Your Sunshine State adventure starts here
Perched on central Florida's west coast, just a few hours by car from fun-packed Orlando, Pinellas County is among the Sunshine State's most desirable visitor destinations. The top draw for many is the sensational coast, featuring blissful stretches of palm-fringed, powder-soft sand, complete with warm turquoise water to splash around in. But there's so much more to see and do here – from bohemian St. Petersburg, with its thriving arts scene and chilled-out cafes, to bustling Clearwater, with its jam-packed annual program of festivals and one-off events. With an abundance of alluring Pinellas County vacation rentals to choose from, you're bound to find one to suit your specific needs.
Astonishing art in Pinellas County
If you're an art lover, or simply need a break from the sun, St. Petersburg's Dali Museum is an absolute must-see. Its futuristic seafront building, complete with a glimmering glass entryway, is a sensational work of art in itself. Inside you'll find one of the world's greatest collections of work by legendary Spanish surrealist artist Salvador Dali. The nearby Morean Arts Center, established back in 1917, is devoted to showcasing pioneering work by the most exciting local, national and international artists. For a family day out, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is hard to beat. Here you can get up close and personal with everything from adorable river otters to graceful dolphins and sleek nurse sharks.
Year-round sunshine in Pinellas County
Pinellas County is blessed with a subtropical climate, ensuring year-round warmth and plenty of sunshine. Unlike most North American destinations, the summer months of June to August see the fewest visitors, as it can get intensely humid, with frequent thunderstorms. However you might secure great deals on sought-after Pinellas County vacation rentals at this time of year. If you want to enjoy some heat without the humidity, the shoulder months of May and October are great times to visit. Meanwhile winter days tend to be pleasantly warm and dry.
Idyllic islands and wild wetlands
You'll find an abundance of natural splendor practically on the doorstep of your Pinella County vacation rental. For a taste of local nature at its most blissfully unspoiled, head to Sand Key Park. This beautiful barrier island is a haven for birdwatchers, where you might spot bright pink roseate spoonbills or great horned owls. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is another great location for wildlife-spotting, with everything from turtles to birds of prey residing in this expanse of lush wetlands and fragrant pine forests
Traveling to and around Pinellas County
The nearest airport is in St. Petersburg-Clearwater Intl. Airport (PIE), located 7.8 mi (12.6 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could also fly into St. Petersburg, FL (SPG-Albert Whitted), which is 17.2 mi (27.7 km) away.
