15 Best Things to Do in St. Pete Beach, Florida
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St. Pete Beach is one of those Tampa Bay spots I can go back to again and again and still be excited about it. The sand is soft, the sunsets are ridiculous, and the whole area has that easy beach-town feeling where your biggest decision might be whether you want a coffee, a cocktail, or a boat day first.
After living in the Tampa Bay area for over a decade, I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out the best things to do in St. Pete Beach beyond just showing up and hoping for a good parking spot. It’s one of my favorite day trips from Tampa, but it also has more than enough going on for a full beach weekend.
Whether you want to relax on the beach, bar hop, book a water adventure, eat seafood, explore nearby neighborhoods, or stay right on the sand, this guide breaks down the St. Pete Beach activities I’d actually recommend adding to your itinerary.
Things to Do in St. Pete Beach
1. Relax on the Beach
Let’s start with the obvious one. St. Pete Beach is made for a slow beach day: soft white sand, pretty Gulf water, and plenty of room to post up with snacks, a book, and absolutely no ambitious plans.
If you want the easiest (and cutest) setup possible, The Cabana Club or The Cabana Butlers are the way to go. They handle the cabana, chairs, and beach-day extras, which makes it perfect for birthdays, bachelorette trips, or any day where you want the beach to feel a little more fun.
If you’re staying near TradeWinds Island Resorts, you’ll also spot their huge inflatable waterslide right on the beach. Their floating water park is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check the current resort details before promising it to kids or your inner child.
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2. Spend the Day at The Don CeSar
Even if you’re not staying overnight, The Don CeSar is worth working into your St. Pete Beach day. The iconic Pink Palace is one of the most recognizable hotels in Florida, and between the Gulf-front views, dreamy pool scene, spa, restaurants, and photo-worthy architecture, it feels like a full experience all on its own.
If the room rate is not in the budget, ResortPass is such a good option. You can book a day pass and enjoy the pool and resort amenities without committing to a full overnight splurge!
3. Beach Bar Hop
One of the easiest ways to turn a beach day into a full St. Pete Beach experience is to add a few beach bars to the mix. Jimmy B’s is the classic lively option with live music and a crowd, while Coconut Charlie’s is one of my personal favorites for a more laid-back but still fun beach-bar vibe.
A lot of the beach bars around here have live music, games, frozen drinks, and that sandy-feet-are-welcome energy. I have a full guide to my favorite St. Pete Beach bars here if you want to build your own little crawl!
4. Florida Orange Groves Winery
When you need a break from the sun, head just off the beach to Florida Orange Groves Winery. It’s one of the most unique wineries in the Tampa Bay area because they make wine from tropical fruit instead of grapes.
The tasting is the fun part! You can sample everything from citrus and berry wines to slushie-style pours, and the flavors are way more playful than a traditional winery. If you’re feeling brave, try the Hot Sun tomato wine with a splash of Bloody Mary mix. It sounds questionable, but somehow it works.
Want even more wine inspiration? Check out my guide to the best wine bars in St. Pete!
5. Mastry’s Brewing Co.
If wine isn’t your thing, Mastry’s Brewing Co. is an easy stop for craft beer near the beach. It started as a small brewpub and has grown into a full brewery with a relaxed indoor-outdoor setup, food, live music, and a rotating mix of beer styles.
I like this as a casual afternoon stop when you want something low-key but still local. You’ll usually find easy-drinking options alongside richer beers like porters, and it’s a nice change of pace if you’ve already done the beach-bar thing.
Feeling adventurous? Head downtown for more amazing St. Pete breweries!
6. Drum Circle
The Sunday Drum Circle is one of those St. Pete Beach activities that feels very local and a little unexpected if you’ve never been. It usually happens near Gulf Front Park, and the whole thing has a free-spirited, sunset-on-the-beach kind of energy.
You’ll see people drumming, dancing, hanging out on blankets, and just soaking up the scene. I’d treat this as a casual sunset stop rather than something you need to plan your whole day around, but it’s one of the more unique things to do in St. Pete Beach if you’re nearby on a Sunday.
Heads-up if you’re bringing kids: the vibe is laid-back, but some attendees may be embracing Florida’s more “recreational” side.
7. Grove Surf & Coffee
Grove Surf & Coffee is one of my favorite coffee shops in St. Pete! It’s a coffee shop and surf-inspired boutique in one, so you can grab caffeine, browse cute beachwear, and pretend you are far more effortlessly coastal than you felt while trying to find parking.
If you’re starting your day in this part of town, it’s an easy first stop before the beach, Corey Avenue, or a slow morning of wandering.
They also have an adorable Indian Rocks Beach location, which I mention in my Indian Rocks Beach guide if you’re beach hopping farther north.
8. Enjoy Some Watersports
If you want your beach day to include something more exciting than lying perfectly still in the sun, book a water activity. Suncoast Watersports offers options like jet skiing, kayaking, banana boat rides, dolphin cruises, and parasailing right around St. Pete Beach.
My top pick is parasailing because the Gulf views from above are unreal. If that’s on your list, you can check parasailing availability here.
