St. Pete Beach, Florida, is the quintessential postcard-perfect getaway. Imagine yourself surrounded by tranquil, turquoise waters, sinking your toes into pristine, white sand beaches, and exploring charming beachfront spots serving up the freshest grouper sandwiches and refreshing mojitos. Just a short 40-minute drive from Tampa, this slice of paradise is waiting to be explored.
After extensive travels, returning to Florida felt like a breath of fresh air. Sometimes, seeing the world allows you to truly appreciate the gems in your own backyard. It was time for a pause, a chance to recharge and find inspiration anew. A staycation was the perfect solution, and St. Pete Beach was the immediate destination that sprang to mind.
Having called Tampa home for almost a decade, I’ve enjoyed countless weekends in St. Pete Beach. It’s not just a favorite spot in Florida; it might just be one of my favorite places globally.
For this staycation, I partnered with Roomkey, a fantastic hotel search site, to secure our accommodation. Roomkey’s easy-to-navigate platform, intuitive map search, and direct hotel booking feature made finding the ideal place to stay a breeze.
In this guide, I’m excited to share my go-to spots and must-do activities in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a local staycation, a weekend is all you need to fully embrace the captivating charm of St. Pete Beach. Consider yourself warned – after reading this, you’ll likely be booking your own trip!
The expansive lawn at Postcard Inn and a welcoming summer weather forecast displayed in the lobby.
Getting to St. Pete Beach for Your Weekend Getaway
St. Pete Beach graces the West Coast of Florida, nestled within the vibrant Tampa Bay area. This beautiful beach town is situated on Long Key, part of the stunning barrier islands that stretch along Florida’s Central Gulf Coast.
Map indicating TPA and PIE airports in the Tampa Bay region of Florida.
For most travelers, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most convenient gateway, offering numerous direct flights daily from across the United States. Tampa’s international accessibility has recently expanded with new direct routes from major European hubs like London and Amsterdam, making it even easier to reach this Florida paradise.
Alternatively, consider flying into St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), a smaller airport that’s even closer to St. Pete Beach. Budget-friendly airlines such as Allegiant frequently operate from many Midwestern cities, providing very affordable flight options, especially appealing to snowbirds and vacationers heading to the area.
From either airport, renting a car offers flexibility to explore the region. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available for a convenient transfer to St. Pete Beach.
Top Things to Do in St. Pete Beach This Weekend
St. Pete Beach consistently earns accolades as one of the best beaches in the United States, and rightfully so. A wealth of attractions and activities await in St. Pete Beach, many of which, as you might guess, center around the magnificent beach itself!
Here’s a curated list of fantastic things to do during your weekend trip:
Bask in the Sunshine on St. Pete Beach
No weekend in St. Pete Beach is complete without dedicating ample time to its stunning shoreline. Rent a comfortable beach chair and a sun umbrella from your hotel and secure a prime spot to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Take a leisurely stroll along the soft sand, collect seashells, or simply relax and soak up the Florida sunshine. For added fun, grab an inflatable 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, and the UV index is something to be mindful of!
Vibrant yellow cabanas, beach chairs and umbrellas perfectly positioned for a relaxing day overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Explore Pass-a-Grille by Bike
Embrace the laid-back beach vibe and hop on a beach cruiser for a delightful bike ride along Gulf Boulevard to Pass-a-Grille, the charming southernmost section of St. Pete Beach. This historic area is perfect for exploration. Wander down picturesque 8th Avenue, lined with quaint shops and art galleries. After your ride, treat yourself to a snack and a refreshing cocktail on the rooftop deck of The Hurricane restaurant, renowned for its stunning views and delicious food.
Before you go, check the Pass-a-Grille event calendar for unique local happenings during your visit. You might catch the vintage Volkswagen Beach Bash in October or the delightful Beach Goes Pops concert in April.
Enjoying a leisurely bike ride along Gulf Boulevard and a fun game of putt-putt golf at Smuggler’s Cove.
Indulge in a Round of Pirate-Themed Mini-Golf
Is it truly a Florida vacation without a round of mini-golf? For a fun and slightly quirky experience, head to Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf in nearby Madeira Beach. This isn’t just any mini-golf course; it’s pirate-themed! Navigate around waterfalls, caves, and even a pirate ship as you try to conquer each hole.
The added bonus? For a small extra fee, you can feed baby alligators at the first tee – a classic “only in Florida” moment!
Set Sail on the Gulf and Intracoastal Waterway
While the shoreline views are captivating, you truly haven’t experienced the area until you’ve seen it from the water. Skip the crowded dolphin-watching tours and become your own captain for the day by renting a deck boat from a reputable local vendor like Blind Pass Boat & Jet Ski Rentals.
Spend your day cruising to pristine destinations like Shell Key, a protected island known for its unspoiled beaches and abundant birdlife, or Egmont Key, a historic island with a lighthouse and fascinating fort ruins. If you’re feeling adventurous, venture further north to Honeymoon Island, another state park boasting beautiful beaches and nature trails. All three state parks are undeveloped and protected, offering some of the most pristine beaches and clearest waters in the region.
Alternatively, explore the Intracoastal Waterway, boating from the southern tip of Long Key up towards Clearwater. Feeling hungry? Dock at Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe for their famous grouper sandwich – a true Florida culinary experience.
