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Sunny Days & Neon Nights in St. Pete-Clearwater

Enter your beach vacation era on Florida's Gulf Coast, with sugar sand and vibes-are-right nights.

This is your invitation to hit pause on real life and step into your main‑character moment on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Whether your “yum” is blissfully doing nothing on the beach, chasing side quests through bold culinary spots, exploring murals and local markets, or syncing up with locals for that authentic energy, St. Pete–Clearwater is waiting. Build an itinerary that’s totally you: No rules, just pure freedom to choose your own adventure.

a smiling woman in a white halter top holding a drink at an outdoor concert at the Baycare Sound in Clearwater — Catch an outdoor concert with your friends at The BayCare Sound in Clearwater.

Check out all the things to do

The question is... to chill or thrill?

Whether you want to vacation to recharge your battery or open up your world, the options are endless, just like the sunny days in St. Pete-Clearwater. That said, here are a few we recommend:

Thrill:

Take kiteboarding lessons and experience one of the best places to try this sport in the United States.
Rock out at our outdoor concert venues, including Jannus Live and The Baycare Sound at Coachman Park.
Head to downtown St. Pete to check out the nightlife scene, including bars, dance clubs, rooftop bars, craft cocktail spots and more.
Explore interactive art installations at FloridaRAMA, get surreal at The Dalí Museum, try your hand at glassblowing at the Morean Glass Studio or Zen Glass Studio, and take a mural tour past some of the 600+ amazing pieces of art decorating buildings here.

people relaxing in 3 hammocks tied up between palm trees at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg FL — Chill at one of St. Pete's beautiful waterfront parks.

Chill:

Enter a meditative zone as you wander through Sunken Gardens—a wonderful botanical garden that's one of the oldest roadside attractions in the United States.
Rent a SUP right on Pass-a-Grille Beach and paddle through the gentle waves lapping against white-sand beaches.
Stretch out your muscles and achieve zen with a free sunset yoga experience at the St. Pete Pier.
Relax in hammocks between swaying palms at St. Pete's Vinoy Park.

a young man sitting at an outside table at Pia's Trattoria in Gulfport with a plate full of Italian appetizers such as bruschetta — Enjoy the perfect Florida weather when you dine outside at local gems like Pia's Trattoria.

Explore an exciting food & drink scene

St. Pete-Clearwater’s food scene is basically a never‑ending tasting menu. Think rooftop brunches, dockside seafood, plant‑powered cafés, street‑food fusions and late‑night spots perfect for post‑beach cravings.

Flavor checklist:

The freshest fish. Grouper and other fresh catches are on virtually every menu in the area. Check out these top spots: Ted Peters, Trophy Fish, Cheeky's, Frenchy's and Mullet's Fish Camp.
Stone crab season. Stone crab is a local delicacy sourced from the area and responsibly harvested. Enjoy it with a special remoulade sauce that pairs perfectly with this sweet, flavorful catch.
Tampa Bay's Cuban food scene. Many restaurants in the area draw inspiration from flavorful classic dishes such as the Cuban sandwich. Stop in at Bodega in St. Pete, or for a more upscale experience, The Columbia on Sand Key is a win.
Multi-cultural dining. St. Pete-Clearwater is a destination that embraces many cultures. Award-winning chefs throughout the area blend traditional flavors from across the world together into modern culinary works of art. Check out the dining scene.

an orange cocktail with a blood orange slice garnish next to plates of food at The Helm — Savor craft cocktails, fresh seafood and innovative dishes at chef-driven restaurants.

Fun on Tap:

Classic and swanky: Sip craft cocktails in a 1920s vibe at locations like Gigglewaters Social Club or Sonder Social Club.
Fun and Games: Get competitive with arcade games or enjoy recreational activities at places like Park & Rec and The Replay Museum.
Beach Bar Party: Walk up from the beach and sip on a margarita (or two) at beach bar flagships including Caddy's and Undertow.
Rooftop fancy: Sip and enjoy the sunset with a stellar view from locations like Pier Teaki on the St. Pete Pier or Jimmy's Crow's Nest in Clearwater Beach.
The Gulp Coast: St. Pete-Clearwater's craft beer scene has its own name and more than 40 breweries to explore.

three young people enjoying a night out in St. Pete at Parks and Rec — Head out for a night of fun in downtown St. Pete.

How to pack and plan

What to Pack. Stuff some breezy 'fits in the suitcase alongside go-everywhere swimwear, your best sunnies and, at minimum, that one outfit that makes you unreasonably confident for nights out downtown or on the beach. In your backpack, tote portable chargers for sunset content collection, a reusable water bottle and shoes you can walk, bike, explore and dance in.

Getting Here. Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater Airport offer non-stop flights across the country and the world. Both airports are both less than 20 miles from Clearwater Beach and downtown St. Pete.

Tips and Tricks to get around:

The Grouper Airport Express from St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport to Clearwater Beach hotels can accommodate up to nine people.
Free rides on Clearwater Beach are available via Florida Free Rides and the Suncoast Beach Trolly is another way to explore the beaches.
The Clearwater Ferry is just $4!
The SunRunner is a rapid transit running from downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach, so you can enjoy the city and the beach all in one getaway.
Driving in? Download the Parkmobile app to pay for parking.

a woman sipping a drink while sitting on the edge of the pool at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach — Sip drinks by the pool and soak up the sun.

Choose a home base

Your home base sets the tone, so choose a space that matches your aesthetic and your budget. Want beachfront bliss? Pick a resort or boutique property just steps from the sand. Prefer an urbanscape? Downtown St. Pete has hotels with rooftop views, walkability and nightlife right outside your door. For cozy or quirky vibes, check out locally owned inns or vacation rentals.

Next steps toward check-in:

Book your hotel. Browse and compare hotel listings to find the perfect spot for your next vacation in St. Pete-Clearwater! Find places to stay here.
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