9. Sunday Market
If your trip falls on a Sunday, make time for the Corey Avenue Sunday Market. It’s a fun little morning stop with produce, baked goods, local art, jewelry, plants, gifts, food vendors, and live music.
The market typically runs 10 AM to 2 PM from October through May and 9 AM to 1 PM from June through September. Afterward, you can wander the boutiques and galleries along Corey Avenue or grab lunch nearby before heading back to the sand.
10. Boat Tour
A boat day is one of my favorite things to do in St. Pete Beach because it gives you access to places like Shell Key and the surrounding barrier islands. One of the best boat tours in St. Pete, especially if you have a crew, is Blind Pass Boat & Jet Ski Rental.
We saw dolphins, explored Shell Key, found sand dollars, and even made a bar stop for jello shots, which felt very on-brand for a Florida boat day! Another great option is this 2-hour dolphin and snorkel cruise, departing from nearby Tierra Verde.
11. Unique Kayak Tour
If you want something active and scenic, this clear kayak tour around Shell Key Preserve is a fun way to get out on the water, look for wildlife, and see the area from a slower, quieter perspective.
For something more unique, book a nighttime tour with Sharkey’s Glass Bottom Tours. You paddle in LED-lit glass-bottom kayaks, which makes it feel a little more special than your standard daytime paddle.
12. Enjoy the Fresh Catch
A beach day is always better with seafood somewhere in the plan. For waterfront dining, Shrimpys Blues Bistro is a fun casual option with water views, and Brass Monkey is one of the best restaurants in Pass-a-Grille if you want seafood with Gulf views.
If you care more about good food than being directly on the water, Shells is solid. It’s not beachfront, but it’s reliable, casual, and has amazing crab legs!
13. Catch Sunset and Go Shelling in Pass-a-Grille
Pass-a-Grille is technically part of St. Pete Beach, but it feels like its own little world. It’s quieter, charming, and one of my favorite areas for a sunset walk or shelling stroll. The beaches here can be amazing for finding pretty shells, sand dollars, and little Gulf treasures, especially after stronger tides or earlier in the morning before the beach gets busier.
I love this area when I want a slower beach moment. Grab a spot on the sand, wander Gulf Way, pop into the little shops, or pair sunset with dinner or drinks nearby. If you’re already planning to eat in the area, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Pass-a-Grille.
14. Explore Downtown St. Pete
If you have extra time, downtown St. Pete is one of my favorite areas near St. Pete Beach. It’s usually about a 20–minute drive depending on traffic, and you can also use the SunRunner if you want to skip driving and parking.
This is where I’d go for a more city-style day: walk the St. Pete Pier, visit The Dalí Museum, mural hop around Central Avenue, shop local boutiques, grab coffee, explore bookstores, or plan a full food and cocktail night. Downtown St. Pete has such a different energy from the beach, which is why I love pairing the two together for a weekend.
If you want to make a day of it, I have full guides to the best things to do in downtown St. Pete, downtown St. Pete restaurants, and downtown St. Pete bars!
15. Spend a Few Hours in Gulfport
Gulfport is another nearby area I love, and it’s only about a 10- to 15-minute drive from St. Pete Beach. It has a colorful, artsy, slightly quirky feel with waterfront views, local shops, casual bars, and restaurants that make it perfect for a low-key afternoon or dinner plan.
Walk around the waterfront district, browse the little shops, check for local markets or art events, grab a drink, and absolutely consider dinner at Pia’s if you want a cozy Italian meal. Their handmade pasta and grilled calamari are so good!
Where to Stay in St. Pete Beach
If you’re turning your St. Pete Beach day trip into a weekend getaway, where you stay matters a lot. Some hotels are directly on the sand, while others are across Gulf Boulevard or closer to the Intracoastal, so always check the exact location before booking.
Here are a few beachfront St. Pete Beach hotels I recommend:
- The Don CeSar – If you’ve ever dreamed of staying at Florida’s famous Pink Palace, this is the place. Between the stunning Gulf views, luxurious amenities, and rich history, it’s an unforgettable stay!
- TradeWinds Island Resort – Best for families or anyone who wants a bigger resort with beachfront activities, restaurants, pools, and plenty to do without leaving the property.
- Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach – A nice middle-ground beachfront option with Coconut Charlie’s right there, which is a huge perk if you want an easy beach bar situation.
You can also compare available St. Pete Beach hotels for your dates here. Prices change a lot based on season, weekends, and events, so I always recommend checking your exact dates before getting attached to one property!
A Quick Note Before You Go
Parking on St. Pete Beach can get expensive and annoying, especially on weekends and during peak season. The city currently uses ParkMobile, and rates are higher Friday through Sunday, with an additional seasonal surcharge from February through April.
If you’re coming from downtown St. Pete, consider taking the SunRunner. It connects downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach, and it can save you from circling for a spot when everyone else had the exact same beach-day idea.
Which of these St. Pete Beach activities are you checking out first?
St. Pete Beach is one of those places that can be as relaxed or as packed as you want it to be. I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect beach day or weekend getaway, and I’d love to know which of these St. Pete Beach activities you’re checking out first!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
Delicious Wine Bars in St. Pete
