St. Pete Beach
St. Pete Beach
4.5
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Gorgeous, laid-back St. Pete Beach was voted TripAdvisor's No. 1 Beach in the U.S. and No. 5 in the world in 2021, based on millions of reviews from travelers around the world. When you visit this magical expanse of sand, you'll understand why.
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What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience St. Pete Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
220 within 3 miles
Attractions
111 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,258 reviews
Excellent
4,087
Very good
931
Average
157
Poor
45
Terrible
38
Nick B
11 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
This is by far the best beach destination we’ve been too in 20 years. We drove 11.5 hours to get here as opposed to the usually 6 hour drive to the beach and boy was it worth it. We are use to the crowds in the Florida panhandle and traffic being terrible and this was an amazing change from that. Drove everywhere in mild traffic. The beaches were not overrun with people and you could actually get into a restaurant without waiting 2 hours. I also like the fact that there is so much to do other than the beach and putt putt golf/go karts. Probably found our new beach vacation spot.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Garfieldluvr
Denver, CO807 contributions
Oct 2022
I went to St. Pete Beach for a few hours one morning for a walk. I parked at the parking lot called “St. Pete Beach Access” which has lot of spaces, restrooms, showers, and was not very expensive (you paid based on how long you were staying). The beach itself was lovely, full of seashells and even some (broken) sand dollars. I bet you could find some cool stuff early in the morning or at low tide. I walked about 5 miles down and back and found the beach to be very clean and peaceful. Lots of trashcans, benches, and even some rental companies for cabanas and chairs if that is your interest.
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bob
6 contributions
Jul 2021
St. Petes beach is a very nice white sand beach with easy access to a variety of hotels. A rocky Jedi and cove at one end of the beach lends itself to some interesting photo's and a place to sit off the sand late into the evening. Umbrella shelters are available for a reasonable rate through a few vendors as are a few boat excursions. The dolphin watch (short distance from the beach itself at a marina) allows almost a guaranteed look at these amazing creatures. Red tide was present during my visit, so unfortunately there was a fair amount of sealife that had perished at the shore line.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jrj
6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
So St Pete is a fun place with lots to do on the water and in town. Good restaurant scene downtown. I am writing to warn you about the parking meter situation. They don’t work well- won’t read a lot of credit cards and they try to get you to use an app called Parkmobile which is awful and does not work . This all seems like a scam to me to raise money for the city. Look at other reviews about this and the App. Beware !
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ERat
Bunker Hill, WV741 contributions
Aug 2021
We usually stay at a condo in St Pete Beach, but due to the red tide situation, we changed our plans and stayed in Orlando. We did drive to the beach since we were told by multiple people "Red Tide is gone! Everything is back to normal." DON'T FALL FOR IT. The effects of red tide is still very noticeable. The smell was horrible! Very glad that we didn't stay a week. Parking in the lot across from Publix is VERY expensive! It was $3.75 an hour. We arrived around 10am and planned to stay all day so I paid $31+ to park from 10am until 8pm. We left early due to the smell and the threat of thunderstorms. As a comparison, we also visited Cocoa Beach on the East Coast during our visit to Florida. We parked at Lori Wilson Park for FREE for the entire day! Not only was the parking free, but the beach umbrella and chair rentals were less expensive at Cocoa Beach too. We usually love St Pete Beach, but this year we were greatly disappointed.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shannon C
St. Petersburg, United States16 contributions
Jun 2022
Soft sand, gentle waves, beautiful rock jetties, convenient restaurant grill, volleyball nets, fishing, cabanas and lounges to rent...this beach has it all. Sunsets are the best part!
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vicky E
Sarasota, FL66 contributions
Jan 2020
This beach is easy to find and has tons of activities for folks of all ages. It did get a bit crowded right in front of the parking area once it reached noon time or so but we had no problem finding parking at 10AM on a sunny Saturday in January.
There are lots of cabanas and lounge chairs to rent plus all the water toys you could want. Lots of space for walking and a lovely jetty at one end with loads of pelicans that are fun to watch as they dive for fish etc.
Since it is located in a built up area the downside would be all the hotels and businesses that line the beach but the upside is that you have all of this stuff right at your fingertips...we didn't see a beachside cafe but Chick Fil-A was right across the street along with a Publix market so another great find to enjoy some fun in the sun for the day.
There are lots of cabanas and lounge chairs to rent plus all the water toys you could want. Lots of space for walking and a lovely jetty at one end with loads of pelicans that are fun to watch as they dive for fish etc.
Since it is located in a built up area the downside would be all the hotels and businesses that line the beach but the upside is that you have all of this stuff right at your fingertips...we didn't see a beachside cafe but Chick Fil-A was right across the street along with a Publix market so another great find to enjoy some fun in the sun for the day.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David L
Wilmington, DE847 contributions
Apr 2021
The sands are white and cool and the beach is expansive. The water is an emerald green and you can see aquatic life by ducking your head in the water. There are a handful of underused volleyball courts available for use. The parking is a little bit pricey. We arrived a little before noon and there was ample spots available. By the time we left around 4, most of the spots were gone.
My wife is a Destin fan, but Destin's a little harder to get to. She was sold on St. Pete's Beach, especially because the traffic around the area was much calmer than Destin.
My wife is a Destin fan, but Destin's a little harder to get to. She was sold on St. Pete's Beach, especially because the traffic around the area was much calmer than Destin.
