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Looking for things to do in St Pete Beach, Florida? As a local expert, who knows this area extremely well, I’m sharing my favorite places to make the most of your St Pete Beach vacation.
This article will cover the top things to do, restaurants, bars, and hidden gems which make St Pete Beach my favorite local beach town.
Where is St Pete Beach Located?
St Pete Beach is a buzzing beach town with a blend of locals and visitors, yet it still has a laid-back vibe. It is located off 1-275 just west of downtown St Petersburg, FL, in Pinellas County.
Below I’ve provided an adjustable Google map so you can easily find your way around.
St Pete Beach is approximately 25 miles from Tampa International Airport on 1-275. Depending on traffic, it’s roughly a 35-minute drive.
St Pete-Clearwater International Airport is closer in proximity at 19 miles away, but it tends to have less carriers. Allegiant Air is the primary option that offers cheap flights to Pinellas County.
What’s to Love About St Pete Beach?
St Pete Beach is known for its sunny days, pristine white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters. It is no wonder why it was ranked the #1 Beach in the US by TripAdvisor in 2021!
Besides the fact that it’s right on the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay, it is home to the gorgeous pink palace (better known as The Don CeSar), a 5-star historic hotel with panoramic water views.
Even if you don’t stay at the iconic luxury hotel, there are plenty of fantastic hotels in St Pete Beach for all budgets, including pet-friendly hotels.
So now that we have the basics out of the way let’s get started with the top must-see St Pete Beach things to do!
St Pete Beach Quick Summary & Comparison
| Beach Town Comparison | St Pete Beach | Clearwater Beach | Madeira Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Vibe | Artsy, Old Florida laid-back beach vibe | Buzzing, more upscale with relaxed beach vibe | Beach shopping and boat tours destination |
| Hotel Options | 5-star resort, boutique hotels, or local motels | Luxury resorts and well-known chain hotels | Less hotels, multiple short-term rentals |
| Nightlife | Little nightlife – mostly bars | Little nightlife – mostly bars | Nightlife at John’s Pass Village |
| Cost Comparison | Less Expensive | Slightly more expensive | Less Expensive |
| Lifeguard on Duty? | No | Yes | No |
| Attractions Nearby | Great location, and tends to have less traffic | Good, but more traffic (popular) | Good, but the drive can be longer due to beach traffic |
| Drive to Downtown St Petersburg | 9 miles | 24 miles | 12 miles |
| Drive to Downtown Tampa | 28 miles | 25 miles | 27 miles |
The Best Things to Do in St Pete Beach, FL
Spend Time at St Pete Beach
Located on a barrier island, the long sandy coastline provides an ideal place to enjoy endless water activities, including kayaking, parasailing, or other recreational activities. You could literally spend days here and still miss some of the fun at the beach!
There are lounge chairs, paddleboards, and numerous other things you can rent right at the beach. Gone are the days when you are forced to pack a ton of equipment!
🌴 Pro Tip: Two of my favorite places to spend time are Upham Beach Park and Pass-a-Grille Beach. 👙
Upham Beach Park
Upham Beach Park is an attractive location for spending a stunning summer day with friends. A white sandy beach surrounded by beautiful dunes offers a great spot to surf and watch dolphins.
Invite family members to swim, surf, play volleyball, and relax at the beach! It is the most convenient beach spot near Corey Avenue for delicious restaurants, hotels, shops, and more fun!
Upham Beach Park has many options for beach chairs, cabanas, and other rentals available. They even have a free library of beach toys for the kids to use. There are public restrooms here, and the beach is dog-friendly.
Check out my Upham Beach Park article to learn about the secret garden and more local tips!
Snorkeling at Egmont Key State Park
Egmont Key State Park is a secluded private island only accessible by boat. Since there’s no admission fee (only transportation cost), snorkeling at Egmont Key State Park is one of the best things to do in St Pete Beach for FREE!
The blue-green water is shallow and clear at Egmont Key, so it’s easy to see the beautiful shells and fish swimming around you. Keep your eyes open for old structures that have since been submerged into the Gulf of Mexico. You can also see (and we often do) manatees, dolphins, and other marine life while snorkeling around this island.
