St. Petersburg and Clearwater – (Updated 2024)
St. Petersburg and Clearwater
A beach location that will not disappoint
Nestled on a sun-drenched peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico is St. Pete/Clearwater. The location offers a perfect retreat with its 56 kilometers of white sand beaches and vibrant cultural scene. Visit Clearwater Beach, which TripAdvisor ranked as the top beach in the USA in 2016, 2018, and 2019, to take advantage of the hot Florida sunsets and cool Gulf breezes. Seeking more unspoiled natural beauty, retro moods, and sugar sand? Every mood can be found at one of St. Pete/Clearwater’s beaches.
Seaside Splendor: St. Pete Beach is a popular destination for thrill-seekers due to its diverse range of thrilling water sports. You can enjoy boating, parasailing, and riding WaveRunners on a sunny morning. To peruse the stores at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, take a cruise to Madeira Beach. Make sure to enjoy a stunning sunset as dusk draws in from the beach, a sunset cruise, or even a floating tiki bar.
Fort De Soto Park is a family favorite because of its interesting history, easily accessible entertainment areas, and white sand beaches. The park spans five islands in Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, offering peaceful backwaters ideal for leisurely kayaking and paddling.
The mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island Preserve and the serene seas of Shell Key Preserve are also worth exploring for kayakers. Here, you can take a clear kayak out and see the diverse array of wildlife, including manatees and dolphins, that inhabit the archipelago.
One of the many natural treasures in St. Pete/Clearwater that can only be reached by boat is Shell Key Preserve. Take a ferry from Fort De Soto Park to Egmont Key for more island-style thrills, like snorkeling amid buried ruins, or take a kayak or the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park to unwind on the immaculate beaches. Keep an eye out for pelicans, ospreys, cormorants, and wild dolphins.
The Arts Scene in Downtown
Though it doesn’t, St. Pete/Clearwater doesn’t merely depend on its stunning coastline for entertainment. In addition, there are independent boutiques, chef-owned eateries, and a thriving artistic community in the region. Don’t miss the Dalí Museum, which has the largest collection of Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí’s artwork in the United States. Next, see the amazing glass works by Dale Chihuly in the Morean Arts Center’s Chihuly Collection, or stop by the unique Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Museum. Take a bike or walking trip to see some of the hundreds of colorful murals that adorn downtown St. Pete. Many of them are close to Central Avenue, the city’s vibrant, eccentric center, where the culinary arts are just as fascinating. Take advantage of the Florida weather by dining outside at neighborhood eateries. The St. Pete Pier District is a great place to enjoy waterfront dining.
Arriving and Finding Your Way Around
Accessing St. Pete/Clearwater’s best beaches and lively neighborhoods is a breeze. Numerous direct flight options are available every day, arriving at two international airports in the vicinity. Orlando is also just a short drive away. Once you’re in St. Pete/Clearwater, the area’s high walkability factor and public transportation will make getting around easy, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your dream Gulf Coast vacation in Florida.