Seaside fun at Saint Pete Beach vacation home rentals
Saint Pete Beach is one of the locales where Florida truly lives up to its moniker as the Sunshine State—the sun shines on this Gulf Coast town literally all year long, making it the ideal spot to get that glowing tan. Mid-century Saint Pete Beach vacation rentals and long-running establishments evoke an unmistakable Old Florida feel, but don't mistake it for a sleepy town. Come nightfall, head for one of the beach bars, where you can drink tiki cocktails and make merry with the locals well into the wee hours of the morning.
Attractions near Saint Pete Beach vacation rentals
At the southern end of Saint Pete Beach lies the Pass-a-Grille Historic District. The community's first church building now houses the volunteer-run Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, where old photos, vintage postcards, and various artifacts piece together a visual history of Florida's barrier islands. Before leaving the musuem, make sure to pick up a brochure for a self-guided walking tour of Pass-a-Grille—there are plenty of historic buildings to see in this part of town. Touted as one of America's shortest Main Streets, 8th Avenue is a charming row of small art galleries and quaint boutiques.
Things to do near Saint Pete Beach vacation homes
Not to be confused with the nearby buzzing city of St. Petersburg, Saint Pete Beach is much more laid-back, so it's perfect for beach bumming. It's also an ideal getaway for avid anglers casting their nets wide in search of varied fishing opportunities. Hire a charter boat for access to inshore and offshore hotspots, head for one of several fishing piers in the vicinity, or try wade fishing at Fort De Soto Park and Weedon Island Preserve. Alternatively, book a dolphin-watching excursion and watch these playful mammals make a splash in their natural habitat.
It's perpetually sunny in Saint Pete Beach
If you were hoping to make a scrapbook filled with enviable snapshots against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, consider your wish granted. The subtropical climate in Saint Pete Beach all but guarantees year-round sunshine, although you'll probably need a sweater from late fall to early spring, when the evenings get just a tad chilly. Temps in the winter, particularly in January and February, range from 35 to 80 degrees, while June to September see an average summer temperature of 83 degrees. For better chances of scoring great deals on Saint Pete Beach vacation rentals, consider scheduling your holiday in the winter.
Saint Pete Beach—a grand time in the great outdoors
Covering a whopping 1,136 acres, Fort De Soto Park encompasses 5 interconnected islands, or "keys." You'll be spoilt for choice with the outdoor amenities, from hiking and canoe trails to white-sand swimming beaches. From Saint Pete Beach, you can also take a ferry (or your own boat) to Shell Key Preserve, a nesting site for seabirds and sea turtles in the summer. There are no facilities in Shell Key—not so much as a bathroom—so come prepared for a day trip, and see if you can make Bear Grylls proud. You can also rent a kayak and paddle around the preserve.
Beaches near Saint Pete Beach vacation homes
Saint Pete Beach offers stunning beach locations for sunbathing and swimming. Vacation homes are available near places like Upham Beach Park, a wide, white-sand beach with a dune backdrop and spectacular dolphin sightings, and Boca Ciega Bay, an aquatic reserve with beaches, boat ramps, fishing piers, mangroves, and spring-fed caves. You'll also like Treasure Island Slide Florida, a public beach with a tranquil atmosphere, clear, calm waters, and seaside amenities.
Traveling to and around St. Pete Beach
The nearest airport is in Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA), located 21.1 mi (34 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you could book a flight to St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted), which is 7.4 mi (11.9 km) away.
Family fun near Saint Pete Beach vacation rentals
Outdoorsy families will love the fun outdoor spaces in Saint Pete Beach. Vacation rentals can be found near places like Egan Park, a coastal park with ball fields, tennis courts, nature trails, and a fishing and boat ramp, and Shell Key Preserve, a wildlife preserve on an undeveloped island with campsites and nature activities. Kids will also like Gulfport Beach Recreation Area, a waterfront locale with a beach, picnic areas, and sand sports near area shops and dining.