St. Petersburg and Clearwater Florida
Colorful umbrellas line Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach
The stunning exterior of the Salvador Dalí Museum
The sugary sands at sunset
Sparkling sands of St. Pete Beach
John's Pass Village and Boardwalk
Wild dolphin leaping in a boat’s wake
Exploring the boardwalk trails of Weedon Island
One of nearly 600 vibrant murals in St. Pete
A perfect rooftop perch for watching Gulf of Mexico sunsets
Sampling beers at Dunedin Brewery, part of the “Gulp Coast” local craft beer trail
- Major Airports:
- St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE)
- Tampa (TPA)
- States:
- Florida
A beach destination guaranteed to please
Seaside Splendor
Thrill seekers flock to St. Pete Beach for its array of exhilarating watersports, where you can spend a sunny morning boating, riding WaveRunners and parasailing. Cruise to Madeira Beach to browse the shops in John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. As evening approaches, be sure to catch a gorgeous sunset from the beach, on a sunset cruise or even from a floating tiki bar.
Families love Fort De Soto Park for its white-sand beaches, accessible recreation areas and intriguing history. The park stretches across five islands in the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, where quiet backwaters welcome leisurely canoeing and kayaking.
Paddling enthusiasts will also want to explore the mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island Preserve as well as the tranquil waters of Shell Key Preserve, where you can venture out in a clear kayak to observe the archipelago’s abundant wildlife, like dolphins and manatees.
Shell Key Preserve is one of several natural gems in St. Pete/Clearwater accessible only by boat. For more island-style adventures, take a ferry from Fort De Soto Park to Egmont Key to snorkel around sunken ruins, or kayak or take the ferry to relax on the pristine beaches of Caladesi Island State Park. Be on the lookout for wild dolphins, ospreys, cormorants and pelicans.
Downtown Arts Scene
St. Pete/Clearwater could rely solely on its beautiful shoreline for fun, but it doesn’t. The area is also home to chef-owned restaurants, independent boutiques and a vibrant arts scene. Don’t miss the Dalí Museum, home to the USA's largest collection of works by Spanish surrealist Salvador Dalí. Then head over to the Morean Arts Center's Chihuly Collection to find Dale Chihuly’s incredible glass art, or visit the one-of-a-kind Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Museum. Spot some of the hundreds of vibrant murals that decorate downtown St. Pete on a bike or walking tour. Many of them are near Central Avenue, the colorful, funky hub of the city, where the culinary arts are equally exciting. Enjoy the Florida weather when you dine al fresco at local restaurants – and don't miss the St. Pete Pier District, which offers scenic waterfront dining.
Getting Here and Getting Around
It’s a breeze to get to St. Pete/Clearwater’s top beaches and fun-loving communities. There are plenty of direct flight options arriving daily to two international airports in the area. Plus, it’s only a short drive to Orlando. Once in St. Pete/Clearwater, the high walkability factor and public transportation will help you easily navigate the area, so you can focus on enjoying your ultimate Florida vacation on the Gulf Coast.
Fun Fact
St. Petersburg holds the Guinness Book of World Records' top spot for most consecutive days of sunshine, which was 768 between Feb. 9, 1967, and March 17, 1969.
Photo: VSPC
The 1928 Don CeSar hotel, a “pink palace” on St. Pete Beach, has hosted movie stars, famous writers and sports celebrities.
Photo: Jimmy Fashner
Held every June, St. Pete Pride is Florida’s largest pride celebration. It welcomes more than 250,000 people to the city for a month-long celebration of love including a parade, block party and live music.
Photo: Jimmy Fashner