Take a break from snorkeling and see some of the island by walking the nature trail. The brick paths will lead you to several structures and a lighthouse that are historic ruins of Fort Dade that date back to 1858.
To stay safe, make sure the current is calm with good weather. Egmont Key State Park is a distance by boat and you don’t want to be out there in a storm.
Bring your own snorkel gear from home to save money. This island gets incredibly hot in the summertime. You’ll definitely want to plan ahead with skin protection and plenty of drinking water and snacks. There are no stores or restrooms on this remote island.
If you prefer to go on a boat tour, there are plenty of options such as Island Ferry of St Pete Beach.
🐶 Read Next: 12 Best Pet Friendly Hotels in St Pete Beach
Day Trip to Fort De Soto Park
Just a short drive from St Pete Beach is a string of islands, Fort De Soto was built on Mullet Key under the direction of Robert E. Lee. It is now largely known for having some of the best natural beaches, boating, fishing, and wildlife with over 1,100 acres to explore.
There are miles of paved trails, camping and picnic spots, fishing piers, ferry rides to Egmont State Park and Shell Key, and a dog area. Of course, you can’t leave without seeing the old fort and museum!
Equipment rentals are available in the park for kayaks or canoes, paddle boards, and bikes. This makes it convenient to explore. However, if you pack your own equipment, this day trip costs only $5 per vehicle!
Ferry to Shell Key
Shell Key Preserve is located on 1,800+ acres of undeveloped land. It is a popular place for fishing and boating and a bird sanctuary. Since the island is uninhabited, it is one of the best free things to do in St Pete Beach.
Shell Key is only accessible by boat, and the ferry from Fort De Soto and Pass-a-Grille Beach comes here for day trips. It is also a popular place for kayaking, boating, and shelling.
Pro Tip: This is a remote island with no food or restrooms. Plan accordingly to make the trip more desirable.
St Pete Beach Dolphin Tours
The Dolphin Racer Tour is a super fun experience to see bottlenose dolphins and other wildlife! Adults and kids get a kick out of zooming around on a speedboat.
This tour launches from South Pasadena, just a short drive away from St. Pete Beach.
The Dolphin Racer Tour also provides an informative and educational guide about the area as you jet around the Gulf of Mexico.
- Address: 3400 Pasadena Ave S, South Pasadena, Florida 33707
- More information: Dolphin Racer Tour
Florida Orange Groves Winery
If you love sangria, slushy drinks, or specialty-flavored wines you will want to check out the Florida Orange Groves Winery. They offer complimentary wine tasting to customers.
One of their best award-winning wines is the Hurricane Class 5. This white sangria is a blend of their popular tropical wines made from pineapple, passion fruit, watermelon, key lime, and mango.
The Florida Orange Groves Winery has a nice gift shop with a variety of items for purchase. When looking for indoor things to do in St Pete Beach, this is one of top local picks.
Pro Tip: If you like fish spread, then you must stop at Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish nearby.
Fishing Charters from St Pete Beach
The Gulf of Mexico is known for world-class fishing with multiple charter companies to choose from in St Pete Beach. The charter boat, Miss Pass A Grille awaits your arrival from the historic Merry Pier.
While at the unpretentious Merry Pier, check out the local fresh seafood and fishing store. Here you can rent or purchase fishing rods and other fishing equipment.
- Address: 801 Pass a Grille Way, St Pete Beach, Florida 33706
- Phone: (727) 360-1400
- Website: Merry Pier
🍾 Read Next: The Best St Pete Beach Bars & Nightlife
Corey Avenue Shopping District
Looking for souvenirs? Some of the best shopping is located in the Corey Avenue Shopping District. These locally owned and operated shops have something for everyone.
In addition to shopping at all the cute boutiques, you can enjoy restaurants, gourmet food, and chocolate shops, plus a pet store.
Corey Avenue Sunday Market
Pinellas County has an excellent variety of unique markets and locally sourced products. Here in St Pete Beach, Corey Avenue Sunday Market is worth a visit. It occurs every Sunday year-round. Come and check out 70+ street vendors selling handmade crafts, baked goods, while listening to live music!
The market supports locals who sell various homemade items, plants, ready-to-eat bites, handcrafts, fair trade products, and more. Come join this lively morning event, and then eat a delicious brunch at one of the many area restaurants nearby on Corey Avenue.
