St. Pete Beach is an overbuilt barrier island and not much is left of the greenery and nature that once was here. The upside to St. Pete Beach is the long beautiful white beaches and clean water that's great for swimming.
There is plenty to do in the area and lots of excellent restaurants of all types where you can find something to eat any time of the day or night; something that's tough to do on some of the less developed islands. You can actually walk to many of the restaurants and shops from most of the hotels, and for those a bit too far for walking, you can take the trolley.
It is quite possible to get by without a car at all on St. Pete Beach. While the island is overbuilt and lacks greenery, for many people the conveniences outweigh the lack of nature. St. Pete Beach does have some moderately tall hotels, but not like the highrises on Sand Key, near Clearwater Beach. If you're looking for something a bit quieter, have a look at Anna Maria Island, just on the other side of Tampa Bay.
St. Pete Beach has an outstanding selection of hotels, condominiums, and other lodging directly on the beach, including:
- The Loews Don Cesar (the big pink historic hotel)
- Tradewinds Sandpiper
- Tradewinds Island Grand (the larger and grander of the Tradewind properties)
- Alden Beach Resort and Suites
- Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort Hotel
- Postcard Inn (party central for the younger set)
- Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center (great for weddings and conferences)
- Dolphin Beach Resort (a more modestly price beach hotel located conveniently close to the Dolphin Beach Shopping Plaza and the Dolphin Marina).
The southern part of the island, called Pass a Grille, is quite a nice little beach community with a wonderful beach. From the bay side of Pass a Grille, at the Merry Pier, you can catch the shuttle to Shell Key. I highly recommend going to Shell Key for shelling, snorkeling, birding, or just for a long beach walk. Egmont Key is also nearby and can be reached by ferry from Fort Desoto Park. If you don't feel like doing a boat trip, but want some nature, kayaking, bike riding, birding, or pier fishing, head over to Fort Desoto Park, just 15 minutes away by car.
You can find out even more specific information on the beaches and parks of St Pete Beach on my St Pete Beach website located at www.best-of-st-pete-beach.com
727-502-7269
Stand-up paddleboarding on St. Pete Beach. You can rent these easily and they'll bring them right to you.
The Tradewinds Island Grand is one of the larger hotels on St. Pete Beach.
Looking south on St. Pete Beach. I'm standing in front of the Tradewends. At left you can see the Grand Plaza Resort with it's restaurant on top, and the pink Don Cesar Beach Resort in the distance.
If you want to go on a snorkeling, sunset-watching, or dolphin-watching cruise, it's easy.
It's not at all unusual to find live Florida Fighting Conchs like this one on St. Pete Beach.
The Sirata Beach Resort is definitely one of the more popular resorts on St. Pete Beach. They host lots of weddings and conferences of all kinds.
Beautiful bridal bouquets, boutonniers, table arrangements and more. Floral designs by Desiree. Designs for every budget. Professional wedding coordination available.
727-551-1462
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The Grand Plaza is the tallest beach resort on St. Pete Beach. It has a restaurant at the top. You can see the Sirata behind it and to the left. Both are right on the beach.
The Dolphin Beach Resort is a smaller and less expensive resort motel directly on the beach. It is right next to the public beach and across the street from the Dolphin Shopping Plaza where you can get groceries or have a meal in a restaurant. There is also a marina next to the shopping plaza where you can take a sailing cruise. I definitely recommend a sunset cruise with Captain Dan.
Upham Beach is at the north end of St. Pete Beach and is easy to miss if you don't know about it.
Pass-a-Grille Beach is a small, historic beach community at the south end of St. Pete Beach. it has a great beach, but arrive early on the weekend and during the spring season to get the best parking.
