12/2025
Top 10 Things to Do in St. Pete Beach, FL 🌴 (2025 Local Guide)
St. Pete Beach blends award-winning white sand beaches with rooftop lounges, iconic hotels, live music beach bars, and Old Florida charm. As a local, I put together the ultimate insider guide — packed with real addresses, website links, hours, and the spots visitors actually want to experience.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in St. Pete Beach revolve around its white sand beaches, rooftop sunset spots, beach bars with live music, and waterfront experiences. Top highlights include visiting Pass-a-Grille, enjoying rooftop lounges like Level 11, spending time at iconic resorts like The Don CeSar, booking dolphin cruises or watersports, and exploring Corey Avenue and local restaurants. It’s a mix of laid-back beach time, nightlife, and classic Gulf Coast scenery.
1. Rooftop Bars & Sunset Lounges 🌅
Level 11 Rooftop Lounge (Bellwether Resort)
5250 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Hours: 4 PM – 11 PM daily
Website: Bellwether Level 11
Local Tip: Best elevated sunset view on the beach — upscale vibe.
360° Rooftop Lounge (Hotel Zamora)
3701 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Hours vary — typically open evenings
Website: 360° Rooftop
Local Tip: Quiet, romantic, and less crowded than other rooftops.
The Hurricane Rooftop Bar (Pass-a-Grille)
809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Website: Hurricane Pass-a-Grille
Local Tip: One of the most iconic sunset platforms in Tampa Bay.
2. Live Music & Beach Bars 🎶🍹
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar
6200 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Hours: 11 AM – 3 AM
Website: jimmybsbeachbar.com
Known for live bands every day, waterfront stage, and sunset toasts.
Postcard Inn (PCI) Tiki Bars
6300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: postcardinn.com
Local Tip: Open to the public — tons of visitors don't know this.
Sirata Beach Resort Tiki Bars
5300 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: sirata Hotel
Live music, fire pits, and a casual beachfront atmosphere.
Undertow Beach Bar
3850 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: undertowbeachbar.com
Local Tip: Best people-watching spot on the sand.
3. Iconic St. Pete Beach Hotels 🏨
The Don CeSar (The Pink Palace)
3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: thedoncesar.com
Built in 1928 — famous for Gatsby-era luxury, waterfront dining, a world-class spa, and unmatched history.
Tradewinds Island Resorts
5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: tradewindsresort.com
Massive beachfront resort with waterslides, cabanas, aquabikes, and family activities.
Sirata Beach Resort — Family-friendly, lively beachfront energy.
Alden Suites — Laid-back beach access.
Postcard Inn — Retro surf aesthetic; great for nightlife.
4. Explore Historic Pass-a-Grille 🏝️
Pass-a-Grille is one of the most charming Old Florida districts left in the region.
Highlights:
- 8th Ave restaurants + boutiques
- Rooftop sunset drinks at The Hurricane
- Historic fishing pier
- Quiet beaches with fewer crowds
5. Dolphin Cruises & Watersports 🐬⛵
Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center
4737 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: dolphinlandings.com
Offers sunset sails, dolphin trips, shell cruises, charters.
Parasailing, Jet Skis & Paddleboards
Available from Sirata, Tradewinds, and independent vendors all along the beach.
6. Local Restaurants Worth Visiting 🍤
Crabby Bill’s St. Pete Beach
5100 Gulf Blvd
Website: https://stpetecrabbybills.com/
Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill
677 75th Ave
Website: https://buoyswaterfrontbar.com/
Bongos Beach Bar (Bellwether)
5250 Gulf Blvd
Website: bongosbeachbar.com
7. Corey Avenue Sunday Market 🛍️
Corey Avenue Market
300 Corey Ave, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Website: coreyave.com
Local Tip: Great place to shop, grab coffee, hear live music, and experience the local community.
