Pass-a-Grille's Historic 8th Avenue is a delightful hub for shopping and dining just steps from the beach.
Pass-A-Grille
As one of St. Pete/Clearwater’s quietest regions, Pass-A-Grille is fantastic for a laidback vacation. Lounge on sunny shorelines, leisurely stroll through the small downtown, and cozy up for the night at an adorable inn in this quaint little town.
Beach Day
As beaches go, Pass-a-Grille is a stand-out. There are miles of powder-soft sand - four miles, to be exact - enough that every beachgoer has space to spread out a blanket and enjoy the view. Scenic walkways get you over the dunes, which are lined by beautiful sea grapes and sea oats. Pass-a-Grille is unique among beach communities in Florida in that there is almost no building directly on the sand - the only exception being the Paradise Grille, where you can enjoy a casual meal or snack with a view of the Gulf.
Sunsets here are legendary and, every night, the Paradise Grille hosts a sunset celebration where locals and visitors gather to watch a fiery end to the day. (You may even be asked to ring the bell, an honor at this nightly ritual.)
On weekdays, especially in quieter months, it’s usually fairly easy to find a metered parking spot along Gulf Boulevard, but weekends may be a bit more challenging, so plan to arrive early
Up for a shelling adventure on an unspoiled island? Head to Merry Pier (also a popular fishing spot) and get your ticket for the Shell Key Shuttle. You may spot dolphins on the 10-minute boat ride to Shell Key Preserve, an undeveloped gem that is part bird sanctuary, part treasure trove of brilliant seashells.
Watch Our Best Pass-a-Grille Videos
Explore this sleepy little beach town, and nearby areas, in these entertaining videos.
Things to Do
Pass-a-Grille’s downtown area is quaint in the best sense of the word – and quite walkable. Pastel-hued historic 8th Avenue is an artsy haven, anchored by the renowned Evander Preston Gallery. Browse for more local art at Galene’s Paradise and A Little Room for Art. Or find beachwear at Bamboozle, Dody Beach Boutique and Paradiso. A short distance away, on 10th Avenue, you can take a closer look at Pass-a-Grille’s Old Florida roots in the form of historic photographs and artifacts at the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum.
Be sure to stop by the historic Merry Pier for all your fishing and beach needs.
Serene Sunsets
Quiet, lovely Pass-a-Grille Beach is one of the best places in the area to relax and enjoy the sunset with your family.
Serene Sunsets
Quiet, lovely Pass-a-Grille Beach is one of the best places in the area to relax and enjoy the sunset with your family.
Island Escape
Shell Key Preserve is easily accessed by boat from Pass-a-Grille Beach, St. Pete Beach and Fort De Soto Park. Visit early on a weekday for a quiet experience, or on a weekend for a friendly, "beach party" vibe.
Island Escape
Shell Key Preserve is easily accessed by boat from Pass-a-Grille Beach, St. Pete Beach and Fort De Soto Park. Visit early on a weekday for a quiet experience, or on a weekend for a friendly, "beach party" vibe.
Wild Dolphins Delight
Bottlenose dolphins can be seen playing and fishing all along St. Pete/Clearwater's 35 miles of beautiful beaches. Take a nature boat tour to get closer, or just keep a lookout from the beach.
Wild Dolphins Delight
Bottlenose dolphins can be seen playing and fishing all along St. Pete/Clearwater's 35 miles of beautiful beaches. Take a nature boat tour to get closer, or just keep a lookout from the beach.
Where to Eat
Any visit to Pass-a-Grille must include a stop at legendary Hurricane Seafood Restaurant for sunset appetizers and cocktails on its third-story rooftop. Can’t get enough of sunset vantage points? Head to the chic Rooftop Bar at the The Dewey, a newer addition to 8th Avenue, offering views of both the Gulf and Boca Ciega Bay. For a nightcap at a much-loved dive bar, stop into Shadrack’s for a beer and a game of pool.
See All Restaurants Near Pass-a-GrillePlaces to Stay
For many visitors, part of Pass-a-Grille’s appeal is its lack of towering condos or major hotel chains. Instead, you’ll find small but well-appointed boutique hotels just steps from the beach and 8th Avenue. Coconut Inn is perfect for a low-key romantic getaway, as is Sabal Palms Inn, its sister property a few blocks away. With their vibrant facades and unbeatable locations, Keystone Motel and Havana Inn promise a tropical, beachy retreat. Berkeley Beach Club sits in the heart of 8th Avenue. At Pass-a-Grille’s southern tip, you’ll find Island’s End Resort, an enclave of cottages right on the water.
See All Places to Stay Near Pass-a-Grille