Gulf Coast Beaches

St. Petersburg is surrounded by 244 miles of shoreline along Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and intracoastal waterways. The tropical climate, plentiful fresh water springs, and fish-filled Gulf waters attracted the Tocabaga, the early indigenous people of the area, to the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, centuries of European conquest and colonization wiped out native populations throughout Florida, including the Tocabaga. But the very same things that drew the Tocobaga would also draw future waves of settlers.

In the late 1800’s, more and more people settled in Pinellas County’s thriving communities of Disston City (current day Gulfport), Tarpon Springs and St. Petersburg. They ventured to the barrier islands’ pristine sandy beaches and warm Gulf waters. The barrier islands became “Tampa’s playground” when the Tampa & Gulf Coast Railroad built a spur from Tampa to the beach in 1914.  Tampans flocked to their newly discovered paradise. It wouldn’t be long before real civilization poked its head around the corner with a steady eye on the beaches.

In 1916, Pinellas County constructed a brick road from Pass-a-Grille to Blind Pass (today’s Gulf Blvd.). It was originally planned to connect with a bridge from the mainland but sat for many years mostly unused. It wasn’t until 1918 that the first wooden toll bridge was built, making the barrier island beaches accessible by car. This easier access greatly contributed to the area becoming a popular vacation spot for tourists and residents alike.

With open access to the beach came development. At first, mostly just small cottages, small businesses and a few permanent residences. However, in 1925, Thomas Rowe began to build the Don CeSar Hotel. When opened in 1928, the “rich and famous” and wealthy patrons flocked to the hotel to relax and be pampered along the Gulf Coast’s beautiful white sand beaches. Painted a bright pink, the Don CeSar remains a landmark for the beach community.

The Don CeSar

The Depression era brought hard times for the Don CeSar, the Gulf Beaches and all of Pinellas County. But following World War II, a new generation of ex-G.I.’s and their baby boom families re-discovered the wonders of the barrier island beaches, and the entire area entered another period of rapid growth and development, that remains ongoing.

Today, the barrier islands continue to entice visitors and residents with 35 miles of white sugar-sand beaches. In fact, three of Tripadvisor’s top beaches in the U.S. are located here in St. Pete/Clearwater! With so many wonderful beaches to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect beach for you.

(From North to South)

Clearwater Beach - Named No. 1 in the U.S. on TripAdvisor's list of Top Beaches for 2019, 2018 and 2016, in part due to its Beautiful white sands and clear, shallow water. But Clearwater Beach also offers much more, from Beach Walk Promenade, to Pier 60, to great restaurants and entertainment sure to please the whole family.

Indian Shores & Indian Rocks Beach - The small communities of Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach are not as developed and crowded as some of the neighboring beaches. There are still gorgeous white-sand beaches, and locally owned eateries and shops, quaint attractions, but Indian Shores and Indian Rocks Beach are a bit slower, like the beaches your grandparents remember.

North Redington Beach,  Redington Beach & Redington Shores - These three beaches are mostly residential communities of beachfront condos and single-family homes. You won’t find large crowds or an active beach, but you will find plenty of rest and relaxation.

Madiera Beach - Madeira Beach was named the No. 9 Beach in the U.S. by Tripadvisor for 2021. Madiera Beach is highly-rated for its 2.5 miles of beautiful beaches waiting for you to stroll, swim or relax & sunbathe. You can enjoy fishing from Madiera Beach’s rocky southern point, or spend the day at John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk, a rustic waterfront complex with over 100 shops, restaurants and water recreation businesses. Madiera Beach strikes the perfect balance between tourist destination and small-town appeal.

Treasure Island - Lore has it that an early hotel owner "discovered" a couple of wooden chests on the beach (after he buried them there). The hotelier claimed that the chests were filled with "treasure." The news of a “Treasure Island” quickly spread, and the name stuck.

Today’s treasure is the town’s three miles of white, sandy beaches, pristine waters, family-friendly activities, and plenty of great restaurants.

 St. Pete Beach - Just visit gorgeous St. Pete Beach and you’ll understand why it was voted Tripadvisor’s No. 1 Beach in the U.S., and No. 5 in the world, in 2021!  St. Pete Beach is also home to “The Pink Palace”, the historical Don CeSar Hotel.

Pass-a-Grille Beach - For a truly care-free beach day, head to Pass-a-Grille Beach, a small beach community on the south end of St. Pete Beach. Be sure to stick around for the nightly sunset celebration, when one lucky beach-goer gets to ring a bell at the exact moment the sun sinks into the Gulf.

Shell Key, Ft. Desoto Beach & Egmont Key - Take in the impressive Gulf waters, and the impressive view of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, go snorkeling on Egmont Key, or enjoy the natural scenes at Fort De Soto Park. Stretching over the five islands that make up the park are numerous beaches with picnic areas, hiking trails, and a fishing pier. Make sure to save the time to explore the eerie remains of the 19th century fort.