St. Pete Beach: The Perfect Florida Getaway for Sun, Culture and Family Adventure
If you’re dreaming of a Florida escape that blends soft white sand, family‑friendly adventure, and a thriving arts scene, St. Pete Beach delivers all of that and more. This Gulf Coast gem has long been beloved for its laid‑back charm, warm hospitality, and postcard‑worthy sunsets — and today, the region feels more vibrant than ever. After recent restoration efforts, the community looks refreshed and fully ready to welcome visitors from across Canada and around the world.
Sirata Beach Resort: A Fresh Take on a Gulf Coast Classic
Our home base was the Sirata Beach Resort, a beachfront favourite that recently completed a $25‑million renovation. Now part of Hilton’s Honors Program, the updated guest rooms, lobby, and fitness centre feel modern and bright while still maintaining the relaxed, toes‑in‑the‑sand vibe that makes Sirata so appealing to families.
The south side pool, directly beside the Rum Runner Bar and Grill, has lounge chairs and cabanas availble for rented.
Two lively pool areas anchor the property. The north pool features a bar, fire pit, and playful wicker swing chairs, while the south pool offers cabanas and direct access to the Rum Runner Bar & Grill, a casual spot where sandy‑footed and sun‑soaked guests can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner without ever leaving the resort. Steps from the surf, Sirata makes it easy to unplug and enjoy quality time together.
Deep‑Sea Adventure at John’s Pass
Hubbard’s Marina has been operating its excursions from John’s Pass since 1928. It’s the place to go for fishing, dolphin watching, accessing the barrier islands and more.
A short 15‑minute drive north brings you to John’s Pass, a waterfront village where fishing boats, pelicans, and seafood shacks create a postcard‑perfect Florida scene. We joined Hubbard’s Marina for a five‑hour deep‑sea fishing excursion led by the experienced Hubbard crew, whose family has been running these trips for generations.
Dolphins leapt in our wake as we cruised 10 miles offshore, and soon lines were dropping for grey snapper and porgies. Everyone caught something — a point of pride for the crew — and back at the dock, staff filleted our fish with impressive speed.
Most visitors, ourselves included, take their fresh catch next door to the Friendly Fisherman Seafood Restaurant, where it’s cooked to perfection. With seagulls circling and boats drifting in and out of the marina, it’s a quintessential Gulf Coast experience.
A Nighttime Glow on the Water
Back at Sirata, we enjoyed an afternoon on the beach before heading fifteen minutes south to join Get Up and Go Kayaking for a nighttime clear‑bottom tour of Shell Key Preserve. Our guide, Jenna, a marine biology graduate, led us across shallow waters where the lights beneath our kayaks illuminated seagrass, darting fish, and the intricate root systems of mangroves.
Setting off for a night paddle through the mangroves at Shell Key.
She explained how mangroves act as natural storm protectors, absorbing wave energy and stabilizing the coastline. Shell Key’s mangroves protected the Terra Verda shores, which remained untouched, while neighbouring beaches show subtle reminders of the September 2024 storm. Despite this, the overall impression is one of resilience. Everywhere we went, the message was clear: the region is open, thriving, and eager to welcome visitors.
After paddling, we opted for dinner at Billy’s Stone Crab & Seafood, a local favourite right at the kayak launch. It was a Thursday night, and the place was hopping, a band playing upstairs, and that lively, slightly chaotic energy you only get in a spot locals genuinely love.
Downstairs, we grabbed a table in the vintage, old‑Florida dining room overlooking the water, where the fresh Florida Stone Crab, sweet, cold, and perfectly cracked, tasted even better after an evening on the water.
Art, Culture & Colour in Downtown St. Petersburg
A short drive inland brought us to downtown St. Petersburg, a cultural hub anchored by the world‑renowned Salvador Dalí Museum. The city’s commitment to the arts is evident everywhere — from The Chihuly Collection with its mesmerizing glass installations at the the Morean Arts Centre and Glass Studio to the live glass‑blowing demonstrations across the street. The area also includes many galleries, shops, and murals.
FloridaRAMA in St. Pete’s Beach was one of the local buildings to benefit from mural at the 2025 SHINE Mural Festival.
During our visit, the SHINE Mural Festival was in full swing. Artists from around the world transformed blank walls into massive, vibrant works of public art. One of the standout beneficiaries was FloridaRAMA, an immersive art attraction created by more than 80 local and international artists. Part museum, part funhouse, part surreal playground — think visual arts, lighting arts, video, and sound, all combined into a wacky, fun activity that the whole family will love.
Designed by architect Yann Weymouth, the Dalí Museum features a striking geodesic glass bubble known as the “Enigma.” Inside, beyond the masterpieces, visitors are treated to equally surreal architectural touches, including the museum’s iconic helical staircase.
After exploring downtown, we cooled off at The St. Pete Pier, a sprawling 26‑acre waterfront park with a splash pad, beach, food vendors, and panoramic views of Tampa Bay. The Driftwood Café and the rooftop bar at Teak Restaurant offer some of the bestviews over Tampa Bay.
The view from Teak Restaurant at the end of the St. Pete Pier, where elevated casual dining comes with a stunning look back at the St. Petersburg skyline.
Dinner at Malio’s Beach House
Back on St. Pete Beach, we capped one evening with dinner at Malio’s Beach House, a polished yet relaxed waterfront restaurant known for its elevated take on coastal dining. The space strikes a balance between modern and comfortable, with low lighting, warm wood accents.
Malio’s is well‑regarded for its steaks and fresh seafood, and the menu reflects that reputation — thoughtful dishes prepared with care, generous portions, and a focus on quality ingredients. Service is attentive without being intrusive, and the staff bring a genuine warmth that adds to the experience. Our meal was beautifully paced, flavourful, and exactly what you want after a day in the sun: refined but not fussy, satisfying without being heavy. It’s the kind of place you immediately add to your “must‑return” list.
Why St. Pete Beach Belongs on Your Travel List
St. Pete Beach is more than a sunny escape — it’s a destination that blends natural beauty, family‑friendly adventure, and a thriving arts scene. The community’s recent revitalization has only added to its appeal, and the warm welcome from locals makes the experience even more memorable.
Whether you’re building sandcastles, paddling through glowing waters, exploring world‑class museums, or simply watching the sun melt into the Gulf, St. Pete Beach delivers the kind of memories that linger long after you’re home.
Header image: Courtesy of VisitStPeteClearwater.com