Written May 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ERat
Bunker Hill, WV741 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We’ve been visiting St Pete Beach every year since 2013. Unfortunately, the area has lost its charm and we won’t be back anytime soon. The beach is still beautiful! The water is still warm and calm. But the influx of first time visitors, who’s rude and disrespectful attitudes, have made the area seem more like Daytona Beach instead of the laid-back beach town we used to visit. On at least three separate occasions, my family and I had to hear profanity laden remarks from nearby people. I guess it’s just a reflection of society today. Thanks for the memories St Pete Beach.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Seaside553879
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
We stayed at the beach last week for the first time and decided to come right back this weekend because it was so nice. Not crowded which was important due to COVID and the beach is just lovely. Great for family or couples. The strip in St Pete also wonderful with a variety of different restaurants and even Ice Cream shop (Larry’s) - definitely recommend busting Larry’s if you love ice cream they have over 80 flavors. We love this beach .
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I’m seeing that st Pete beach isn’t safe. What’s the real deal
rocioinga
LaBelle, FL20 contributions
In my personal experience, we had no issues nor anything that made me or my family feel unsafe. If it has changed since the last time we visited then I’d suggest not to spend too many, more than 3 days, at St Pete beach.
Passport48551681195
3 contributions
Dog friendly?
bob
6 contributions
When I visited, I did see at least one dog on the beach.
smg1971
Mendon, MA34 contributions
I’m not familiar with St Petersburg but I’d like to stay somewhere that’s not too crowded but close to restaurants. Redington? Treasure Island? Madeira? Broken Island? Any thoughts? Baha Shores?
Patricia M
7 contributions
We recently stayed in Treasure Island at Tropic Terrace and then the Bay Palms Waterside Resort. Both were excellent, not crowded because they are small. There are many high rises in the area. Tropic Terrace is in Treasure Island and the Bay Palms is 4 miles down the road in St. Petersburg.
I see that dogs used to not be allowed on the beach, but when looking up dog-friendly beaches St. Pete was listed. Has that changed? Anyone have any recent experience taking their dog to the public beach? Thanks!
Sunshine
North Canton, OH3 contributions
I have not taken my dogs because they were no5 traveling with me but I have seen many other dogs on the beach.
Dasha
90 contributions
im at st pete beach now and the water is really dark and has tons of seaweed. is this the norm ? or am i just in a bad spot ?
Ricrey1966
Montevideo Department, Uruguay58 contributions
Probably a temporary issue. Never seen that un Sr. Pete's. Allways niceband clear. Maybe try a different spot? Enjoy!
sparisoma
Silver Spring, MD48 contributions
If you’re not staying at a hotel, etc. in the immediate vicinity, is there any convenient place in the St. Pete Beach area to change clothing?
Irina
United States10,216 contributions
From what I know, there are no public restrooms right on St. Pete Beach.
But in St. Pete Beach area there are bars and restaurants, that are located on the beach, they have direct, public access from the beach, and they also have restrooms. For instance, Paradise Grille at 6850 Beach Plaza or Jimmy's Beach Bar and Bistro at 6200 Gulf Blvd - these two are at the northern part of St. Pete Beach.
Further south , there are some hotels and resorts with bars and restaurants, that also have public access, but I am not sure about hotel regulations, as far as the public use of their restrooms. But I imagine, if you are at a hotel bar - you'd be able to use a restroom.
St. Pete Beach stretches from north to south for over 4 miles, down to Pass a Grille, that yes, does have another Paradise Grille Bar at 900 Gulf Way, with public restrooms.
Enjoy your visit!
Jarbri
24 contributions
I am thinking of having a family vacation at St. Pete's beach. We are thinking of going in July or August...Is it terribly hot and humid and is there a problem with no see ums on the beach during the summer months...
kansaskristy
Mission, KS171 contributions
We had a wonderful time at the end of October. I am not familiar with being on that beach in July or August.
Hi everyone, I recently visited St. Pete Beach on holiday and thought it was great! I’d love to visit again (maybe for a bit longer) but would be a bit worried about hurricanes. Do you find them much of an issue there or do you think it’s a relatively safe place?
David Brodosi
St. Petersburg, FL195 contributions
I have lived here for 47 years. Never an issue. Yes, sure a storm or two will head our way, but for the most part all good.
prd102250
5 contributions
Is early October a good time to visit with young children?
ramonlozada
Cleveland, OH143 contributions
yes but might not be as hot to get in the water
Kristy C
Sugar Land, TX
Is the seaweed bad there right now? I'll be traveling there in a week and have seen news stories about the seaweed on Florida's beaches.
aaronjsdad1
Miami, FL78 contributions
Although the amount of seaweed which has washed up depends upon the recent tides and weather etc. The beaches are pretty clear right now!
St. Pete Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Pete Beach
- St. Pete Beach is open:
- Sat - Thu 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- We recommend booking St. Pete Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 St. Pete Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near St. Pete Beach:
- (0.03 mi) GW101 Gulf View Studio Alcove
- (0.13 mi) Postcard Inn On The Beach
- (0.11 mi) The Beachcomber St. Pete Beach Florida
- (0.13 mi) Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach
- (0.08 mi) Discover the Charm of St Pete Beach #3
- Restaurants near St. Pete Beach:
- (0.02 mi) Basil Leaf
- (0.02 mi) Agave Restaurant
- (0.02 mi) Slyce St. Pete Beach
- (0.04 mi) Odis mediterrean kitchen
- (0.09 mi) Larry's Ice Cream & Gelatos
- Attractions near St. Pete Beach:
- (0.06 mi) The Toy Barn
- (0.06 mi) Saltwater Kite & Paddle
- (0.20 mi) Swim With The Fishes
- (0.12 mi) Players Sports Bar Restaurant
- (0.12 mi) Finish Line Scooters