Great Getaways Right in Your Own Backyard

You may have seen the t-shirts: London, Paris, Tokyo, St. Pete. While our favorite Florida city may not be quite as big as those international metros, St. Pete gives them a run for their money when it comes to thriving arts and culinary scenes. Take a two- or three-day getaway to experience the best of the Sunshine City.

If you're one of those dedicated foodies who vacations in search of a great meal, you'll be excited to know that you won't have to travel far to dine deliciously in St. Pete, which Travel + Leisure just called out as the Best Food City in the U.S. Don't miss stylish hotspots like Allelo and Fortu, casual seafood places such as Trophy Fish and Mullet's Fish Camp and local dining institutions like The Chattaway (opened in 1951) and Mazzaro's Italian Market (a restaurant, deli, bakery, coffee shop and specialty food store all in one).

Explore the unique museums dotted throughout the city, including The Dalí, FloridaRAMA, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art and St. Pete's newest major cultural attraction, the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. 

Never leave home without your canine sidekick? St. Pete is beloved by dog owners because it's super pet-friendly. You'll find pet-friendly hotels, dining spots and breweries galore (don't miss The Dog Bar, Mutts & Martinis and Pinellas Ale Works, aka PAW, for starters).

When the sun sets, St. Pete's nightlife takes center stage on Central Ave. and throughout eight vibrant districts. Listen to live music at a speakeasy, hang out at a dive bar, have dinner or drinks at the St. Pete Pier, or explore the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene in Grand Central.

Plan a night out on the town

Summertime is all about feeling free, sunny and sandy. What better place to plan a summer getaway than on America's Best Beaches, just a short drive away? Each of our beautiful beaches has its own vibe, so you can choose a beach that's perfect for you.

Feeling like having fun and being social? Clearwater Beach, Madeira Beach and St. Pete Beach are all perennial favorites of the "walking on sunshine" crowd. All of them are gorgeous, too. (And right in your own backyard, we might mention.) Clearwater Beach was recently named one of the top white sand beaches in the world by Travel + Leisure.

Want to live on island time? Plan a vacation around our beautiful "sister" islands, Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island. These state parks have some of the prettiest beaches in Florida. Renowned coastal geologist Dr. Stephen Leatherman (aka "Dr. Beach) even named Caladesi Island State Park to his 2024 list of best beaches in the U.S. 

Looking for a sandy getaway that's perfect for the family? Stunning Fort De Soto Park has soft white sands and calm waters, along with a pirate-themed playground and a dog beach. Treasure Island and Redington Shores are also great for families.

Searching for a laid-back beach town? Tiny, charming Pass-a-Grille Beach is beloved by locals for its quiet charm, scenic dunes, and plenty of restaurants with easy access to the beach.

Pick Your Perfect Beach Getaway >