- Sunday Market Hours: October through May 10 am-2 pm; June through Sept 9 am-1 pm
- Address: Corey Avenue & Blind Pass Road, St Pete Beach, Florida 33706
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum + More!
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum houses many interesting facts and stories. Originally it was a church built in 1917 and later was transformed into a museum. While it is a small museum, it contains key artifacts, newspapers, postcards, and history related to Pass-a-Grille.
- Hours: Friday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm.
- Tickets: FREE (Donations are accepted)
- Website: Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Visit World-Class Museums in St. Petersburg
Whether you love history, art, or music—there’s a museum you’ll love in St. Petersburg!
There are several world-class museums, and visiting them is one of the best things to do in St Pete Beach (since it is just a short drive away). One of the most famous is the beautiful Dali Museum.
Check out my best museums in St Petersburg article for personal favorites, including the Dali Museum and how to get FREE tickets.
Relax at the Don CeSar Spa
Spa Oceana is an impressive 11,000 square feet of relaxation. You can unwind at the pool or in one of their 16 treatment rooms. It has a stunning rooftop terrace view of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Don CeSar Spa also includes whirlpool spas, aroma-infused steam rooms, and private access to the Whisper Lounge. This award-winning spa has repeatedly been ranked as the best in St Petersburg.
You must also fully explore The Don CeSar restaurant options, ice cream shop, and shopping in this all-inclusive beach resort.
🌴 Read Next: The 14 Best Hotels in St Pete Beach + Expert Tips
St Pete Beach Parks
Another of our favorite free things to do in St Pete Beach is to spend time in the parks. St Pete Beach has multiple locations within just a mile or two! Two of our favorite parks are Colonel Michael J. Horan Park and Lazarillo Park.
Colonel Michael J. Horan Park
Colonel Michael J. Horan Park is located near the Corey Avenue shopping district. There is a waterfront playground, covered picnic area, barbecue grill, and restrooms with free parking.
The St Pete Beach Community Center is also on the property which has a variety of community classes, summer camps, gym and art space, and more.
Lazarillo Park
Lazarillo Park is the neighborhood park across from the Don CeSar. It is one of the quietest and nicest parks in St Pete Beach. It has tennis courts, walking paths, a kids’ playground, and covered picnic space.
Read Next: The Best & Fun Kids Things to Do in Tampa Bay
Enjoy Pass-a-Grille Beach Sunset Views
Pass-a-Grille is a beach located on the southern tip of St. Pete Beach. It has delicious restaurants with spectacular gulf views. Both residents and tourists love this place, as it’s tranquil and calm.
Paradise Grille
A Pass-a-Grille local tradition is the nightly ringing of the bell that celebrates peace, relationships, and more. Grab a drink at the Paradise Grille. Make sure to get a good seat, you won’t want to miss these sunset views. Often Paradise Grille has live music which adds to the ambiance and they also serve food.
Rent a Bike & Ride Around Pass-a-Grille Beach
Another fun thing to do in St Pete Beach is the ride around Pass-a-Grille. It’s one of the most loved activities among locals.
During your ride, you’ll ride along the beach next to the Gulf of Mexico. You can take in the view of the beautiful coastline. It’s a ride worth bragging about once you get back home.
Read Next: 23 Amazing Things to Do in Pass-a-Grille Beach
Sharkey’s Led Illuminated Night Tour
If you are looking for something different, this is it! There just aren’t a lot of opportunities to do something this unique.
Glass Bottom Kayak Night Tour is a super fun experience that will be one of the most memorable parts of your vacation. The water is very clear, so you will see hundreds of catfish that follow the boats. You can also see bottlenose dolphins, shrimp, starfish, crabs, and other forms of wildlife.
Two can go in one kayak, and if you have a 3rd person in your party, they will be in their own kayak. The outgoing tide may give you more of a workout, but it isn’t unmanageable for most skill levels. Remember that you may get slightly wet from water falling from the paddle.
Bring your camera, the scenery on the night kayaking trip is exceedingly breathtaking!
