St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach stretches along a slender barrier island on Florida's Gulf Coast, with Boca Ciega Bay on one side and the Gulf on the other. All within easy reach of the Tampa Bay area, and just 10 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg, the island offers soft white sand, green water, and wide-open sunsets. In fact, the city proudly touts itself as “The Sunset Capital of Florida.”

Once known as the City of St. Petersburg Beach, which in 1957 blended the communities of Pass-a-Grille, Don CeSar, Belle Vista, and St. Petersburg, the town took on its own name as St. Pete Beach in 1994, providing a mix of beachfront resorts, local eateries, and shops. In 2021, TripAdvisor ranked St. Pete Beach as #1 Beach in the U.S., and, together with neighboring Clearwater Beach, is consistently recognized among the top beaches in the country.

The vibe on St. Pete Beach is distinctively laid-back, colorful, and Old Florida. Visitors can experience more of a party vibe on the north side, with beach bars and boutique shops along Corey Avenue, or settle into a more relaxed pace in the National Historic District of Pass-a-Grille on the southernmost end of the island.

Visitors come to St. Pete Beach for its award-winning white sands, fresh Gulf seafood, and a pace that feels easy from day one. Families love the shallow warm water and gentle surf, while couples gravitate toward rooftop bars and waterfront dining. Fort De Soto Park, about 15 minutes south, offers nature trails, shelling, and a historic fort. The St. Pete Pier in downtown St. Petersburg adds 26 acres of waterfront space to explore.

History runs deep here. The 1928 landmark Don CeSar, known as the Pink Palace, is a fixture on St. Pete Beach. The hotel’s distinctive pink exterior echoes back to the Gatsby Era. This timeless, iconic architecture rises from the sugar-white sands and still anchors the north end of Pass-a-Grille. Stroll 8th Avenue in the Pass-a-Grille Historic District, then stop by the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, housed in the first church built on the barrier islands.

Outdoor fun is everywhere. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and watch for dolphins, try parasailing over the waves, or book a fishing charter. Pack your sandals and start planning your St. Pete Beach getaway in the Tampa Bay area. Your Gulf Coast vacation home is waiting.