Make the most of your Florida trip when you pair your Orlando vacation with the perfect beach getaway in St. Pete-Clearwater. Located in the Tampa Bay area along Florida’s Gulf Coast, St. Pete-Clearwater boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the United States. Even better, the Gulf Coast waters stay warmer than Florida’s Atlantic side, meaning swimming is possible year-round.
From the powdery white sands of Clearwater Beach to the pristine shores of Fort De Soto Park in Tierra Verde, each beach offers something special.
Clearwater Beach: Sugar-Sand & Tons of Fun
Travel + Leisure recently named Clearwater Beach one of the 15 best white-sand beaches in the world, and it’s frequently ranked among the best in the U.S. (in fact, it was just included in Tripadvisor’s 2025 rankings of the top 10 beaches in the states). It’s no wonder, since Clearwater Beach is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its crystalline waters and sugar-white sands.
The beach is full of activity throughout the day, including beach volleyball and watersports – and the fun continues into the evening at the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration, with street performers and vendors, as well as spectacular sunsets.
Travelers will enjoy colorful, laid-back beachfront restaurants such as Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill and Palm Pavilion, as well as a myriad of activities including Clearwater Marine Aquarium, pirate-ship cruises, sunset cruises and other watersports.
Learn more about Clearwater Beach
Honeymoon Island State Park: A Natural Paradise
This barrier island features four miles of pristine shoreline, nature trails through virgin slash pine forest, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Bird watchers come here to observe osprey nests and great horned owls, while beachcombers discover a treasure trove of seashells along the shore.
Honeymoon Island State Park is in Dunedin, which offers a charming downtown area, full of small restaurants, shops and breweries. This hidden gem community is perfect for relaxed beach getaways.
Learn more about Honeymoon Island State Park & Dunedin
Madeira Beach: Local Charm
Affectionately known as “Mad Beach” by locals, this charming community offers a more laid-back alternative to the busier Clearwater Beach. The famous John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk serves as a hub for dining, shopping and water activities such as dolphin cruises, sunset cruises, and even a fabulous floating tiki hut tour. Seafood restaurants such as Friendly Fisherman and local shops like the iconic Candy Kitchen give Madeira Beach an authentic Florida feel.
Learn more about Madeira Beach
Treasure Island: Sandcastles & Drum Circles
Living up to its name, Treasure Island boasts beaches that stretch up to 300 feet wide at points, making it one of the area’s most spacious shorelines. This extra space allows for plenty of beachfront activities, including elaborate sandcastle-building competitions and kite-flying festivals. Don’t miss the weekly drum circle every Sunday, which begins in the afternoon just south of the Bilmar Beach Resort and continues until the sun sets.
LGBTQ+ travelers will want to check out Sunset Beach, known as a welcoming spot for the community.
Stop in at the legendary Florida Shell Shop for souvenirs, eat fresh seafood accompanied by great views and live music at Sloppy Joe’s, and enjoy a variety of watersports on your getaway in Treasure Island.
Learn more about Treasure Island
St. Pete Beach: Historic Elegance & Old Florida Charm
St. Pete Beach offers a bit of something for everyone, whether you are looking for an “Old Florida” beach experience, a luxurious beachfront stay, or a social getaway with beach bars and new friends.
The southern end of St. Pete Beach is known as Pass-a-Grille Beach – a quiet and quaint neighborhood with a lovely shoreline. The Paradise Grill is right on the sand here and offers live music and fresh seafood in a super-casual outdoor atmosphere, meaning you can walk up in your bathing suit.
Just north of Pass-a-Grille, the legendary Don CeSar Hotel, known as the “Pink Palace,” stands as an iconic landmark against the shoreline.
You’ll find many other accommodation options in St. Pete Beach, and a wide range of places to eat and shop, too.
Learn more about St. Pete Beach
Fort De Soto Park: Beachfront Beauty & Rich History
Spanning five interconnected islands in Tierra Verde, this 1,136-acre park offers much more than just sand and sea, although its North Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf Coast. Fort De Soto Park is also a historical site with a Spanish-American War era fort, a nature preserve and recreational paradise rolled into one.
North Beach has been ranked among the nation’s top family beaches, featuring shallow waters perfect for young children and a unique tidal pool teeming with marine life.
Elsewhere in the park, you can fish, ride bikes, or rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore back bay waters. There’s also a campground with waterfront sites (book early, as it’s very popular). Stay at the Residence Inn, choose a vacation rental in Tierra Verde, or St. Pete Beach accommodations are conveniently close.
Learn more about Fort De Soto Park
Where to Stay in St. Pete-Clearwater
From luxury beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly stays and spacious vacation rentals, there’s an option for every traveler in St. Pete-Clearwater – many with stunning Gulf views and direct beach access. Enjoy beachfront convenience and a relaxing week a beach resort or vacation rental – or embrace the arts, atmosphere and energy of a stay in downtown St. Pete, with easy access to visit the beach for an afternoon or sunset stroll. Enjoy near-perfect weather in winter and spring or take advantage of great deals during off-season times to extend your stay for less. Find your ideal Florida stay in St. Pete-Clearwater.
Plan your beach getaway at VisitStPeteClearwater.com