- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit St. Pete Beach
The iconic 'Pink Palace,' the Don CeSar, defines the skyline with its Mediterranean Revival style. Built in 1928, it served as a WWII military hospital before its revival. This history contrasts with Pass-a-Grille, a laid-back, historic district.
Beyond its white sands, one of the best reasons to visit St. Pete Beach is its protected nature. Kayak through mangrove tunnels at Fort De Soto Park or boat to Shell Key Preserve, a crucial bird sanctuary and sea turtle nesting site from May to October.
The local culture is defined by fresh Gulf seafood. The Grouper Sandwich is a mandatory regional dish, best enjoyed at a casual waterfront shack. For a true local taste, visit the Corey Avenue Sunday Market for its artisanal foods and fresh produce.
- St. Pete BeachUnited States
- St. Pete BeachUnited States
- St. Pete BeachUnited States
- St. Pete BeachUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Mar-Maymild, spring break crowds
- Jun-Aughot, peak tourist season
- Sep-Novwarm, fewer crowds
- Dec-Febcooler, mild tourism
- #BeachTowels
- #Sunscreen
- #Swimsuits
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with beaches & nearby attractions
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #StPeteBeach
- #FortDeSotoPark
- #DolphinLandings
- #PassAGrilleBeach
- #TheDonCesar
- #SunsetBeach
- Watch sunset at Pass-a-Grille
- Explore Fort De Soto Park
- Kayaking in the bay
- Visit the Don CeSar Hotel
- Dine at a beachfront restaurant
Recommended Hotels in St. Pete Beach by Experience
Things to do in St. Pete Beach
Discover
Discover St. Pete Beach attractions from the historic Don CeSar to the pristine shores of Pass-a-Grille Beach. Explore the undeveloped barrier island of Shell Key Preserve, a haven for wildlife, or admire the unique Gulf Beaches Historical Museum.
Experience
Enjoy parasailing and paddleboarding along the Gulf coast, or go fishing at Merry Pier. Browse the Corey Avenue Sunday Market for local crafts and produce. Join guided eco-tours to spot dolphins or take part in seasonal beachfront festivals.
The Don CeSar
Historic pink hotel, an iconic beachfront landmark since 1928.
Pass-a-Grille Beach
Laid-back beach with a historic district and scenic sunsets.
Shell Key Preserve
Undeveloped barrier island, a haven for birding and shelling.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Museum in a former church detailing local barrier island history.
Merry Pier
Historic fishing pier offering rentals, bait, and boat charters.
Corey Avenue Sunday Market
Weekly market with local produce, crafts, and live music.
Dolphin Watching Tour
Guided boat excursion to see wild dolphins in their habitat.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Tampa International (TPA) or St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE). From the airport to city center is a 30-40 min drive from TPA and 20-30 from PIE. A St. Pete Beach shuttle bus or ride-share is the most direct way. There is no train to St. Pete Beach.
Getting Around
Use the SunRunner for quick trips between the beach and downtown St. Pete. The PSTA bus system offers broader public transport in St. Pete Beach. For short hops, hail a Freebee electric shuttle. A car rental in St. Pete Beach allows for wider exploration.
Local Essentials
When driving in St. Pete Beach, expect heavy bridge traffic on weekends. Parking is limited; use the ParkMobile app to pay. Shuffle your feet in the Gulf water to avoid stingrays. Remember these points when you plan a trip to St. Pete Beach.
Where to Stay in St. Pete Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in St. Pete Beach by tasting fresh-caught Grouper and tangy Key Lime Pie. The local culture embraces a relaxed sunset happy hour, a daily ritual for drinks and bites with ocean views before a late dinner.
Enjoy
The best bars in St. Pete Beach include Jimmy B's Beach Bar, a lively beachfront spot, go early. For dinner, eat at RumFish Grill for its unique aquarium view, reserve ahead. Taste breakfast at Sweet Sage Cafe's quirky garden, expect waits.
Palm Court Italian Grill
Elegant Italian dining experience. Reservations essential.
RumFish Grill
Dine next to a massive 33,500-gallon aquarium.
Snapper's Sea Grill
Fresh, locally sourced seafood dishes. Intimate setting.
Middle Grounds Grill
Upscale steak and seafood spot. A local favorite.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore St. Pete Beach's traditions through its must-see events. The season kicks off with the festive Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in December, a dazzling display on the water. Throughout the year, celebrate local artisans at craft festivals.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary St. Pete Beach attractions. The city's modern pulse is felt at outdoor art markets and numerous live music venues offering everything from rock to reggae, making for great things to do year-round.
Corey Area Art & Craft Festival
Seasonal, multi-day outdoor art market with handmade crafts.
St. Pete Beach Holiday Boat Parade
Annual December parade of decorated boats and tree lighting.
St. Petersburg Seafood & Music Festival
February event in Vinoy Park with fresh seafood and live bands.
John's Pass Seafood Festival
A three-day October event celebrating fresh Gulf seafood.
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Midnight fireworks display over the water to ring in the new year.
Corey Avenue Sunday Market
Weekly market with fresh produce, local food, and live music.
Absolutely beautiful beaches
St. Pete Beach has some of the best sand I've ever walked on; it's like powdered sugar. The whole place is so laid-back and easygoing, perfect for a family trip. Sunsets are absolutely stunning every single evening.
Perfectly relaxing getaway
A wonderfully chill place to unwind. We spent most of our time down at Pass-a-Grille, which was quieter than the main drag. The calm, warm Gulf water is a real treat. Such a simple and refreshing vacation spot.
More than just the sand
There's more to do than just sit on the beach! The shops along Corey Avenue are fun to browse through. Found a great little spot for a fresh grouper sandwich. Nice for when you want a break from the sun.
Easy and accessible vacation
St. Pete Beach is so easy to get around; everything feels close by. The public beach access points are great. You can see The Don CeSar from almost anywhere on the shore. The whole area is clean and well-maintained.
Great for the little ones
A great spot for the kids. The waves at Upham Beach Park were gentle, and there was plenty of space to play. It feels very safe and family-oriented, without being overly crowded. Just what we needed for a winter escape.
Incredible sunsets and scenery
The sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are incredible every single night. We saw dolphins swimming pretty close to shore a few times. It's just a beautiful, scenic place that helps you forget about the cold back home.