The St. Pete Pier

St. Petersburg, also known as St. Pete or the Sunshine City, is a vibrant destination full of opportunities to explore art, great cuisine and nature.

Where to soak up the sun

At the St. Pete Pier, stroll the pedestrian path with water views, bring little ones to Majeed Foundation Splash Pad and learn about the area’s unique ecosystem at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Or, drop a line at the fishing deck—part of a four-level building that includes a tackle shop, gift shop and three restaurants. One of those restaurants is Teak, serving up casual Florida-forward bites, and on the rooftop above it, Pier Teaki is a modern take on the tiki bar.

Elsewhere in the St. Pete Pier District, find Caribbean and South American fare at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille. The St. Pete Pier is also the departure point for Totally Tiki Tours, a BYOB floating tiki bar that offers sunset cruises.

What to do

Nature lovers can rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board to explore the mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island Preserve. Afterward, stroll the boardwalk to the observation tower or visit the preserve’s Natural History Center. Beautiful parks, gardens and nature preserves abound in St. Pete-Clearwater.

Downtown’s Central Arts District is home to the Chihuly Collection, a permanent collection of 18 installations by Dale Chihuly, famous for his jaw-dropping, brilliantly colored glass sculptures. Continue your culture quest at several unique museums, including the Dalí Museum, the James Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg and Imagine Museum. You can also stroll by some of the over 500 colorful murals throughout the city, many of them along Central Ave., St. Pete’s coolest street.

Where to eat

A neighborhood bistro, Wild Child is the place to be for outdoor patio dining and a shareable selection of small plates, including tuna tostadas, shiitake mushroom dumplings and butternut squash and goat cheese croquetas.

On a sunny day, the patio at Juno & the Peacock, the local catch-of-the-day and a glass of sparkling rosé make for the perfect afternoon. This upscale restaurant has a robust wine list in addition to a full menu of New American coastal cuisine.

For unique flavor served indoor or on the sunny patio, Nitally’s Thai Mex offers traditional Thai dishes as well as Thai-Mexican fusion, including chorizo pad Thai and panang mole. Finish off your feast with Thai-ra-misu,a pound cake-like creation topped with Thai espresso and a secret house sauce, while you take in this family-run spot’s colorful and quirky decor.

New restaurants helmed by award-winning chefs make the culinary scene exciting and ever-changing in St. Petersburg.

Where to relax with a drink

St. Petersburg’s first microbrewery, Green Bench Brewing Co., has pilsners, IPAs and more on tap, plus ciders and meads—all of which can be sipped in the sunshine, thanks to the brewery’s expansive outdoor area.

For more outdoor libations, check out Birchwood Canopy, a swanky rooftop bar with views of Tampa Bay, live music and craft cocktails.

Where to stay

Located on the waterfront in downtown St. Pete, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection is within striking distance of shops, restaurants and several museums such as the Dalí Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and the James Museum. Easily stroll to the St. Pete Pier, or head to the hotel’s golf course on Snell Isle. Coming to the Vinoy in early 2025 is Elliott Aster, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Lee Wolen.

In St. Pete’s Edge District, The Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown is a stylish stay on vibrant Central Avenue near shopping, restaurants and the unparalleled collection of contemporary glass art at Imagine Museum. On the rooftop, you’ll find a pool and sleek lounge.

A swimming pool, fire pit, private balconies and bike rentals are all part of the experience at Mint House in downtown St. Pete. The newly constructed hotel aims to let you live like a local with kitchenettes, laundry and living spaces, which makes this spot ideal for longer stays, and offers peak convenience with easy access to the SunRunner, the local Bus Rapid Transit system.

Clearwater Beach

The quintessential Florida beach town, Clearwater Beach appeals to a wide swath of visitors, with hotel options from budget to luxury, and plenty of things to do.

Where to soak up the sun

Known for its soft, sugar-white sand, Clearwater Beach is a utopia for anyone who loves the sea. Dive into these calm, clear waters on the Gulf or rent a cabana to unwind with a juicy beach read. In the evening, attend the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 celebration.

What to do

Visit an iconic attraction that is more than an aquarium, it’s also a rescue and rehab facility for marine animals. Swing by Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see rescued dolphins, sea turtles and sharks, plus book a wildlife-focused boat tour around Clearwater Bay.

A stunning new open-air venue on the water, The BayCare Sound at Coachman Park has hosted concerts that range from world-class artists to the occasional family-friendly singalongs.

Where to eat

At Marina Cantina, enjoy water views and fresh seafood that’s prepared in a Mexican fusion style. Here, snapper is served alongside chorizo and verde mole sauce, and grouper comes in a quesadilla with Aztec corn.

A Clearwater institution, Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill serves Floribbean-style cuisine, a mélange of Florida and Caribbean flavors. With your toes in the sand, you can savor the famous She Crab soup, a grouper sandwich and a sunset.  

Where to relax with a drink

Located atop the Hiatus Clearwater Beach hotel, Sielo Rooftop has panoramic views of Clearwater Beach, plus handcrafted cocktails and Caribbean-inspired bites.

It’s rare to find a brewery with water views, but at 3 Daughters Clearwater Beach—which has a 220-degree view overlooking Pier 60—you can keep your eyes on the Gulf while sipping a Beach Blonde Ale.

Where to stay

The Opal Sol is a brand-new resort that guarantees Gulf views from every room and what’s more? It has a “sol” mate: Opal Sands Resort. The two properties are connected by a glass-enclosed skyway bridge, giving guests access to a total of 10 restaurants, four pools and two spas. 

