An Essential Guide to Making the Most of St. Pete Beach

Where to Stay: The Beachcomber 

Front and center on the Florida beach that consistently wins accolades as one of the finest in the world, The Beachcomber has cheerful, modern rooms just steps from the sand with pretty patios and imbued with coastal charm. Enjoy the resort’s two pools and iconic Jimmy B’s Beach Bar, a sunset favorite for live music and cold drinks. The hotel’s location is within easy striking distance of all of the area’s other beach and downtown attractions, too. 

Where to drink and enjoy live music: Jimmy B’s Beach Bar

Nothing epitomizes Florida’s laid-back Gulf Coast lifestyle like a classic beach bar perfectly angled for sunset views. With a wooden deck and tables shaded by umbrellas tucked into the dunes, Jimmy B’s Beach Bar has an open-air stage overlooking the Gulf of Mexico where live bands play daily. A boardwalk takes you right down to the sand and there’s a late-night stage tucked away indoors, too. Sip a frozen rum drink or a Spritz, share some wings and local fish dip with friends and just soak in all the good Florida vibes. 

Where to feast on fresh seafood: The Helm Seafood Parlour 

In a nod to the Tampa Bay’s cigar-making heritage, the piled-high Maine lobster roll comes served inside a cigar box at this incredible raw bar and restaurant in St. Pete Beach. The Helm Seafood Parlour oozes Old Florida charm with lots of nautical touches in the decor and menus that spotlight the saltwater bounty and unique flavors found all along the Atlantic seaboard. 

For the most Florida-centric dishes, order the local Captain’s Catch (it’s often flopping-fresh grouper or snapper from the Gulf) and finish your meal on a sweet note with the cult-favorite sour orange pie, made with zingy citrus and an animal pie crust.

Where to shop: 8th Avenue in Pass-a-Grille  

On the southern end of St. Pete Beach, the historic community of Pass-a-Grille is a National Historic District prettied up with classic Florida beach cottages and picturesque, palm-lined streets. Set your sights on 8th Avenue, at the heart of things and right off the beach, for some great window-shopping and strolling in one of the largest historic districts on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Dody Beach Boutique is the place to level up your coastal style with jewel-encrusted sandals, printed sarongs, classy coverups and unique beach bags. Other small local businesses to support here include Island Life, selling more beach wear as well as local artisanal food and gourmet beach provisions, and the colorful Bamboozle, with its curated collection of beach-inspired baubles. 

Where to go shelling and birding: Shell Key Preserve 

With calm waters for most of the year, Florida’s Gulf Coast is one of the country’s best coastal stretches for beachgoers who love to busy themselves gathering shells along pristine stretches of sand. And the 1,800-acre barrier island of Shell Key, off the southernmost reaches of St. Pete Beach, is a great place to do that as well as enjoy birdwatching in quiet, car-free surrounds. 

Along the Great Florida Birding Trail, the preserve attracts Roseate Spoonbills, known for their bright pink plumage, as well as ibis, Great Blue Herons and many other species of wading and migratory birds. The most fun way to arrive on the island is via an eco tour with Island Ferry, during which you’ll likely see dolphins frolicking in the boat’s wake along the way. 

The Beachcomber is a part of the Benchmark Resorts & Hotels portfolio, a collection of more than 50 distinct, independent properties by Pyramid Global Hospitality. Located in diverse destinations across the globe, Benchmark’s resorts and hotels reimagine immersive travel, inspiring guests to create memories born from meaningful exploration, authentic moments, and innovative experiences – no matter the occasion. Benchmark guests can earn complimentary gift cards, on-property perks, and destination experiences through the collection’s signature Mosaic Rewards program.