After 15 hours of driving, my friend and I were thrilled to arrive in St. Pete Beach: a place where the ocean is stunning year round, the people are friendly, and the sun sets later than 4:30pm in the winter (I’m looking at you, Boston!)
This vacation destination has been very special to me for a number of years, as my grandparents and great-grandparents have owned a condo here since the 1960s. When we dropped our bags in the living room, a number of familiar items jumped out at me: the charming seashell paintings, the collections of family photos, and the sunlit chair my grandpa always used to sit in. There’s also a lingering sense of cross-generational joy in St. Pete Beach because my mom and her siblings always came here for vacations with my grandparents when they were kids.
St. Pete Beach may hold a deep significance for me personally because of my family’s ties to the area, but you don’t have to have this type of connection to fall in love with it. Families, retirees, and young professionals alike are flocking to St. Pete Beach from the northeast because of its historic beauty and relaxed atmosphere. My friend and I actually chatted with a woman who left her life in New Hampshire behind to start afresh by the sea! Here are a few highlights from St. Pete Beach and its surrounding areas that might just convince you to plan a trip here at some point:
St. Pete Beach itself (well, of course!)
Occupying a little over 6 square miles of coastline, this beach is perfect for strolling, jogging, or simply stretching out on a towel with a book (and I’ve done all three of these activities here!) On most mornings, I go for a 3-4 mile run on the beach, and I sometimes hop in the ocean for a refreshing dip afterwards. There’s ample space for you and your friends/family to set up an afternoon “lounge” onshore, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy two particularly stunning sights while you’re here: the sun setting over the ocean (if you come at the right time) and the glorious, ultra-pink Don Cesar Hotel, which has been standing since 1928! If you’re looking for other beachfront hotel options, the Tradewinds Resort is both comfortable and affordable.
Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on this beach, but you can take your pup to the Fort De Soto Dog Park/Beach that is about 15 minutes away!
The Saint Petersburg Pier
Right near St. Pete Beach is the city of St. Pete itself, and on a sunny day, the pier is the place to be. Feast your eyes on the skyline of St. Pete’s vibrant downtown, which is quickly expanding with new apartments, coffee shops, and art galleries. If you’re an ocean lover like me, you’ll also appreciate the vast expanse of blue sea stretching out in all directions. Additionally, you can enjoy a few different waterfront restaurants, including one located in a five-story shopping center at the very end of the pier!
The Salvador Dalí Museum
Did you know that Salvador Dalí was kicked out of art school because he refused to take his final exams and claimed to know more about Renaissance painters than his teachers did? This is just one of the many things you’ll learn about him at the St. Pete museum dedicated to his art. While he is most commonly known for his bizarre surrealist paintings, many of which were inspired by his dreams, his work actually underwent an amazing procession over the course of his lifetime. If you want funky postcards, jewelry, or clothing, the gift shop has a great selection of items that pay tribute to Dalí’s artistic genius.
My friend and I also loved the Van Gogh Alive exhibit, which gives visitors the experience of “entering” Van Gogh’s paintings with an interactive light and sound show. This exhibition is only open until April 2021, but there will definitely be more terrific ones in the future!
While I didn’t get here on this particular trip, another great museum to check out is the Morean Arts Center, which houses a stunning collection by the eccentric glassblower Dale Chihuly.
Gulfport
My friend and I stopped at Gulfport to try a vegan restaurant called Golden Dinosaurs and ended up spending a long time walking through its peaceful neighborhoods and trendy downtown. The colorful buildings, picturesque harbor, and trees laden with Spanish moss all contribute to Gulfport’s scenic atmosphere.
I would also like to give a shoutout to Walter, the spirited terrier mix we spent several minutes chasing through Gulfport after he broke free from his owner’s leash. Thanks for the exercise, Walter!
Food, Food, Food!
I’ve got an eye for outstanding food places (a characteristic I’ve inherited from my beloved grandparents), and there are so many delicious restaurants in St. Pete Beach! To make things easy, I’ll list a few of my favorites:
Basil Leaf for Thai food. Try their Pad Thai or sushi!
Larry’s Ice Cream and Gelato for ice cream. They have a rotation of 80 flavors, plus donuts.
Skidder’s and Snapper’s for seafood, because you can’t come to Florida without eating seafood!
Boulevard Burgers for classic American food along with a lively bar, wonderful waitstaff, and Trivia Nights during non-pandemic times.
Spinner’s Revolving Bistro for an experience that is both novel and unforgettable. You’ll enjoy your dinner in the rotating top floor of a hotel, which means gorgeous and ever-changing views of St. Pete beach!
These are just a few spots I love in St. Pete Beach, but there are dozens more! Feel free to reach out if you’ve visited St. Pete Beach before and there are other activities you enjoyed.
Very sadly, I must return to college soon, but I take comfort in knowing that St. Pete beach will always be there for me to return to. I’ll likely dream about palm trees, gentle waves, and colorful seashells for the next several weeks.
I very much enjoyed reading this entry! Love, Rachel