There’s never been a better time to lace up the bathing suit, lather on the sunscreen, and hit a postcard-perfect beach in St. Pete/Clearwater. With growing buzz that it boasts some of the best beaches in Florida — and even the US — there is truly something for everyone along the region’s 35-plus mile stretch of vibrant, white-sand bliss.
Each beach offers a unique vibe, with happenings that span from the outdoorsy to the more tranquil. Here’s our list of can’t-miss beaches, starting with the barrier islands to the north and venturing south.
The Animal Kingdoms of Honeymoon Island
What’s that chirping you hear? If you’re at Honeymoon Island, it’s most certainly the diverse bird population, and perhaps some beachgoers and wildlife watchers chirping back. The four-mile stretch of beach is home to various bird species such as ospreys, oystercatchers, great blue herons, and more. Amid the birds, you may even spot a 12-pound gopher tortoise or armadillo scooting by.
To maximize your wildlife viewing, consider renting a bike from local facilities. From there, the Osprey and Pelican Trails — totaling approximately 2.5 miles — offer calming Gulf vistas and birdwatching opportunities. Be sure to keep a respectful distance from the gulls, terns, and sandpipers that nest in the sand; it’s important to preserve their precious habitat.
If you’ve brought an animal of your own (your dog!), leashed dogs are permitted on nature trails, and Honeymoon Island Dog Beach is at the southern tip of the island for your pup to play.
Directly to the south of Honeymoon Island is Caladesi Island, a secluded locale accessible only by boat. The island is virtually as nature made it: unspoiled and pristine. You can rent a kayak to get across and once there, paddle the peaceful 3.5-mile mangrove trail. Or if paddling isn’t your thing, the ferry between the two islands takes 15-20 minutes and departs every 30 minutes.
Sand and Sunshine at Clearwater Beach
Given its name, it should come as no surprise that Clearwater Beach is home to vast sand, and (you guessed it) often crystal clear water. Beyond its postcard-perfect allure, this beach offers activities aplenty. Whether you’re looking to settle into a rental chair and soak up some rays, go for a swim in its calm, shallow waters, or partake in a thrill that gets the heart racing, this coastal utopia has it all.
On the active front, a number of local institutions offer scuba and fishing charters daily. For an aerial perspective of Clearwater Beach’s vivid coastline, local services offer breathtaking adventures. Also, whether you’re a volleyball pro or just looking to bump around, there are numerous courts located just south of the beach’s iconic Pier 60.
Once you’re ready to wind down for the day, Pier 60 is a spectacular place to catch a sunset. It even offers a daily festival with local artisans and performers.
Tranquility Awaits at Belleair Beach
For those looking to escape the tourist-driven hustle-and-bustle, Belleair Beach will be your happy place. This primarily residential area has a classic neighborhood vibe with scattered condo buildings, very little noise, and few commercial offerings; therefore, you’ll definitely want to pack a cooler and anything you’ll need for a beach day ahead of time.
Begin at Morgan Park, which offers metered parking and is the only public access point for Belleair Beach (three other access points are available for residents). Once you emerge from the swaying palms, a 4,500-plus-foot stretch of white sand is waiting to greet you.
For boaters and fishers looking to dock for a bit, head to 7th Street Park, home to the town’s boat ramp and fishing pier.
Setting Sail for Treasure Island
Colored by stretches of vast, flat beach and the sporadic sand dune, Treasure Island may sound like a dream, and in many ways, it totally is. To get your lay of the land, hit the mile-long Treasure Island Beach Trail, a paved pathway that runs adjacent to the Gulf. Along the winding trail is St. Petersburg Municipal Beach, a central place to claim some sand space, complete with dozens of volleyball courts and a snack bar nearby.
If Treasure Island’s calming waters inspire you to explore, you can rent pontoons and deck boats in four- and eight-hour increments. For paddleboarders, local services will supply the boards — so long as you can balance yourself on them!
Boatloads of Activity at Pass-a-Grille Beach
Pass-a-Grille Beach is a beachy and boat-filled heaven. This pristine, barrier-island terrain is primarily a two-street town, with Pass A Grille Way and Gulf Way running north to south. In between are a mix of quaint homes, condos, family-owned inns, and staple restaurants.
For endless Gulf views, soft sand, and the bulk of the boating action, head to the south end of the beach where various crafts stream through the Pass-a-Grille Channel. For a boating adventure of your own, local services offer kayak rentals and speed boats.
Camping Out at Fort De Soto Park
Comprised of five islands and 1,136 lush acres, Fort De Soto Park is a Gulf playground. In addition to mingling with 300-plus species of birds, you may catch a glimpse of some of Florida’s beloved creatures.
If you’re looking to paddle, local services in the park offer kayak and canoe rentals by the hour and by the day. With a quick trek through and beyond the nearby Soldier’s Hole cove, don’t be shocked if you’re greeted by dolphins or manatees nearby. A popular spot for culminating your outdoor adventure is North Beach, with sandbars and tidal pools that span the color spectrum.
Make sure to also hit the park’s namesake fort. Built in 1898, it was constructed to protect the area from prospective attacks during the Spanish-American War. Today, visitors can walk a historical trail and experience a variety of the fort’s buildings firsthand.
Fort De Soto Park features 238 camping sites, with RV hookups, restrooms, showers, and other modern amenities. Given the park’s popularity, it’s best to plan your visit as early as possible.
If you can’t secure a reservation, it’s back to your hotel for the evening. As for tomorrow? A new adventure in St. Pete/Clearwater awaits.
