The better of Florida’s Gulf Coast seashores, and past

Fringed by the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, St Pete-Clearwater is famend for its lengthy stretches of white, powder-soft sand and a local weather that guarantees extra sunshine than most locations within the US. But past its glistening shoreline, this laid-back Floridian peninsula provides a mixture of art-centric cities, nature parks and a flourishing craft beer scene — making it simply as rewarding inland as it’s alongside the coast.

In downtown St. Petersburg, simply seven miles from the seaside, impartial breweries sit alongside main establishments akin to The Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Just a brief distance away on close by uninhabited islands, boardwalk trails weave by mangrove thickets and pine forests, providing a glimpse of the area’s wilder facet.

Here are 5 must-do experiences that showcase the perfect of St Pete-Clearwater’s shoreline — and what lies past.

Clearwater Beach                      

With turquoise waters lapping at sugar-white sands, it’s simple to see why Clearwater Beach constantly ranks among the many world’s finest. Dolphins — and infrequently manatees — are sometimes noticed within the shallows, whereas sandpipers strut the shoreline, scattered with elaborate sandcastles beneath rows of brightly-coloured umbrellas. Once the solar units, Pier 60 — a 1,080ft-long boardwalk with memento outlets, road performers and seafood eating places — attracts each locals and guests with its huge views throughout the Gulf, making it a well-liked spot for a seaside stroll.

Don’t miss: For a change of surroundings, head simply over seven miles inland to BayCare Ballpark. Home to the Philadelphia Phillies throughout spring coaching and the minor-league Clearwater Threshers the remainder of the 12 months, it guarantees a stellar sport of baseball practically year-round — the right place to expertise a slice of Americana first-hand.

Indian Rocks Beach                            

Just south of Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach stretches alongside the barrier island of Sand Key, providing a slower tempo and a extra residential really feel. Its two miles of powder-fine sands are dotted with easy-access entry factors, providing loads of quiet spots to settle in for a day of sunbathing on the shore. Indian Rocks is likely one of the earliest coastal settlements in Tampa Bay and nonetheless retains a lot of its authentic character with pastel-toned, low-rise seaside cottages and family-run seafood joints akin to Crabby Bill’s — an area favorite for 40 years that’s recognized for its legendary grouper sandwiches, served with Old Bay fries and slaw.

Don’t miss: Just a 10-minute drive inland brings you to Florida Botanical Gardens, an oasis with 100 acres of tropical greenery. Criss-crossed by shaded pathways, the park options all the things from butterfly-filled clearings and fruit plantations to the beach-inspired Palm Garden that’s backdropped by trickling fountains.

Caladesi Island State Park

The Caladesi Island Ferry carries intrepid beachgoers to certainly one of Florida’s few remaining undeveloped barrier islands — a distant state park simply 20 minutes by boat from Clearwater Beach. With three miles of unspoiled shoreline, Caladesi provides a serene escape that feels far faraway from close by cities of Dunedin and Clearwater. The seaside itself is scattered with delicate shells, whereas inland, the island’s 650 acres are lined with swathes of mangrove swamps and slash pine forests, house to wading birds akin to brown pelicans, which nest right here year-round.

Don’t miss: The Caladesi Island Trail is a delicate three-mile loop that winds by pine flatwoods, sabal palms and coastal swamps. Keep a watch out for gopher tortoises, a threatened Florida native that may reside as much as 60 years within the wild and is likely one of the oldest residing species on the earth.

St Pete Beach

Just west of St Petersburg lies the barrier island house to St Pete Beach — a playful, vigorous stretch of Gulf Coast lined with beachside resorts, seafood eating places and reside music bars. Whether claiming a spot on the sand at Upham Beach, on the quieter northern tip, or gearing up for a sport of seaside volleyball at Island Grand at TradeWinds resort, this can be a place for embracing St Pete-Clearwater’s year-round sunshine.

Don’t miss: After a day within the emerald-green waters, find time for a go to to Mastry’s Brewing Co, the primary and solely microbrewery on St Pete Beach. Housed in a former fuel station simply off Blind Pass Road, it’s recognized for small-batch beers that blend conventional brewing types with daring, international flavours. On faucet, anticipate all the things from a darkish, Mexican-style lager to a lemon-drop infused tropical IPA — certainly one of greater than 15 rotating home brews.

Madeira Beach

Affectionately referred to as ‘Mad Beach’ by locals, Madeira Beach extends for greater than two miles alongside the Gulf coast, simply north of St Pete Beach. Having retained the appeal of a small seaside city regardless of its recognition, this pristine stretch of white sand — backed by dunes — exudes a relaxed environment, laced with the nostalgia of Florida’s conventional seaside villages. From the seaside, guests can set out on a dolphin cruise from Hubbard’s Marina, solid strains for redfish, snook and sea trout or soar above water on parasails, whereas admiring the quiet, uncrowded shores beneath.

Don’t miss: At the southern tip, John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is a restored fishing village the place picket walkways meander previous seafood stalls, seaside bars and boutique outlets promoting browsing gear, jewelry and John’s Pass souvenirs. From right here, guests can rent boats or jet skis for sundown excursions earlier than later absorbing the pleasant, Old Florida environment alongside the boardwalk.