Now’s your time. Time to pack up the car, turn up the music and drive over to cool white sands and warm Gulf breezes. This is it, the feeling you’ve been waiting for. Maybe you’re visiting for thrill rides and theme parks, or you live here year-round. Either way, it’s time you see why St. Pete/Clearwater has America's Best Beaches. This truly is perfection. The real vacation starts right now.
Twelve stunning beaches. Twelve places to find the perfect way to chill. From lively Clearwater Beach (named the No. 1 beach in the U.S. in 2019 by TripAdvisor) to laid-back St. Pete Beach (TripAdvisor's No. 4 pick in 2019) to all-natural Caladesi Island State Park and Fort De Soto, you're sure to find your best beach vacation ever. Here, you’re surrounded by warm Gulf waters, so it’s easy to find a way to play. Build powdery-perfect sandcastles. Take the kids on a dolphin-spotting boat trip. Feel the wind in your hair as you breeze along on a jet ski. Explore the beaches up and down our coast, and you’ll find an island-style vacation without leaving the country.
Let the theme parks disappear into the rear view. It’s time to think about a very different family adventure. There’s always something amazing going on at big-name events. Watch sand become spectacular sculptures at the Clearwater Beach Sugar Sand Festival, and sidewalk art come alive before your eyes at the annual Chalk Art Festival. Stroll along listening to music and savoring local seafood dishes at the Johns Pass Seafood Festival. Plus, we’re home to the world-famous Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the world-class Dalí Museum. It’s all here, close to the beaches.
Watching the sun slowly set over the Gulf is the perfect way to end the day. These are the moments in life that you and your family will never forget. You won’t find sunsets like these at a theme park, and you’ll never see it on the East Coast. Smile and enjoy the moment, because this is what it’s all about.
You’re just a short drive away... so close to that beach break you know you want. Pass the kids the tablet, put on their favorite movie, and before you know it, you’ll be spending the day playing in paradise.
In fact, why not treat yourself and take the time to truly unwind? Stay and play for a few days in a family-oriented beachfront resort, a funky historic Airbnb, or a homey condo. If it’s a flying visit, with international airports in both Tampa and St. Pete/Clearwater, you can spend some time at your favorite nearby theme park but then finish your family vacation making the kind of memories that will last a lifetime. With high walkability and fantastic public transportation it’s a breeze to get to the best beaches in America.
Imagine your toes in the sand, a cold drink in your hand, and your family watching the sun sink into the Gulf. The West Coast really is the best coast.
