Welcome to Tampa Bay!
We know planning a trip can be overwhelming. We are delighted to host you and help you make lasting memories. Here are some local recommendations to enjoy during your stay.
Looking for something else? Reach out! We are happy to provide additional resources and recommendations.
Clearwater Beach to Pass-a-Grille Beach
The two airports that are closest to our beaches are the Tampa International Airport (TIA) and the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
There are 35 miles of beach along our 11 barrier islands. Don’t want to rent a car?
Explore the beaches from Clearwater Beach to Pass-a-Grille Beach and the beaches in between on the Suncoast Beach Trolley. Rates are very fair, and the trolley runs from approximately 5:20 a.m. until 10 p.m. (12:00 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays).
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
If you are looking for a fun land adventure, make your way to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and learn about marine life rescue. Visit with rescued dolphins, otters, and sea turtles, and hear about the life of arguably the most famous dolphin, Winter, who passed away in November 2021. Take a boat tour around Clearwater Bay, help a marine biologist gather food for sea turtles, or get a photo with a rare rough-toothed dolphin!
Sand Key Park
Looking for an incredible water view, expansive sand to spread out on, and a laid-back beach experience? Spend some time at Sand Key Park, located next to Clearwater Pass. The park offers many amenities, but be sure to pack a lunch as there is no retail or restaurants at the park.
Indian Rocks Beach
Is Indian Rocks Beach part of your stay? If not, it should be, or at least take a day trip there. The beach itself is fun and relaxing, not as bustling as Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, and offers a variety of dining and shopping options.
IRB (as the locals call it) hosts a variety of community events such as IRB Beach Fest in the spring, Greenfest, Hands Across the Sand, Taste of IRB in the fall, lighted boat parades, and beach clean-ups.
There are a variety of rental options, 20 beach access points, and a Beach Art Center that offers classes to the public. Visit the city’s website for the most up-to-date information on upcoming events.
George C. McGough Nature Park
If you are looking for a unique outdoor experience that’s fun for the whole family, you have to add George C. McGough Nature Park, otherwise known as the Turtle Park, to your itinerary!
Just over the bridge from Indian Rock Beach is a fun experience for kids and adults alike. Take a walk along the shady oak hammock, visit the nature center with live animal exhibits and hands-on activities for kids, or visit the Birds of Prey enclosures featuring rescued owls, hawks, falcons, and “Sarge” the Bald Eagle.
Take a ride on the zipline, walk through the butterfly garden, walk the boardwalk to the intracoastal waterway or the 0.9-mile recycled tire trail. Bring a lunch and eat at the picnic pavilions, and make sure to bring some coins to buy turtle food and feed the over 200 turtles on the Turtle Deck. More information is available HERE.
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Maderia Beach
Check out John’s Pass Village and the Boardwalk in Madeira Beach for good food, unique gifts, souvenirs, and entertainment.
John’s Pass is the perfect place to shop for your Florida souvenir, grab something to eat, and enjoy the sunset. Click the link below to learn more.
The Don CeSar
The infamous Pink Palace aka The Don CeSar is the jewel of the Gulf coast! Located directly on the white sands of St. Pete Beach this iconic hotel offers day and spa passes so you can enjoy the many amenities of the hotel and spa without having to be a guest of the hotel.
With multiple dining options and sweeping views of the Gulf, this special property is a must see!
Corey Area Shopping
Discover the Corey Area Shopping District on Corey Avenue, located between the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Ciega Bay in St. Pete Beach. Experience the unique boutiques, art, jewelry shops, clothing, and gift stores on Corey Ave.
Visitors can attend events year round, including wine tastings, festivals, parades, and the Sunday Morning Market (October through May), which features 80 vendors of fresh food, organic produce, crafts, and live music.
Pass-a-Grille’s Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
For our history buffs, make sure to check out Pass-a-Grille’s Gulf Beaches Historical Museum Virtual tour. The museum itself is located in what was the first church built on the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area barrier islands.
**Please note, the museum is closed at this time due to 2024 hurricane damage.**
Events Happening in St. Petersburg
When you have had enough sun & sand, check out some of the many events happening in St. Petersburg. Catch the Saturday Morning Market , the Second Saturday ArtWalk , the St. Pete Pride Festival in June, watch mural artists at work at SHINE, the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Arts Center, or Mainsail in the spring.
Whether you are looking for world-class cuisine, a robust arts scene, live music, or unique boutique shopping, St. Pete offers something for everyone.
Honeymoon Island
Is Dunedin, FL, on your itinerary? A quaint waterfront community that is home to some of the area’s best restaurants, craft breweries, fishing, boating, and the area’s #1 state park, Honeymoon Island and its neighbor, Caladesi Island. Located just a short trip north of Clearwater Beach, Dunedin has a walkable downtown and would make a fun day trip. Learn more about this hidden gem HERE.
St. Pete & Clearwater
St. Pete and Clearwater are consistently rated top beaches by TripAdvisor every year, and visitors agree! There is so much to do and see in each community your itinerary will be full. Check out the main visitor’s website for St. Pete & Clearwater HERE.
Orlando
It’s true: Orlando is a magical place. No one is too old, or too young, to wear Mickey ears or wave a wand and cackle in delight. For family fun, there are theme parks that tap into your love affairs with comic-book heroes and galaxies far, far away, and leave you screaming at every free fall and splashdown.
International Drive is 11 miles of sensory overload such as the Wheel at ICON Park and WonderWorks. Disney Springs combines shopping, food, attractions, and live entertainment.
A short ride from the bright lights are outdoors adventures such as 72-degree springs and airboat rides in the headwaters of the Everglades.