Gulf Coast
St. Pete Beach
A barrier island with a pink hotel, great sand, and a downtown ten minutes away.
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St. Pete Beach is the civilian answer to Clearwater — just as good, half the crowds, and ten minutes from one of the most underrated downtowns in Florida. The beach runs along a barrier island south of St. Petersburg proper, with the Don CeSar (a pink Art Deco hotel from 1928 that looks like a wedding cake) anchoring the main stretch.
The sand here is fine, white, and wide. Pass-a-Grille at the south tip of the island is the older, less-developed section: no high-rises, a handful of restaurants, and a beach that feels private even in March.
Save a day for downtown St. Pete. The waterfront, the museums, and the food scene punch way above the city's weight.
Practical notes
- Best time to go: November–May
- Parking: Metered on Gulf Blvd, or Pass-a-Grille lots
- Vibe: Classic Florida beach town
- Nearest town: St. Petersburg