North Redington Beach & Redington Shores
Tucked between Madeira Beach and Indian Shores, North Redington Beach and Redington Shores are about as under-the-radar as it gets. The two beach communities make up over a mile of broad beachfront flanked by gorgeous emerald Gulf waters. While the beaches here never really draw crowds (despite their natural beauty), these towns are home to some great restaurants and cafes.
Beach Day
You could spend hours watching dolphins and seabirds in these quiet beach towns (though the people-watching might be sparse). Beaches here are great for extra-long walks, since the shoreline goes on for miles, connecting to other communities. .
Not staying right on the beach (or just exploring the area for the day)? No problem. There are beach parking spots, namely between 181st and 182nd avenues on the Intracoastal side (see more places to park on the beach).
Need something cute or cool to wear on or off the beach? Find a great new outfit at the Beachside Boutique in Redington Shores, owned by a mother/daughter team. Or stop in for a coffee and a visit to the gift shop at Sweet Sage Cafe & Boutique.
Sponsored Content
Where to Eat
If you’re a coffee aficionado (or just someone who enjoys a good cup of joe), head to Gypsy Souls Cafe, a delightful spot serving up brews from around the globe as well as delicious pastries. Sweet Sage Cafe & Boutique is an enduring favorite in these parts – here you’ll find an abundant Benedict menu (with 12 variations, no less!) as well as Mediterranean-influenced lunch offerings and a creative drink menu. There’s even a menu for dogs here, so bring your best friend and enjoy their “Pups on the Patio” experience.
For lunch or dinner in a laid-back setting with blissful views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Seabreeze Island Grill & Raw Bar is your place. The big seller (you guessed it) is oysters. But their seafood-focused menu also features smoked fish dip, fried grouper nuggets, crab-stuffed flounder and other tasty offerings. It’s a great happy hour spot, too. For a taste of the Florida Keys and the Caribbean, stop in at Conch Republic, where you’ll find dishes such as mussels diablo, fried conch served with remoulade, and Key West shrimp and grits. The drink menu here is incredibly extensive, but rum is undeniably the main event (choose from dozens of Caribbean rums, served by the glass or in flights). Finish your meal with a grand finale by ordering the Bananas Foster – they really make a show of it here.
Places to Stay
Looking for a vacation home-away-from-home? Condominiums line the beach here (rent through companies such as JC Resorts and Monterey on the Beach). You’ll also find a handful of smaller hotels, such as the charming, 1950s-era Sand Vista Motel, where you can drop a fishing line right into Boca Ciega Bay. For a familiar name featuring all the amenities, book a stay at DoubleTree Beach Resort by Hilton (bonus: you can enjoy Mango’s Restaurant & Tiki Bar onsite).