Pro Tip: Carry a towel in your car for when you finish the experience. You’ll appreciate the option, especially if you get wet. 💧
Pass-a-Grille Beach Art Mart
Year-round on Saturday and Sunday, Pass-a-Grille Beach holds an Art Mart at the beach (weather permitting). Come see fine art and handmade crafts by local artists from 9 am to 2 pm. It is located next to Paradise Grille.
Suntan Art Center
Not able to attend the Art Mart? No worries, the affiliated Suntan Art Center is located next to the Don CeSar Hotel in the Don Vista Building. Help support the local economy by purchasing gorgeous handmade souvenirs at this quaint art gallery. Everything is original, plus they have a variety of pieces from watercolor, oil paintings, jewelry, sculptures, glasswork, and more.
Parking is FREE for those visiting the gallery. They offer a variety of art classes and workshops too.
- Address: 3300 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, Florida 33706
- Website: Suntan Art Center
St Pete Beach Restaurants
There are lots of places to eat in St Pete Beach, and it wouldn’t be a tasty itinerary if we didn’t shine a spotlight on a few of our favorite foodie spots. New cafes and restaurants always pop up, but several deserve noteworthy recognition.
Level 11 Elevated Bar & Lounge
While in St Pete Beach, you may want to grab a drink or appetizers at Level 11 Elevated Bar & Lounge. It has truly one of the best waterfront views you will find in all of Tampa Bay.
Buoys Waterfront Bar & Grill
As a local, I tend to prefer less touristy options that are hidden gems in the area. Buoys Waterfront is one of my newest favorites for grouper or lobster roll dinner. Parking can be challenging, but they have a parking lot next door. Sit outside on their balcony overlooking Sunset Beach.
RumFish Grill
RumFish Grill is a popular choice amongst tourists for lunch or dinner. Located at the RumFish Beach Resort by Tradewinds, you can get a table next to their 33,500-gallon aquarium while enjoying nightly entertainment.
Shrimpy’s Waterfront
Shrimpy’s Waterfront in St Pete Beach is closer to Treasure Island. Sitting in a shopping strip mall on the water, you could easily pass by this restaurant and not know it’s there. When at Shrimpy’s, get the Jambalaya!
1200 Chophouse
Our long-time favorite steakhouse in St Pete Beach is 1200 Chophouse. This small restaurant tends to stay busy. We either plan to come early or wait until the dinner rush ends since it is first come, first served. You truly can’t go wrong with any of the steaks, as well as the sea bass.
St Pete Beach Ice Cream & Dessert
CocoAddiction
Calling all dessert lovers, CocoAddiction is one of the best hidden gems of St. Pete Beach. Here, you could almost forget the beach with all the delicious delicacies they have to offer.
CocoAddiction specializes in handmade artisan chocolates, macarons, cakes, pastries, and more! In addition to the melt-in-your-mouth desserts, they have an outstanding coffeehouse that serves Made Coffee.
Larry’s Olde Fashioned Ice Cream & Gelato
A hot day at the beach and ice cream pair so well together! Larry’s Olde Fashioned Ice Cream & Gelato is a favorite spot in St. Pete Beach and a local tradition since 1984. They have over 100 original flavors to choose from and also serve frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and more!
Don’t be surprised to find a line, especially in the evenings. Larry’s also serves savory bites, including hamburgers, hot dogs, pretzels, and other options.
Top Destinations in Pinellas County
While you could spend your days entirely on the beach, there are several top destinations you may want to add to your vacation plans.
John’s Pass Village
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is often considered the top attraction in Pinellas County. This entertainment complex offers some of the best sightseeing tours to people who travel from all over the globe. There are many shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as several water sports equipment rentals available to hire.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a not-for-profit organization in Clearwater (just north of St Pete Beach). It is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of suffering marine animals.
The aquarium gained worldwide recognition for being where the bottlenose Dolphin, “Winter,” lived. Winter was the main character in the 2009 book Winter’s Tale and, more notably, became the 2011 film Dolphin Tale. If you want to see dolphins up close, you’ll want to visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
St Pete Pier
Located in the heart of downtown, St Pete Pier is among the top kid’s things to do in St Petersburg. There are museums, fishing areas, a children’s playground, a water splash pad, and multiple restaurants.