8. Best Public Beach Access Points 🏖️
St. Pete Beach has multiple easy-to-park, easy-to-walk beach access spots:
- Upham Beach Park — 6850 Beach Plaza
- Public Access by 4700 Gulf Blvd — Near Sirata
- Pass-a-Grille Beach Access — 22nd–9th Ave
9. Nightlife in St. Pete Beach 🌙
- Jimmy B’s — daily live music
- PCI — DJs + beachfront tiki bars
- Level 11 — upscale rooftop
- Undertow — beachfront energy
- Hurricane Rooftop — Pass-a-Grille sunsets
10. Insider Local Tips 💡
- Most beachfront hotel tiki bars are open to the public — Serrata, PCI, Alden, Tradewinds.
- Best sunset spot: Level 11 or Pass-a-Grille.
- Best parking: Corey Ave, Upham Beach, Pass-a-Grille meters.
- Visit early morning for dolphins along the shoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Pete Beach, FL
Is there anything to do in St Pete Beach?
Yes — St. Pete Beach offers much more than just sand and sunsets. Visitors can enjoy rooftop bars, live music venues, beachfront restaurants, dolphin cruises, parasailing, paddleboarding, historic Pass-a-Grille, the Corey Avenue Market, and multiple public beach access points. It works well for both a laid-back beach day and a full weekend itinerary.
Where are the pink streets in St. Petersburg, FL?
The Pink Streets are in southwest St. Petersburg, not in St. Pete Beach. This neighborhood is known for its distinctive pink-colored streets and Old Florida character. It is a residential area popular for its charm, waterfront access, and unique local identity.
What to do today in St. Petersburg, FL?
If you are in the St. Petersburg area today, a beach day in St. Pete Beach is one of the easiest options. You can spend time on the sand, grab lunch at a waterfront restaurant, visit Pass-a-Grille, catch sunset from a rooftop bar, shop around Corey Avenue, or book a dolphin cruise or watersports activity.
What is there to do on the water in St. Pete?
There are plenty of ways to get on the water around St. Pete Beach and nearby St. Petersburg. Popular options include dolphin cruises, sunset sails, fishing charters, parasailing, jet skis, paddleboarding, kayaking, and private boat rentals. Many visitors also enjoy simply walking the shoreline and watching for dolphins near the beach.
Is St. Pete Beach worth visiting?
Yes — St. Pete Beach is absolutely worth visiting if you want wide Gulf beaches, beautiful sunsets, casual beach bars, walkable pockets like Pass-a-Grille, and a more laid-back coastal feel. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in the Tampa Bay area for both visitors and second-home buyers.
What is the nicest part of St. Pete Beach?
Many people consider Pass-a-Grille the nicest part of St. Pete Beach because of its historic charm, quieter beach atmosphere, local restaurants, boutique feel, and classic Old Florida character. Other visitors prefer the central resort area along Gulf Boulevard for its beach bars, hotels, and lively energy.
Is St. Pete nicer than Clearwater?
That depends on what you want. Many people prefer St. Pete and St. Pete Beach for a more local, artsy, and relaxed vibe, while Clearwater is often seen as more tourist-driven and busier. St. Pete tends to appeal more to buyers and visitors looking for character, neighborhoods, nightlife, and a broader mix of lifestyle options.
What is the best month to visit St. Pete Beach?
March, April, and November are often considered some of the best times to visit St. Pete Beach because the weather is warm, beach-friendly, and generally less intense than peak summer. Winter also brings beautiful weather, while summer offers the hottest temperatures and the highest chance of afternoon storms.
Living in St. Pete Beach
If you’re exploring St. Pete Beach beyond a weekend visit, here are helpful local guides:
- Living in St. Petersburg
- Sand Key to St. Pete Beach Guide
- St. Pete Beach Area Page
- Treasure Island Area Page
If you're thinking about buying or selling in St. Pete Beach, I can help you navigate flood rules, insurance, waterfront value, and investment returns.
Your Local Real Estate Advisor
Todd Howard, Realtor® | Charles Rutenberg Realty
GRI • RENE • PSA • SRS • ABR
Serving Pinellas County since 2018
Phone: (727) 304-3398
Email: toddhowardpa@gmail.com
