Many of you know that St. Pete Beach, right along the Gulf of Mexico, is one of our favorite places to visit – we’ve been there so many times that it feels like a second home. It actually felt like a second home as soon as we arrived during our first visit. I would recommend flying into Tampa and renting a car, or getting a shuttle/car service to take you to Gulf Blvd. SPB is great for family vacations, family reunions, weddings, romantic getaways, and for getaways with friends. One of the best parts of any trip to SPB is watching the sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Everything seems to stop when the sun sets — people will even get up from their dinner table to take it all in.

There are so many wonderful hotels and places to visit in this area, but here are some of my favorites:

Where to Stay

The Don CeSar

• Breakfast at the St. Porch Café (I highly recommend the biscuits and the pancakes – the coffee is great too).
• Lunch at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill (check their live music calendar!)
• Small plates at Rowe Bar (I recommend the Caprese Salad and one of the flatbreads)
• Dinner at Maritana Grille
• Drinks at the lobby bar (the lobby is one of our favorite areas of The Don)
• Ice cream at Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor

Highlights: Family-friend, pet-friendly, two outdoor pools, hotel shops (clothing, home decor, etc.), full service spa, fitness center, Camp CeSar — kid’s camp (we haven’t used it, but families seems to love this amenity), multiple dining options, self-parking, etc.

 TradeWinds Island Grand Resort

• Grab a coffee or tea at Awakening’s, and a breakfast sandwich from The Deli both are located right downstairs in the hotel lobby.
• Breakfast at Bermuda’s (there is something for everyone on their breakfast menu, including a buffet.)
• Lunch at The Flying Bridge or Salty’s Tiki Bar (both have great burgers)
• Lunch or dinner at Palm Court Italian Grill
• Dinner at Rumfish Grill (located at the RumFish Beach Resort — walk or drive right over — it’s part of the TradeWinds property) – this restaurant has a 33,500 gallon aquarium! (I loved the Shrimp & Grits!)
• Dinner at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
• For a quick on-the-go lunch or snack head over to Pizza Hut Express or the Ice Cream Shoppe.

Highlights: Family-friendly, pet-friendly, multiple swimming pools across both properties, paddle boats (much more challenging than they appear!), fitness center, self-parking, shops with toiletries/clothing/beach essentials, mini golf, etc. 

Grand Plaza Beachfront

• Breakfast at The Palm Room
• Lunch or dinner at Bongo’s Bar & Grille (one of the first places we tried in SPB, and we try to go back when we are in the area) — great spot to grab a drink, while listening to live acoustic music, with your feet in the sand!

Highlights: pool (and use of the pools at the Beachcomber Resort), fitness center, small shop, etc. 

Other options: Hotel Zamora, The Postcard Inn, Alden Suites

Favorite Spots in St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, and the surrounding areas:

Sandbar Bills (at the Bon-Aire Resort) for cheeseburgers — this was recommended by a local and the burger and views didn’t disappoint!)

Merry Pier if you enjoy fishing!

Galene’s Paradise for gifts, home decor, toys, and jewelry.

Sea Horse Restaurant always has a wait for breakfast so make sure to get there early! You can shop at Galene’s and walk up and down 8th Avenue while you wait (or you can take in the water views),

John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk has so many shops and restaurant options — it’s a great way to spend a few hours, and it’s just about 10 minutes from Gulf Blvd.

Corey Avenue Sunday Market runs from October to May — check the website and Instagram for special events!

Café Soleil is a great place to grab a cup of coffee or tea before heading out to 8th Avenue in Pass-a-Grill!

Grace Restaurant for dinner, drinks, and an amazing wine list (make sure to check for their weekly menu additions — you can look on their website or Instagram page).

Snapper’s Sea Grill is a great spot for dinner (the salad dressing is unique and delicious!)

Castile Restaurant   for tapas and drinks — located at The Hotel Zamora

Other area attractions: Tropicana Field for a baseball game or Amalie Arena for a hockey game, The Florida Aquarium(Tampa), shopping and dining in Sarasota (just under an hour away), The Dalí Museum  (located in downtown St. Petersburg), the St. Pete Pier,in St. Petersburg, is currently under construction, but check their site for updates.

 

St. Pete Beach, Florida is just about 20 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg, just about 35 minutes from Tampa and Clearwater, and close to 90 minutes to Orlando.  St. Petersburg has many shops and restaurants to explore, but we haven’t spent a lot of time in this area. If you are wondering where to go on your next vacation I highly recommend this area of Florida — there is truly something for everyone here. What are some of your favorite spots in St. Pete Beach?