Depending on your interest level, you can see it in less than an hour or spend most of the day. It is FREE to visit and very easy to access since it has its own metered parking area. A trolley is also available from the parking lot to the end of the Pier with drop-off locations.
St Pete Beach Scooter Rental & Golf Cart Fun
In recent years, golf carts and scooter rentals have become a popular pastime in St Pete Beach. It is a convenient way to see the area without the headache of parking a car. You can hop in your beachfront buggy and see the sights.
They are licensed for road use to see neighboring beach towns or attractions like John’s Pass Village, Treasure Island, etc. Play the scavenger hunt game and see sights you never knew even existed!
Parking at St Pete Beach
While parking can be a challenge during peak times, we have always found a spot. It is best to come earlier in the day for more ideal parking conditions. Most of the parking spaces are metered parking and payable via the ParkMobile App.
Park Smart SPB
The city of St Pete Beach installed Park Smart sensors in the public metered parking areas of Pass-a-Grille. You can download the Park Smart SPB App to see parking availability and avoid driving around for spots.
Freebee Shuttle
Freebee Shuttle is a door-to-door, on-demand transportation service, brought to you by the city of St. Pete Beach. While on the app, check out local deals and offers to save on local attractions.
🌴 Pro Tip: Never worry about parking far away in St Pete Beach! Take a FREE ride with the Freebee Shuttle by downloading the Freebee App.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, my current top things to do in St Pete Beach! As a local, I am constantly updating this list. So, don’t forget to check back on my latest adventures.
Also, if you would like more information for your trip planning, please make sure to leave a note in the comments!
FAQs on Things to Do in St Pete Beach
What is there to do in St Pete Beach?
If being at the #1 Beach in the US by TripAdvisor in 2021 is not enough for you, we have 25+ more exciting things to do in St Pete Beach in this article. Read further to fully explore all this amazing city has to offer!
Why is the city called St. Pete Beach instead of St. Petersburg Beach?
The City of St. Pete Beach incorporated several beach towns back in 1957 which included Pass-a-Grille, Don CeSar, Belle Vista, and St. Petersburg Beach. They united under the name St. Petersburg Beach.
In 1994, the citizens voted to shorten the name to St. Pete Beach to lessen the confusion with the City of St. Petersburg, located on the mainland to the east.
City of St Pete Beach.
Is St Pete Beach worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely! St. Pete Beach has been selected by TripAdvisor as the top beach in the US in 2021. It has beat beaches in Hawaii and California and some other famous beaches in Pinellas County.
Which is a better beach, Clearwater or St Pete?
We think there is something to love in both places, but it truly depends on your tastes! Check out our recent article that goes over how to pick between St Pete Beach vs Clearwater Beach.
Does St Pete Beach have a boardwalk?
No, but there is one nearby in Madeira Beach. John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk is a popular outdoor shopping destination with more than 60+ shops. You can also enjoy dolphin boat tours, pirate boats, and live music at one of the local restaurants. Here is our list of best things to do in Madeira Beach, Florida.
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Definitely a comprehensive guide to St Pete Beach! I’d love to try the snorkeling–and I agree, it’s a great tip to bring your own equipment. My partner and I bought snorkels and starting taking them on beach trips–it’s made a huge difference and probably saved some money by now. The best part is that you can control whose mouths have been on your snorkel before you had a chance to use it!
I’d definitely try snorkeling at Egmont Key State Park!
Such a detailed guide to St Pete Beach for first-time visitors! I’d definitely rent a scooter, ride around and take photos of all the beautiful sights here.
I have only been to Florida once, and that was to Orlando for a wedding, but St Petersburg and the adjacent islands have always intrigued me. So much to do ! I would love the snorkelling and the trails. Would also love to check out some of their museums
I’m overdue for a trip to the west coast of Florida. Saving this for later to make sure I hit all the good spots.
Wow! So many things to do in st Pete beach. Thank you for sharing.
For someone who lives in Georgia and has spent a fair amount of time in FL, I’ve never been to St. Pete’s Beach. After reading your post, I’m so intrigued and definitely think I’ve been missing out. Love that there is so much to do for families and couples. Thanks for sharing all these ideas. Adding it to my FL list now.