A guide to the best beaches in St. Pete-Clearwater.
St. Pete-Clearwater, located along the Gulf Coast of Florida, is home to 35-miles of award-winning, white sugar sand beaches with a spot for every traveller.
Beach lovers will feel at home on Clearwater Beach, campers will enjoy the water views at Fort De Soto, marine enthusiasts flock to Shell Key Preserve, and those wanting small town charm, stop off at Pass-A-Grille beach. Simply drive in any direction along this picturesque coastline, and you will find a beach to suit anyone and everyone.
Read on for a full guide to St. Pete-Clearwater’s top beach communities…
For Diverse Marine Life, choose Shell Key Preserve
The biggest piece of dry land in the preserve, Shell Key Preserve can only be reached by boat and is a jewel-in-the-rough that shouldn’t be missed. A favoured nesting place for sea turtles and shorebirds makes this a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts. Experience the waters via a clear bottom kayak and watch life swim by while paddling out to Shell Key Preserve. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, and a whole host of coastal birds who call this peaceful preserve home.
For the best beach camping, choose Fort De Soto Park
Located at the southern tip of St. Pete-Clearwater is Fort De Soto Park, a site previously home to a military fort which now operates as a tourist attraction. Explore the spooky chambers of ex-war rooms around the historical fort and enjoy the pristine beaches during the day before setting up camp in the park for the night. Visitors can choose from more than 200 campsites, some waterfront and all a short distance from the amazing beaches, with water and electricity hook ups available. Showers, grills, picnic tables, laundry facilities, and camp stores are all easily accessible. Plus, tasty meals at Islande Grill and Billy’s Stonecrab are just a short walk away.
For a natural oasis, choose Honeymoon Island State Park
Island paradise can be found at Honeymoon Island State Park, a four mile stretch of white sugar sands kissed by the clear, calm waters of the Gulf. Part of a string of barrier islands, Honeymoon Island is a sparkling gem which naturally protects the mainland and in return is preserved by the state. Home to an abundant birdlife, this island is the perfect place to relax away from day-to-day life while enjoying the beauty of mother nature.
For the best Accessibility, choose Pass-A-Grille Beach
Located a short drive from downtown St. Pete, Pass-A-Grill is a hidden gem favoured by locals for its old school Floridian charm and laid-back atmosphere. The tiny town of Pass-A-Grill is known for its accessibility offerings, with beach wheelchairs available free of charge at Paradise Grille, a mobi-mat path rolled out for further beach access, and easy roll sidewalks to local shops and restaurants. Picnic tables with umbrellas are accessible practically on the beach in perfect ear shot of live music. Come for the best songs and joyful shelling and stay until the sky is painted pink at sunset.
For pure relaxation, choose St. Pete Beach
Voted the #1 Beach in the US, and #5 in the world in Tripadvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards in previous years, St. Pete Beach is ideal for those who want to be at one with the azure sea and powder white sands. A stand-out offering with friendly, laid-back vibes perfect for any aspiring beach-bums, just a few hours on these sands will leave everyone feeling well and truly relaxed.
For families looking for variety, choose Clearwater Beach
For those travelling with the whole family, including grandparents and grandchildren, it can be tricky to ensure everyone is happy. But on Clearwater Beach, there truly is something to keep everyone entertained. Spend the day on vast white sand beaches, in cabanas to enjoy shade from the Florida sun, or on the water with a vast range of water sports on offer. For a bite to eat, try local favourite Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille, known for having the best grouper sandwiches around, and finish the day with vibrant sunset celebrations at Pier 60.
For more information on St. Pete-Clearwater’s beach lineup visit: https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/list/beach-every-mood
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About Visit St. Pete-Clearwater:
Nestled on a sun-soaked peninsula on Florida’s west coast, separating the Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay, St. Pete-Clearwater is the gateway to world-class cultural experiences along with 35 miles of award-winning white-sand beaches annually ranked among the world’s best. Immerse yourself in our picturesque sunsets & go beyond the beaches to explore our unique cultural heritage, interactive art exhibits, sporting & recreational activities, a culinary scene serving an innovatively delicious dining experience, & great local shopping. St. Pete-Clearwater is your only destination with spectacular beaches complimented by world-renowned museums, family fun & endless sunshine.
Tampa International Airport is the gateway to St. Pete-Clearwater, conveniently located just 30 minutes away from America’s Best Beaches and offers daily flights from London through Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. To learn more about St. Pete-Clearwater, visit visitstpeteclearwater.com.
