St Pete Beach Holidays

With an average of 360 sun-drenched days a year, St Pete Beach is often dubbed the Sun Capital of America. Its Gulf of Mexico setting means pristine beaches are in good supply, plus it’s bookended by a string of untouched barrier islands. As such, day-to-day life revolves around the great outdoors.

The beaches here merge into Clearwater to the north, forming one huge 28-mile stretch. Sun-drenched resorts like Madeira Beach, Treasure Island and Redington Shores add a crop of waterfront hotels in between. What they all share is a ribbon of uninterrupted snow-white sand and translucent waters fringed by a long ribbon of palms. The area’s spectacular sunsets are best watched from Pass-a-Grille Beach. This big, light-sand sweep is also prime dolphin-spotting territory.

The city stays true to its seaside locale, with a laid-back shopping and dining scene. Take a stroll down Corey Avenue, and you’ll come across beachwear shops, galleries and restaurants. And the streets come alive on Sunday with a bustling market. Colourful fruit and veg stalls rub shoulders with barbecue vendors, while local artisans tout their handmade jewellery and artwork.

When it comes to experiencing the thrills and spills of Florida’s world-famous theme parks, you’re in a great spot. Busch Gardens is a 50-minute drive away, while Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort™ can be reached in around an hour and a half. Turn your attention south, and you can tick off one of the state's cultural capitals – Sarasota – in 50 minutes' drive. The journey there takes you across the spectacular Sunshine Skyway Bridge, too, which arches for miles above Tampa Bay.