The best of Florida's Gulf Coast beaches, and beyond

Fringed by the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, St Pete-Clearwater is renowned for its long stretches of white, powder-soft sand and a climate that promises more sunshine than most places in the US. But beyond its glistening shoreline, this laid-back Floridian peninsula offers a mix of art-centric cities, nature parks and a flourishing craft beer scene — making it just as rewarding inland as it is along the coast.

In downtown St. Petersburg, just seven miles from the beach, independent breweries sit alongside major institutions such as The Dalí Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Just a short distance away on nearby uninhabited islands, boardwalk trails weave through mangrove thickets and pine forests, offering a glimpse of the region’s wilder side.

Here are five must-do experiences that showcase the best of St Pete-Clearwater's coastline — and what lies beyond.

Clearwater Beach                      

With turquoise waters lapping at sugar-white sands, it’s easy to see why Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among the world’s best. Dolphins — and occasionally manatees — are often spotted in the shallows, while sandpipers strut the shoreline, scattered with elaborate sandcastles beneath rows of brightly-coloured umbrellas. Once the sun sets, Pier 60 — a 1,080ft-long boardwalk with souvenir shops, street performers and seafood restaurants — draws both locals and visitors with its vast views across the Gulf, making it a popular spot for a seaside stroll.

Don’t miss: For a change of scenery, head just over seven miles inland to BayCare Ballpark. Home to the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training and the minor-league Clearwater Threshers the rest of the year, it promises a stellar game of baseball nearly year-round — the perfect place to experience a slice of Americana first-hand.

Indian Rocks Beach                            

Just south of Clearwater Beach, Indian Rocks Beach stretches along the barrier island of Sand Key, offering a slower pace and a more residential feel. Its two miles of powder-fine sands are dotted with easy-access entry points, offering plenty of quiet spots to settle in for a day of sunbathing on the shore. Indian Rocks is one of the earliest coastal settlements in Tampa Bay and still retains much of its original character with pastel-toned, low-rise beach cottages and family-run seafood joints such as Crabby Bill’s — a local favourite for 40 years that’s known 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 features everything 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 one of Florida’s few remaining undeveloped barrier islands — a remote state park just 20 minutes by boat from Clearwater Beach. With three miles of unspoiled shoreline, Caladesi offers a serene escape that feels far removed from nearby cities of Dunedin and Clearwater. The beach itself is scattered with delicate shells, while inland, the island’s 650 acres are covered with swathes of mangrove swamps and slash pine forests, home to wading birds such as brown pelicans, which nest here year-round.

Don’t miss: The Caladesi Island Trail is a gentle three-mile loop that winds through pine flatwoods, sabal palms and coastal swamps. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, a threatened Florida native that can live up to 60 years in the wild and is one of the oldest living species in the world.

St Pete Beach

Just west of St Petersburg lies the barrier island home to St Pete Beach — a playful, lively stretch of Gulf Coast lined with beachside resorts, seafood restaurants and live music bars. Whether claiming a spot on the sand at Upham Beach, on the quieter northern tip, or gearing up for a game of beach volleyball at Island Grand at TradeWinds resort, this is a place for embracing St Pete-Clearwater’s year-round sunshine.

Don’t miss: After a day in the emerald-green waters, make time for a visit to Mastry’s Brewing Co, the first and only microbrewery on St Pete Beach. Housed in a former gas station just off Blind Pass Road, it’s known for small-batch beers that mix traditional brewing styles with bold, global flavours. On tap, expect everything from a dark, Mexican-style lager to a lemon-drop infused tropical IPA — one of more than 15 rotating house brews.

Madeira Beach

Affectionately known as ‘Mad Beach’ by locals, Madeira Beach extends for more than two miles along the Gulf coast, just north of St Pete Beach. Having retained the charm of a small beach town despite its popularity, this pristine stretch of white sand — backed by dunes — exudes a relaxed atmosphere, laced with the nostalgia of Florida's traditional seaside villages. From the beach, visitors can set out on a dolphin cruise from Hubbard’s Marina, cast lines for redfish, snook and sea trout or soar above water on parasails, while admiring the quiet, uncrowded shores below.

Don’t miss: At the southern tip, John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk is a restored fishing village where wooden walkways meander past seafood stalls, beach bars and boutique shops selling surfing gear, jewellery and John’s Pass souvenirs. From here, visitors can hire boats or jet skis for sunset excursions before later soaking up the friendly, Old Florida atmosphere along the boardwalk.