Experience Happy Hour at the Beachfront Bars
St. Pete Beach’s beachfront bar scene, affectionately known as “the Miracle Mile” by locals, offers something for everyone. As the afternoon heat peaks, find a shady spot at one of these lively establishments, and immerse yourself in the live music and vibrant people-watching.
From day to night, popular spots like The Undertow and Postcard Inn’s beach bar buzz with energy and offer a diverse experience for all tastes.
Beachside happy hour at Postcard Inn, a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the St. Pete Beach atmosphere.
Witness a Breathtaking Gulf Sunset
No matter where you are when golden hour approaches, make sure to pause and head towards the beach to witness the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a daily ritual in St. Pete Beach.
Grab a refreshing cocktail, join the locals and fellow visitors as they gather along the shoreline, and watch in awe as the sun dramatically dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
Where to Stay in St. Pete Beach for the Weekend
There’s something truly special about a classic beach resort, and St. Pete Beach offers a range of options to suit every traveler and budget.
When planning our staycation, Postcard Inn on the Beach immediately came to mind as the ideal two-day escape.
Taking relaxation to the next level poolside at Postcard Inn, a weekend haven.
PCI, as it’s affectionately known, is a St. Pete Beach institution. Located in the heart of the action, Postcard Inn attracts a diverse mix of locals and vacationers. My husband and I have been returning for years, and it consistently delivers a fantastic experience.
It’s vibrant, quirky, and embodies old Florida charm at its finest.
From the moment you arrive at Postcard Inn, you’re greeted by a relaxed, vintage-inspired atmosphere. Imagine a Beach Boys song embodied in a hotel – that’s the vibe.
The inviting vintage lobby and charming courtyard at Postcard Inn, reflecting the spirit of St. Pete Beach.
During the day, you can choose between lounging by the pool or relaxing on the beach. As evening approaches, the hotel’s manicured lawn transforms into a social hub, with guests playing cornhole and jumbo Jenga under the soft glow of café lights and lanterns.
I booked our room for this staycation through Roomkey, my new go-to hotel search site. Having traveled full-time for the past year, I’ve explored almost every hotel search platform imaginable, and I’m not easily impressed.
However, Roomkey stands out because of its commitment to transparency. It operates as a true search engine, not just a middleman.
Unlike many other hotel booking sites, Roomkey clearly displays the total room price upfront. This inclusive price even incorporates those often-hidden resort fees and state taxes that can lead to unwelcome surprises at checkout. Roomkey also conveniently integrates the latest TripAdvisor reviews for each hotel, streamlining your research process.
Roomkey is owned by six of the world’s largest hotel chains – Hilton, Marriott, Choice Hotels, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Intercontinental. This ownership structure means you’re booking directly with the hotel, not through a third party. For consumers, this translates to potentially lower rates, priority customer service, and more flexible cancellation policies – particularly useful for those of us with ever-changing plans.
By connecting you directly to the source, Roomkey eliminates the unnecessary complications and questionable sales tactics often found on other online booking platforms.
Have you ever arrived at your hotel only to find your reservation lost, then spent ages on hold with customer service, only to be told there’s nothing they can do?
Having experienced this exact scenario more than once, it’s refreshing to discover a hotel search site that provides a wide range of options without compromising the booking experience.
Bonus: because you’re booking directly through the hotel, you can usually apply your loyalty points and hotel status to your reservation – a definite perk for points enthusiasts!
Lush palm trees swaying across the grounds of Postcard Inn, creating a tropical weekend ambiance.
Where to Eat in St. Pete Beach This Weekend
The Wharf
For the freshest oysters and seafood straight off the boat, with stunning waterfront views, The Wharf in Pass-A-Grille is a must-visit. Located slightly off the main tourist drag, a trip to The Wharf is essential for a complete St. Pete Beach weekend experience.
Stick around for live music on weekend evenings and enjoy the old-school jukebox classics playing at the bar late into the night.
The Sea Turtle
For breakfast, head to The Sea Turtle Restaurant for a charming, beachy twist on classic English pub fare. The friendly yet efficient staff, combined with the wonderfully kitschy and casual atmosphere, makes The Sea Turtle a refreshing change of pace among the other restaurants along the beach strip.
Indulge in the best blueberry pancakes you’ve ever tasted, or try the unique corned beef hash eggs Benedict (yes, it’s a delicious reality!). Embrace the vacation spirit – you deserve it!
Picturesque waterfront views from The Wharf and a champion’s breakfast spread at The Sea Turtle restaurant.
1200 Chophouse
If you’re craving mouthwatering steaks in a relaxed setting, 1200 Chophouse is the place to go.
Sample their delectable bacon-wrapped scallops, flavorful skewered filet mignon, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, order the Fred Flintstone-sized tomahawk ribeye… Just be sure to share – this steak is truly massive!
Maritana Grille
For a splurge-worthy seafood experience, head to the signature Maritana Grille, located in the historic and iconic Don Cesar Hotel. This restaurant is renowned for serving some of the area’s finest seafood dishes.
After dinner, enjoy a nightcap and live music in the Don Cesar’s elegant lobby bar before calling it a night.
I hope this guide inspires you to consider St. Pete Beach, Florida, for your next getaway! Whether it’s a full vacation or a rejuvenating staycation, this charming beach town offers an incredible escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. It’s a place that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and eager to explore more of Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast.
Have you visited St. Pete Beach before? What were your favorite things to do? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Cheers,
Meredith
