Your Easy Escape: St. Pete-Clearwater

With 35 miles of white-sand coastline, you'll never run out of beautiful beaches to play and relax on. And even if you’ve visited this area before, exploring the area’s beach towns – each with its own vibe – keeps every visit feeling fresh.

• For a lively beach scene, St. Pete Beach is a top choice. A bit of a splurge (but totally worth it) is the legendary Don CeSar (a.k.a. the Pink Palace). Nearby, the recently renovated Hotel Zamora has a popular rooftop lounge and restaurant, plus stellar views of the Gulf and Intracoastal.

• While Pass-a-Grille Beach might not exactly be a secret, it sure feels that way. This quiet little town on the south end of St. Pete Beach is dotted with Easter egg-colored cottages alongside elegant beach homes, with no high-rises in sight. There are several small hotels and some vacation rentals, all with that "tucked away from the world" vibe. 

• If you’re craving postcard-perfect sand and water, Clearwater Beach does not disappoint. In fact, Tripadvisor just named it the best beach in Florida. Here, the new Opal Sol resort offers an elegant stay with sweeping Gulf views, while the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa makes it easy to step from your suite to the beach or restaurants.

• In Dunedin, Honeymoon Island State Park offers a nature-filled beach day with a wide shoreline and coastal trails. Catch the ferry from here to Caladesi Island State Park, one of Florida’s most unspoiled beaches, then head back to the Jazz-era Fenway Hotel for rooftop drinks and bay views.

Pair your beach getaway with a visit or – even better – a couple of days in St. Pete, one of the Sunshine State's most creative cities. There's so much to do, you'll be spoiled for choice.

• St. Pete’s arts scene is thriving. Museums like The Dalí and the Museum of Fine Arts regularly debut new exhibits and special events, while Jannus Live and the Mahaffey Theater keep the calendar full with concerts and performances.
• In downtown St. Pete, pop into Central Ave's indie boutiques, browse local galleries and settle in at chef-driven restaurants and lively cafés. It’s the kind of place where an afternoon stroll easily turns into dinner and drinks.
• Next morning, meander through 100-year-old Sunken Gardens or take a walk along Tampa Bay at lovely Vinoy Park.

St. Pete's creative side has spilled over into its restaurants, making the city a veritable culinary powerhouse. Several local restaurants have been recommended by the MICHELIN Guide Florida. 

• For an elegant date night, book a table at Il Ritorno, where Italian classics are reimagined with modern flair (think: caviar donuts).
• If you’re craving Pan-Asian cuisine, Fortu offers the perfect spot for a night out with friends.
• Dine at Sushi Sho Rexley for an intimate omakase experience. Master Sushi Chef Rexley Kwok serves only 10 diners at a time, so reservations are highly recommended.
   

After dinner, ease into St. Pete’s lively cocktail and music scene. 

• Start at Mandarin Hide, a stylish lounge known for inventive drinks, vintage flair and talented mixologists.
• If live music calls, Ruby’s Elixir is a local favorite for intimate jazz and blues performances.
• For a nightcap with a view, head up to Pier Teaki at the St. Pete Pier or The Birchwood Canopy, both with sweeping bay and city views.
   

St. Pete-Clearwater's small towns are treasures for curious travelers. 

• Explore charming Safety Harbor with its walkable downtown: Worth noting are the eclectic Safety Harbor Art and Music Center, the historic Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, and excellent restaurants such as The Tides Market (MICHELIN-recognized), NONA Slice House and the Whistle Stop.
• Tiny downtown Dunedin hosts many festivals, and it's also a great place to browse independent shops and enjoy intimate restaurants. Enjoy fine dining at Black Pearl, delicious Mexican food at Casa Tina and the ever-changing menu at The Restorative.
• The city of Tarpon Springs feels like it's a different world, with its Greek-influenced culture and historic sponge diving industry. Explore the Sponge Docks, shop local boutiques, take a boat tour of the Anclote River, and dine at one of the many excellent Greek restaurants, such as Hellas, Mykonos and Mama's Greek Cuisine. Tip: Save room for a treat from the amazing bakery at Hellas.

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