Florida’s St. Pete Beach has magnificent powdery sand and has been ranked among the best in the U.S. by major travel organizations. Looking inland from many parts of the shore you might think the background is just trees this intentional underdevelopment is a major part of the charm. A visit to St. Pete Beach might include parasailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kite boarding, swimming or just relaxing.
The city has an excellent selection of accommodations, from resorts, classic hotels and inns. One landmark hotel is the Don CeSar, right on the beach. This Pink Palace, as it’s commonly known, has had many celebrities and dignitaries as guests since it opened in 1928. Two major renovations have kept the structure contemporary and lavish and it has been included in multiple movie productions. Live the good life by staying at this Historic Hotel of America and enjoying its fine cuisine, service and splendid views.
The beach has many restaurants, fish shacks and bars. The Rumfish Grill with its 33,500-gallon (127,000-liter) fish tank in the restaurant sets the mood for eating seafood, while Harry’s Beach Bar offers a casual atmosphere and watery views. Find it in the Sirata Beach Resort and try the chicken wings, said to be the best in town.
Look for other establishments with colorful names such as The Drunken Clam, Fetishes Dining, Crab Daddy’s, Bongo Beach Bar & Grille and many more.
Shop for everything related to Florida on Corey Avenue, which spans from the Gulf of Mexico’s beachside to the resort-filled Boca Ciega Bay. Find local crafts and foods on Sunday mornings from October to June when the street becomes a large market.
For a historic perspective of the area, visit the Pass-a-Grille district at the tip of Long Key with its older homes and quaint roads. Experience Old Florida and stay at a small inn or shop at the eclectic variety of stores in this part of St. Pete Beach.