 artists.

Vibrant and victorious: A persistently evolving community of predominantly Black-owned businesses clusters around historic 22nd Street South, an area known as the Deuces.

Engaging the community: Deuces Live events engage the community and visitors with a wide range of entertainment and local shopping opportunities.

Cultural landmarks: The starting point of the African American Heritage Trail, the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum delves into works created from pride and heritage. Iconic murals include “Jazz,” a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald by Zulu Painter, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong by Herbert Davis and the Black Lives Matter street mural.

An inclusive vibe: Grand Central reps its LGBTQ+ business community with pride and is home to the Pride Street Carnival every June.

Culture and cuisine: Imagine Museum displays some of the highest-profile glass art in the region. Grab a bite at the colorful Casita Taqueria or enjoy the innovative dishes and cocktails of Wild Child. For craft brews, head to Hawthorne’s Bottle Shoppe.

Fur-friendly: The Dog Bar and Sunshine City Catfé provide fun with our favorite nonhuman compan- ions. The Dog Bar invites patrons to bring their best friends, and the Catfe supplies young felines of their own for your enjoyment.

‘Florida’s Best Neighborhood’? The award- winning, strollable, art-filled downtown EDGE District has won 15 Florida Secretary of State Awards for Outstanding Main Street programs, businesses and volunteers.

A cherished hangout: Green Bench Brewing keeps families entertained with lawn amusements and ample space to play. Rent bikes from Coast Bike Share or scooters at Veo Ride Share, or hop on the Central Avenue Trolley.

CLEAR WATER

Not to be overshadowed by its beaches, the city of Clearwater and its neighboring communities overflow with cultural charm and exquisite palms and greenery. The city’s downtown, a site of ambitious redevelopment, beautification and public art, has become a go-to for local commerce, dining, retail and entertainment.

What's new: The scenic waterfront will get a major face-lift with a new outdoor waterfront concert venue called The Sound, operated by Ruth Eckerd Hall in partnership with the City of Clearwater. The event space accommodates a year-round performance schedule with 4,000 covered seats and 5,000 lawn seats.

Where to catch a star or stand-up comic: Famous acts of today and yesteryear headline the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater. For big nights out and impromptu matinees, Ruth Eckerd Hall features A-list headliners and Broadway shows in its 2,180-seat auditorium.

Where to gawk at dolphins and sea otters: The world-renowned Clearwater Marine Aquarium homes and re-homes dolphins and other sea life.

Where Indiana Jones plays: Enjoy mini golf and other amusements in an explorer-themed atmosphere at Congo River Golf.

Where to eat: Local favorites include the authentic Southern Italian pie of Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza as well as their homemade gelato.

Where to play indoors: The Escape Room Clearwater unlocks loads of fun, and the Tampa Bay Grand Prix takes you for a spin on its climate-controlled go-kart track.

Its claim to fame: United States' highest per capita representation of Greek Americans. Their forebears brought commerce to the once-sleepy fishing village.

Where you must go: The Historic Sponge Docks District, where Old World-style shops entice shoppers, and Greek eateries lure hungry passersby with tantalizing aromas. Feeling romantic? Reserve a sunset dinner at Dimitri's on the Water.

A splashy annual tradition: Crowds flock to the city’s Spring Bayou every Jan. 6 for the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s Epiphany celebration, which challenges local teenagers to be the first to retrieve a white cross from the chilly waters of Spring Bayou.

What else to check out: Downtown Tarpon Springs, a quaint district lined with street lamps and independent businesses; St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral; Brooker Creek Preserve; the Leepa-Rattner Museum; and the Replay Museum, a mecca for retro arcade games.

Pretty as a postcard: Sky-high palm trees line Dunedin’s scenic corridor, Edgewater Drive. The watercolor-worthy Dunedin Marina entices you with a stroll on a wooden pier, where you can spot wintering manatees during cooler months.

Scottish ties: The Sister City to Sterling, Scotland, Dunedin puts on the annual kilt-wearing, haggis-eatin’, bagpipe-blaring Highland Games every April.

A locals’ favorite: Check out the Main Street Historic District, a district that intersects the Pinellas Trail and bustles with popular restaurants, shops and drinking establishments.

Go-to places: Public beaches line the Dunedin Causeway, which leads to the beach and nature paradise of Honeymoon Island State Park. Cheer the Canucks at the TD Ballpark’s Toronto Blue Jays spring training games, and check out the arts events at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.

A different vibe: Shaded by giant old mossy oaks, Safety Harbor has a distinctly unique landscape with hilly, shaded streets and a slew of mom and pop businesses in restored bungalows.

Lose yourself: The scenic and historic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, located on the banks of Upper Tampa Bay, is renowned for its mineral springs, world-class pampering, nutritious café and bayfront weddings.

Bohemian arts and fun: Check out national acts performing live music plus poetry and art events at the mirrored, mosaic-walled Safety Harbor Art & Music Center, or experience the comical decor of Whimzeyland, aka the “bowling ball house.” Locals gather monthly for the Third Friday evening street fest.

Shop till you drop: Check out eclectic gift shops such as Tupelo on 4th and the Safety Harbor Galleria, along with the Safety Harbor farmers market that pops up every Sunday.

A true sense of community: Locally supported, locally owned businesses line Gulfport’s main drag, Beach Boulevard, adjacent to oak-shaded residential streets with charmingly colorful bungalows.

Festive gatherings: The townsfolk commune for the First Friday Art Walk, which draws locals and visitors alike in search of one-of-a-kind decor and accessories. The Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market hawks local produce and handmade goods. GeckoFest is an annual Mardi Gras-meets-family-fun festival.

A breath of fresh air: Gulfport not only brims in lush, colorful subtropical flora and waterfront views, but you can take it all in a pedestrian-friendly setting. Browse shops, and dine or drink outdoors to bask in the city's charm.

Options galore: Gulfport Beach Bazaar features 20-plus vendors, coastal and vintage furniture, home décor and collectibles. For something to wear, check out Botiki, and top it off with lunch at Pia’s Trattoria, cocktails or brews at Sea Dog Cantina and a frozen treat at Let it Be Ice Cream.

Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL - Gulf To Bay 2023

BEACHES & COMMUNITIES

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