St. Pete Beach, Florida, is the quintessential postcard-perfect destination. Imagine yourself surrounded by tranquil, turquoise waters, sinking your toes into pristine white sand, and discovering charming beachfront spots serving delicious fresh grouper sandwiches and refreshing mojitos. The incredible thing about St. Pete Beach is its accessibility; this idyllic paradise is just a short 40-minute drive from Tampa.
After extensive travels, returning to Florida for the summer feels especially rewarding. Travel broadens perspectives, and experiencing more of the world has given me a renewed appreciation for my home. It was time for a pause, a chance to recharge and find fresh inspiration. A staycation was exactly what we needed, and St. Pete Beach immediately came to mind. Having lived near Tampa for nearly a decade, I’ve enjoyed countless weekends in St. Pete Beach. It’s genuinely one of my favorite places, not just in Florida, but perhaps globally.
For this rejuvenating staycation, I partnered with Roomkey, a user-friendly hotel search site, to book our accommodation. Roomkey’s straightforward platform, helpful map search, and direct hotel booking feature simplified the process of finding the ideal place to stay. In this guide, I’m excited to share my top recommendations for things to do in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer staycation, a weekend is the perfect amount of time to fully experience the allure of St. Pete Beach. Be warned – after reading this, you’ll likely be inspired to book your own trip!
Relaxing on the lush lawn of Postcard Inn and checking the promising summer weather forecast in the lobby.
Getting to St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach is nestled on Florida’s West Coast within the Tampa Bay area. This stunning beach town is situated on Long Key, a part of the barrier islands that stretch along the Central Gulf Coast.
Map of the TPA and PIE airports in Tampa Bay, Florida
For most travelers, flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most convenient option, with numerous direct flights arriving daily from across the United States. Tampa’s international accessibility has recently improved with new direct routes from major European cities like London and Amsterdam.
Alternatively, consider flying into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), which is smaller and closer to St. Pete Beach. Budget airlines such as Allegiant frequently offer very affordable flights from many Midwestern hubs, catering to the influx of snowbirds and vacationers visiting the area.
Upon arrival at either airport, renting a car or utilizing ride-sharing services like Uber provides easy transportation to St. Pete Beach.
Things to Do in St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach consistently earns accolades as one of the top beaches in the United States, and rightfully so. There’s an abundance of captivating sights and activities in St. Pete Beach, many of which are centered around its beautiful coastline.
Here are some of the best things to experience during a weekend trip to St. Pete Beach:
Soak Up Some Rays on the Beach
Indulge in the quintessential beach experience by renting a comfortable chair and umbrella from your hotel and securing a prime spot on the beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Take leisurely strolls along the shoreline, feeling the soft sand beneath your feet, or purchase a fun float from a local surf shop and drift away your afternoon in the gentle waves. Remember to liberally and regularly apply sunscreen – the Florida sun is intense!
Beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas perfectly positioned for stunning views of the crystal-clear Gulf of Mexico waters.
Bike to Pass-a-Grille
Embrace the laid-back beach vibe by hopping on a beach cruiser and cycling along Gulf Boulevard to Pass-a-Grille, the charming southernmost section of St. Pete Beach. Explore the historic 8th Avenue, filled with quaint shops and art galleries, and then treat yourself to a snack and a refreshing cocktail on the rooftop deck of the iconic Hurricane restaurant. Check the Pass-a-Grille event calendar for local happenings during your visit, such as the vintage Volkswagen Beach Bash in October and the delightful Beach Goes Pops concert in April.
Enjoying a leisurely beach bike ride along scenic Gulf Boulevard and a fun round of putt-putt golf at Smuggler’s Cove.
Try Your Hand at Putt-Putt
Is it truly a Florida vacation without a round of mini-golf? For a unique, pirate-themed mini-golf adventure, head to Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf, located just north in Madeira Beach. An extra perk? For a small additional fee, you can feed baby alligators at the first tee, embracing the quintessential “only in Florida” experience.
Go Boating on the Gulf and Intracoastal
While the onshore views are magnificent, you can’t fully appreciate the beauty of the St. Pete Beach area without experiencing it from the water. Skip the typical touristy dolphin watching tours and become your own captain by renting a deck boat from a local vendor like Blind Pass Boat & Jet Ski Rentals.
Spend a day cruising to the pristine Shell Key, exploring the natural beauty of Egmont Key, or venturing further north to Honeymoon Island. These state parks are protected and undeveloped, offering some of the most untouched beaches and clearest waters in the region. Alternatively, explore the Intracoastal Waterway, boating from the south end of Long Key up towards Clearwater. Feeling hungry? Stop at Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe for their famous grouper sandwich.