A top stay for sun and sand lovers, Sheraton Sand Key Resort has a 13-acre white sand beach on the Gulf. It also has a beachfront pool surrounded by luxurious loungers, and a poolside café.

Beachfront and brimming with luxe touches, JW Marriott Clearwater Beach offers multi-room residences, elevated seafood dining, a rooftop pool and a spa with detoxifying ocean essence body wraps.

Travelers have many accommodations options in Clearwater Beach, including vacation rentals, hotels and resorts.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

A charming community with an old world feel and proud Greek heritage, Tarpon Springs is known for its historic sponge diving industry and delicious Greek food.

Where to soak up the sun

Pop in and out of shops and bakeries or catch a boat tour at the Sponge Docks—a site founded in 1908 for sponge divers in what was once known as “the sponge capital of the world.” Today, this historic district is home to all kinds of specialty shops, restaurants and bakeries. Nearby, find a distillery and several excellent breweries.

What to do

Get a firsthand look at what Florida life was like in the late 1800s at the Safford House Museum. The home belonged to one of Tarpon Springs’ original developers and is now open to the public in all its Victorian glory. The house is filled with period furniture and many of the family’s original possessions.

For a spookier slice of history, Silent Slayer Ghost Tours hosts guided walks in Tarpon Springs. Stops along the route include the Train Depot, Cheney House and Louise’s Saloon, and guests even get to test out ghost-hunting equipment.

Nature lovers can check out Brooker Creek Preserve, a lovely park with hiking trails and robust year-round programming for kids, teens and adults including story times, guided hikes and art exhibitions.

Where to eat

Tarpon Springs is known for its Greek food, as Greek immigrants built the area’s sponge industry. Mama’s Greek Cuisine has been a mainstay since 1978. Stop by on a Saturday night for live Greek music and a belly dancing performance.

Family-owned and located on the waterfront, Rusty Bellies serves up fresh seafood in just about every form. Crab rangoon, blackened grouper tacos, seafood gumbo and sushi rolls are all on the menu.

Another family-owned restaurant and an area go-to for both flaming saganaki and authentic Greek pastries, Hellas Restaurant & Bakery is located in the center of the Sponge Docks. Dining in, however, may transport you to the Mediterranean, thanks to the restaurant’s immersive decor.

Where to relax with a drink

Good beer and good tunes go hand in hand at Sponge City Brewing, which regularly hosts live music on the weekends in its outdoor beer garden. In addition to ales, IPAs and stouts, order smash patties and beer-boiled brats here.

Laissez les bons temps rouler at Unrefined Brewing, a New Orleans-inspired brewery that focuses on small-batch seasonal beers. Fun is another focus here with musical bingo, crawfish boils and steak nights regularly popping up on the brewery’s calendar.

Where to stay

Rest your head in a historical residence at the 1910 Inn. Each room is unique in this Queen Anne-style bed and breakfast that’s over a century old. Nearby, stroll the waterfront at Craig Park or head to Replay Amusement Museum, filled with vintage arcade games and just a two-minute walk away.

Honeymoon Island State Park

Walkable downtown Dunedin is beloved for its small shops, cafes and breweries.

Where to soak up the sun

Cross St. Joseph Sound to explore Honeymoon Island State Park, a barrier island that’s as idyllic as it sounds. The park has more than four miles of beach that are prime for swimming, searching for seashells and bird watching. And there’s even a dedicated dog beach where pups can frolic in the sand.

What to do

A paved 45-mile route that stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Pete, the Pinellas Trail passes right through downtown Dunedin. Rent a bicycle or electric bike and ride the trail, stopping at shops and an eatery or two along the way. 

Massive Beatles fan and long-time Dunedin resident Dr. Robert Entel co-founded the Penny Lane Beatles Museum to share his extensive collection and love for the band. See rare pieces, like signed guitars, clothing worn by the band and even strands of the musicians’ hair.

Take yourself out to a major league spring training game right in Dunedin. For nearly 50 years, TD Ballpark has been the spring training home for the Toronto Blue Jays. Catch a game in February and March. The rest of baseball season, cheer on the minor league Dunedin Blue Jays at the ballpark.

Where to eat

Casual Olde Bay Café serves up peel-and-eat shrimp by the pound as well as waterfront views of Dunedin Marina. Land lovers will find something on the menu too, like BBQ pulled pork and Cuban sandwiches.

With an ever-evolving menu—up to three times in the same week—The Restorative always offers a fresh approach to American cuisine from a husband-and-wife chef duo. It’s no wonder it often lands on lists of top places to dine in Dunedin.

Where to relax with a drink

It may be considered Florida’s oldest microbrewery, but Dunedin Brewery is so much more than just a place to get a pint. It’s also a music venue that hosts both local and touring bands, plus a full-fledged restaurant that serves up beer-fried chicken and mahi tacos.

Fenway Hotel’s rooftop bar, Hi-Fi, is a true treat for the senses. Not only does it have a flavor-packed cocktail menu, it also offers views of Caladesi and Honeymoon islands.

Located right on the Pinellas Trail, HOB Brewing Company makes an ideal pitstop for a pint. Grab an ice-cold IPA and make yourself at home on the expansive, family-friendly patio.

Where to stay

The building that now houses Fenway Hotel, Autograph Collection was once home to the area’s first radio station. Keeping with the theme, the property is packed with musical tributes, including instrument-inspired decor, a rooftop bar called Hi-Fi and a calendar filled with live music.  

Each of the nine suites and apartments at Meranova Guest Inn is unique. Pick the popular Zen Suite, which has its own private porch, or settle into the Sea Star Apartment, with its fully stocked kitchen.