With 35-miles of white sugar sand beaches and average daytime temperatures reaching near 30°C as temperatures plummet in the UK, St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida is the perfect spot for a sunny winter escape. Couples can relax on America’s Best Beaches and dine at Michelin recommended eateries, while families discover water adventures and marine wildlife.
Travellers from the UK can soak up much needed sunshine on soft sands, play a round of golf on lush green courses, and get active paddleboarding and kayaking through biodiverse parks. Just 30-minutes from Tampa and 90-minutes from Orlando, St. Pete-Clearwater is ideally located for twin-centre holidays with the thrill of the theme parks.
CEO & President of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, Brian Lowack says: “St. Pete-Clearwater has plenty to offer our visitors from the UK and Ireland, from relaxing beach days on iconic Clearwater Beach, to beautiful nature preserves like Shell Key Preserve, and top tear sporting events like the PGA Golf tournament, Valspar Championship. Our range of activities coupled with Michelin recognised dining means every traveller will discover their own slice of paradise this winter.”
Home to America’s Best Beaches
St. Pete-Clearwater boasts 35-miles of award-winning shoreline. 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 couples looking to feel well and truly relaxed with its warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico, powder white sands, and friendly, laid-back vibes.
Just 45-minutes north is Clearwater Beach, recently voted #1 Beach in the South by USA Today and Best White Sand Beaches in the world by Travel + Leisure. The soft sands, emerald gulf waters, and lively Pier 60 create an active beach experience perfect for families. Parents will enjoy mornings lounging on the beach before heading to Clearwater Marina where kids will delight at the rescued residents of Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the playful dolphins who jump through the boat wake of Little Toot Dolphin Tours.
Plethora of Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the mangrove-lined waters of Shell Key Preserve in clear bottom kayaks with Get Up and Go Tampa Bay, voted amongst the best outdoor experiences in the US in Tripadvisors Traveller’s Choice Awards. Travellers can row their way through clear blue shallows where manatees and sea turtles swim underfoot, then collect sand dollars on the barrier island.
Paddle boarding at Fort De Soto Park is a great way for the whole family to get involved. The Gulf waters are teeming with ocean life, providing a great chance to glimpse turtles, cormorants, leaping mullets, and more. For those who prefer to keep both feet on the ground, the park’s seven-mile paved trail brings in runners, cyclists, and strollers for exploration along the shorter nature trails that meander off the main paved path.
A leisurely cruise around the Gulf is the perfect way to round out the day. Cruise at dinnertime aboard the 115-ft yacht, StarLite Majesty, voted the #1 Best Dinner Cruise 2025 by USA Today.
Top-quality Golf Experiences
With more than 40, St. Pete-Clearwater offers something for every golfer’s preference. For those looking for a range of courses to play, there is no shortage of public and semi-private clubs.
Beginners and leisure players will enjoy Mangrove Bay, a par-72 municipal course known for its pristine greens and approachable layout. Guests at The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club can play its exclusive 6,626-yard course, originally designed by well-known golf course architect, John R. Van Kleek, then enjoy the on-site restaurant and pro shop.
Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the famed Copperhead Course at Innisbrook, home of the PGA Valspar Championship. The tournament returns to St. Pete-Clearwater 16-22 March 2026 providing the perfect reason to plan a winter sun escape.
Michelin Recognised Food Scene
For a casual but refined lunch, travellers have to try Michelin Recommended The Tides Market. With some of the best seafood in town, The Tides raw bar and handheld sandwiches are the perfect complement to a morning spent in the sun. Share a spicy Tuna Tartare before splitting a Grilled Shrimp Seafood Po’ Boy.
After a day on the green, Il Ritorno, a Michelin Recommended restaurant, is the spot for an upscale dinner. Featuring traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist, Chef David Benstock’s menu holds bold flavours and elevated techniques.
Families can’t miss the always popular Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill on Clearwater Beach. Serving the local specialty, Grouper sandwich, and a wide variety of kid approved plates, the laid-back atmosphere and kid-friendly menu make this family-owned business a must.
Plan a winter sun getaway to St. Pete-Clearwater and discover paradise on Florida’s sunny west coast. For more information visit www.visitstpeteclearwater.com
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For further press information, please contact:
Peter Gregory | Caitlin Lesko
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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.