Hit Happy Hour at the Beach Bars
Known as the “Miracle Mile” by locals, the beachfront bars of St. Pete Beach provide a lively atmosphere and something for everyone. As the afternoon heat intensifies, find a shady spot, grab a refreshing drink, and enjoy live music and people-watching. Hotspots like Undertow and Postcard Inn’s beach bar are popular choices day and night, offering a vibrant scene for all.
Enjoying happy hour with frozen margaritas and Adirondack chairs at Postcard Inn on the Beach.
Watch an Epic Sunset
No matter where you are when golden hour approaches, pause and make your way to the beach to witness the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Join the local community as everyone gathers along the shore to watch the sun gracefully dip below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors. Enhance the experience with a delicious cocktail in hand.
Where to Stay in St. Pete Beach
There are few things as delightful as a classic beach resort, and St. Pete Beach offers accommodations to suit every traveler and budget. When planning our staycation, Postcard Inn on the Beach immediately stood out as the ideal two-day escape.
Taking relaxation seriously by the pool and enjoying sunset views from oversized Adirondack chairs at Postcard Inn.
PCI is a St. Pete Beach landmark, located in the heart of the action. Postcard Inn attracts a diverse crowd of locals and vacationers alike. My husband and I have been returning for years, and it consistently delights. It’s vibrant, quirky, and embodies old Florida charm at its best. From the moment you arrive at Postcard Inn, you’re greeted by a relaxed, vintage atmosphere. Imagine a Beach Boys song transformed into a hotel experience.
Postcard Inn’s inviting vintage-inspired lobby and charming courtyard with yellow lawn chairs.
During the day, choose between lounging by the pool or relaxing on the beach. In the evenings, the hotel’s manicured lawn becomes a social hub where guests enjoy cornhole and jumbo Jenga under the warm glow of café lights and lanterns. I booked our hotel room for this staycation through Roomkey, my new go-to hotel search site. Having traveled extensively this past year, I’ve tested numerous hotel search platforms and Roomkey truly impressed me with its transparency and user-friendly approach.
What stands out about Roomkey is its commitment to transparency. It functions as a genuine search engine, not just a middleman. Unlike many booking sites, Roomkey clearly displays the total room price upfront, including often-hidden resort fees and taxes, eliminating unwelcome surprises at checkout. Roomkey also conveniently integrates the latest TripAdvisor reviews for each hotel, saving you time and effort in cross-referencing information.
Roomkey is backed by six of the world’s largest hotel chains – Hilton, Marriott, Choice Hotels, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Intercontinental. This unique ownership means you’re booking directly with the hotel, resulting in potentially lower rates, priority customer service, and more flexible cancellation policies – benefits especially valuable for travelers with fluid plans. By connecting you directly to the source, Roomkey eliminates the common frustrations and questionable tactics often found on other online booking platforms. Have you ever arrived at a hotel only to find your reservation lost, then spent ages on hold with customer service to no avail? Having experienced this firsthand more than once, it’s refreshing to discover a hotel search site like Roomkey that offers a wide range of options without compromising the booking experience. As a bonus, because you’re booking directly through the hotel, you can apply your loyalty points and hotel status to your reservation, maximizing your rewards and potential perks.
Lush palm trees and tropical foliage adorning the grounds of Postcard Inn.
Where to Eat in St. Pete Beach
The Wharf
For the freshest oysters and seafood straight from the boat, complemented by stunning waterfront views, The Wharf in Pass-A-Grille is a must-visit. Slightly off the main tourist path, a trip to The Wharf is essential for any St. Pete Beach weekend. Enjoy live music on weekends and the classic jukebox tunes at the bar in the evenings.
The Sea Turtle
Start your day with breakfast at The Sea Turtle Restaurant, offering a beachy twist on English pub fare. The friendly, down-to-earth staff and the charmingly kitschy, casual atmosphere make The Sea Turtle a refreshing change of pace among the other restaurants along the strip. Indulge in the best blueberry pancakes you’ll ever taste and their unique corned beef hash eggs Benedict – embrace the vacation spirit!
Charming waterfront setting at The Wharf and a breakfast of champions at The Sea Turtle restaurant.
1200 Chophouse
For mouthwatering steaks in a relaxed setting, head to 1200 Chophouse. Sample their bacon-wrapped scallops, flavorful skewered filet mignon, or if you’re feeling adventurous, order the impressive Fred Flintstone-sized tomahawk ribeye – perfect for sharing!
Maritana Grille
If you’re looking to splurge on some of the finest seafood in the area, dine at the Maritana Grille, the signature restaurant at the historic Don Cesar Hotel. After dinner, enjoy a nightcap and live music at the elegant lobby bar before concluding your evening.
I hope this guide inspires you to consider St. Pete Beach, Florida for your next getaway! Whether it’s a vacation or a staycation, this charming beach town provides a wonderful escape and will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to explore more of Florida’s beautiful coast.
Have you visited St. Pete Beach? What were your favorite experiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Cheers,
Meredith
