Coastal Living recently named St. Pete/Clearwater to its list of 20 Best Places to Live in 2017, calling the area an "upstart city on Florida's Gulf Coast." The magazine based its rating off of beaches, cultural attractions like the Dalí Museum, dining and entertainment options, and places to stay, saluting the area's "historic, small-scale neighborhoods" for balancing "big-city pleasures." Coastal Living also took into account the population, average high and low temperatures, median home price, area commutability, and average days of sunshine.
Relax on St. Pete/Clearwater Beaches
Recognized as Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Beach in the US in 2016, 2018 and 2019, Clearwater Beach garners the attention of visiting beachgoers, and neighboring St. Pete Beach, taking the No. 1 spot in the U.S. in 2021, is also a must-visit with its clear waters and powdery sand. St. Pete/Clearwater offers additional sandy escapes. At Fort De Soto Park you can explore a historic fort and the surrounding trails, then search for shells and sand dollars around the kid-friendly tidal pool. Just a short ferry ride away, enjoy some quiet time on Egmont Key, where you can relax on a natural shoreline, or snorkel the gulf. Find the right beach for you here.
Arts & Culture in St. Pete/Clearwater
It’s not all beaches and sunscreen in St. Pete/Clearwater though. The area is also rich with culture. For a jaw-dropping art collection, visit the Dalí Museum and, just blocks away, the Morean Arts Center. Afterwards, wander through downtown St. Pete for a peek into the area’s upscale shops and restaurants. In the Grand Central District, you’ll find a selection of whimsical storefronts and eateries like Big Sea/Roundhouse Creative Studio, ARTpool Gallery or Queenshead Euro Bar and Restaurant.
Dining & Nightlife in St. Pete/Clearwater
St. Pete/Clearwater’s culinary scene is thriving with hot spots like Brick & Mortar and The Mill, where a rustic atmosphere meets delicious dishes. Soak up a waterfront view and a casual dinner at Clearwater Beach’s Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille, or Paradise Grille on St. Pete Beach. Enjoy late-night cocktails at The Mandarin Hide, or for a rooftop view, The Canopy at The Birchwood. Day or night, the Gulp Coast Craft Beer Trail, running from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, will lead you to the area’s breweries for homebrewed pints in laidback settings.
Where to Stay in St. Pete/Clearwater
Daydreaming about life here? Plan a visit, and stay at the city-chic Vinoy Renaissance Resort located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, overlooking a harbor of yachts, and nearby upscale shops and dining. The historic Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach is known as the “pink palace,” and is renowned for its luxurious suites and ornate architecture. On Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl Resort frames the Gulf of Mexico. Light and airy luxury meets fine dining and beachfront bliss at this resort. For a more intimate stay, St. Pete/Clearwater’s boutique hotels like The Birchwood and Hollander Hotel are filled with character and are close to area attractions. See St. Pete’s unique hotels here.
